It's rewarding yet demanding,

It's beautiful yet messy,

It's constant yet fleeting,

It's... Motherhood.

The journey that holds life's greatest joys and its most formidable challenges. A journey filled with love, laughter and unforgettable moments (the ones you'd rather forget, and the ones you wish you could bottle up and keep forever).

It's arguably one of the most demanding roles a woman can take on, often leaving mums feeling overwhelmed and like they’re lacking the precious gift of time. And especially time for self-care.

But amidst the hustle and bustle of it all, it's essential for mums to honour their mental, emotional and physical well-being by practising the art of self-care. In this blog, we'll share some effective stress-relieving tips for busy mums who deserve those moments of peace and rejuvenation.

And that mama is you!

It’s Time To Make The Time For Self-care...

“Taking care of myself doesn’t mean “ME FIRST”, it means “ME TOO”. – L.R Knost 

Let’s be real, mums are constantly on the go, and finding the time for self-care can often feel like an unreachable reality. That’s why this reminder is especially important. If you’re struggling to carve out a moment for yourself during your busy day, it’s time to make the time. Start by actively scheduling regular activities that bring you joy and relaxation. Whether it’s diving into a good book, indulging in a bubble bath or savouring a quiet cup of tea (solo). Alone time offers a valuable opportunity for mothers to decompress, clear their minds and alleviate stress. It also offers a much-needed mental break from the demands of motherhood, allowing you to reconnect with your own thoughts and emotions (because they matter).

Let’s Talk About Boundaries...

In the beautiful chaos of motherhood, setting boundaries is the anchor that keeps us grounded and connected to our own needs, desires, and dreams. 

Just as we teach our little ones about boundaries, we must not forget to teach ourselves! Here’s your reminder that it’s perfectly acceptable to decline extra commitments or responsibilities that don’t contribute to your overall health and well-being. Time is a precious gift, so learning to protect it by establishing boundaries that honour your personal limits is an invaluable tool to have in your mama-belt. And the very anchor for your sense of self. Perhaps it’s time to sit down and re-evaluate your extra commitments and say goodbye to those that have been interfering with your ability to care for yourself.

Get Moving...

When we prioritize exercise as mothers, we're not just taking care of our bodies; we're nurturing our souls. It's a form of self-love that replenishes our energy and revitalizes our spirit.

We get it, energy levels are LOW after a long day of work, chores and picking up after kids. But regular exercise is not only beneficial for our physical health, it’s also valuable for mental and emotional well- being. There is a long list of benefits attached to going for a walk, attending a yoga or Pilates class or simply dancing in your living room with your little ones. Exercise triggers the release of endorphins, which can help boost your mood and reduce stress. Bonus! 

Self-Talk: How we speak to ourselves matters.

“The most important conversations you will ever have are the one you have with yourself.”- David Goggins

Embracing positive self-talk is a skill we should all cultivate. Instead of criticising yourself for not being perfect, acknowledge your efforts and accomplishments, no matter how small. One effective strategy to help put this into practise is to imagine you are talking to a friend or loved one. Consider: would you offer them empathy and encouragement in this scenario, or would you be hard on them for their shortcomings? Most of the time, the answer we are seeking for ourselves, is the response we’d offer someone else.

Seek Professional Support.

Being a mother is both a joy and a responsibility. When the weight of that responsibility feels overwhelming, reaching out for professional support is a powerful act of self-care. 

Professionals, such as therapists or counsellors, have specialized training and expertise in supporting individuals with various mental health concerns. This means they can offer personalised guidance and strategies tailored to a mother's specific needs. When opening up, it’s important to ensure you’re doing so in a safe and non-judgemental space so you can express your true thoughts, feelings and struggles and are offered validation and understanding.

Mums, remember that you are worthy of love, care and attention, just as much as anyone else. Taking time out for yourself isn’t selfish- it’s essential for your well-being and the well-being of your precious family. Navigating the demands of motherhood with greater ease and grace is connected to our acts of self-care and the old saying still holds true, “you can’t pour from an empty cup.”