Self-care routines should be intentionally incorporated as daily habits rather than an occasional pampering session. Squeeze in quick but effective activities like a five-minute meditation session, stretching breaks, staying hydrated with water, eating nutritious food, and getting enough sleep, breaks, and fresh air throughout the day. A self-care routine that's consistent and sustainable makes it more likely for a first-time mom to stay on track of her wellness journey, honour her needs, and find peace amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life with a baby. Remember, self-care isn't selfish but rather a necessity for a happier and healthier you.
Schedule it every week. If you don't schedule it and devise a plan to make it happen, self care will slip by the wayside. It doesn't have to be the same time every week, but sometimes that's the best way to make sure it happens because you'll set a routine. For example, you could have your partner plan for Saturday mornings with the baby so you can shop, work in the garden, take a hike, get a pedicure, or do whatever else you want. You can also take shorter periods of time each day for self care. Remember, you don't have to be alone to take care of yourself. For example, taking a walk is a form of self care and you can do that with your baby in a stroller.
First-time moms can incorporate self-care into their routine by prioritizing "me time" with a daily self-care routine. This routine can include simple habits, such as taking 5-10 minutes to meditate or stretch, enjoying a cup of tea without any distractions, or listening to a podcast or favorite album. It's important for mothers to carve out this time for themselves, even if it's just a few moments each day, to recharge and regain focus. Self-care can also include delegating tasks or seeking help from family and friends when needed. By developing a consistent self-care routine, moms can enhance their overall well-being and better cope with the everyday stresses of parenthood.
Since babies don't come with a handbook of do's and don'ts, first-time moms can find it a bit overwhelming to take time for themselves. Although it can be cliche, taking a nap when baby does helps first-time moms catch up on the interrupted sleep they may have encountered overnight. However, this recommendation is too conventional, and new moms need alternative options to maintain not just their physical but also their mental well being. Utilizing a free meditation app (ie Calm, Breethe or Stop, Breathe & Think) is a simple way to incorporate some ME time while baby rests. With the app, first-time moms can benefit from breath work which can calm their nervous system, meditation guidance which can calm the mind and bring self awareness, and affirmation cues to encourage and uplift. With regular practice, first-time moms can also incorporate some of these wellness techniques even when baby is awake.
Co-founder, Digital Marketing Director, Violin Luthier at LVL Music Academy
Answered 3 years ago
I believe that having a good meal is one of the most important forms of self-care for new mothers. In our experience, new mothers frequently neglect their own nutritional needs while tending to their infants, and by day's end, they are so exhausted that they will eat anything that seems to be within reach. No new mother should have to go through this. Getting enough sleep is crucial, but so is maintaining a healthy diet. So, if your baby is napping or quiet, get up and make yourself a healthy meal like a salad or a sandwich; this will provide you the fuel you need to get through the day and will help strengthen your immune system as well. I assure you, this strength will be more than enough to care for your little bundle of joy.
Founder, CEO at Penny Finance
Answered 3 years ago
One realistic way that moms can put themselves first for a change is to invest in their own financial literacy. Moms are making the bulk of financial decisions for their families, but they often feel like they don't have all the information they need to make the right choices. This results in more financial stress. Take some time to learn about financial concepts such as investing, saving for retirement, opening a college savings account for your kids, or paying off debt. So many great online tools allow you to learn at your own pace and ask questions. If you take a little time to invest in your own financial wellness, your future self will thank you, and you will feel less stressed out about making smart money moves.
One realistic and sustainable way for first-time moms to incorporate self-care into their routine is by embracing micro self-care moments throughout the day. Instead of waiting for long stretches of time, focus on small acts of self-care that can easily be integrated into your daily routine. For example, research shows that just 10 minutes of mindfulness meditation can reduce stress and improve well-being. During your baby's naptime or while they play independently, take those precious moments to practice deep breathing, indulge in a favorite hobby, or enjoy a cup of tea. Another idea is to leverage technology and try quick guided meditation apps or exercise routines tailored for busy moms. Remember, self-care doesn't always require hours; it's about embracing small pockets of time to recharge and nurture yourself. By prioritizing these micro self-care moments, you'll find sustainable ways to nourish your well-being while caring for your little one.
Finding "free time" as a new mom happens about as often as a blue moon. I found a better approach: Make time for myself with my baby. For self-care, this might giving yourself a foot massage, then giving your baby one, too. Take a walk in the park during baby's naptime and bring the stroller. Whatever you want to add in your self-care routine, find ways to do it with your baby at your side. You don't have to wait for alone time to treat yourself.
When you are earning your mom stripes, it can be easy to take on too much and difficult to and uncomfortable to ask for help (for some of us, requesting help even in pre-motherhood was challenging...). In my experience, each day with a newborn was different so it's not helpful to suggest "block out 20 mins for yourself" when some moms don't have a consistent time to do that each day. My realistic advice is hold yourself accountable to ask your partner or other family member/friend for help so you can capture 20 minutes to take a shower, a walk, brush your teeth (in peace!) or do whatever recharges you. By remembering to do this it'll make it easier and you'll feel more confident each time you need to ask for that support in the future. Remember: ensuring YOU are happy means you are best able to care for others.
It's important to remember that you won't be able to do everything you used to do before you had a baby. Don't put too much pressure on yourself to keep up with the same level of productivity or cleanliness. Instead, focus on taking care of yourself and your baby, and let the rest go.
Try Gyrokinesis. It is a movement modality that is done seated as well as on a mat and standing. The seated movements are especially helpful because they are based off of the full-range of motion of the spine which includes arching, curling, side arching and spiraling. There are also exercises that target the pelvic floor, ideal for post-birth or C-section recuperating. The moves can be done in limited space, you can use a stool or make do with a chair.
The first step to a solid 'self care' routine as a new mom is to understand, communicate and ultimately enforce the boundaries you need in order to ensure you are getting the time you need to be, well, you! Often conversations around caring responsibilities don't happen until partway through the fourth trimester, as partners may be returning to work, or there is an assumption that you're the only person who can do everything your baby needs (spoiler, this isn't true!). By communicating your personal, human needs prior to birth and beyond, you'll be able to better find the time you need for you. This should help you feel more centred and balanced; more supported by your partner or other caregivers; and more able to absolutely smash motherhood.