The Importance of Self-Care
Whenever I have a baby, the rest of my life kind of falls apart. I get behind on laundry, dishes and cleaning. I forget to shower and eat regularly. My bed never gets made. You get it.
So the second my baby falls asleep during the day what do I want to do? Get all the things done! But today I want to talk about self-care for each phase of motherhood, and what that looks like.
Sleep Is Self-Care!
I’m here to tell you that during the newborn phase, those things like dishes and laundry can wait. Your spouse or friend can make the bed or clean the bathroom. Your mom can do the dishes or fold some laundry. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
But what other people can’t help you catch up on is sleep. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
It took me two babies to finally learn this (even though so many people told me to do this) but trust me when I say that you should sleep when your baby sleeps! Catch up on sleep while you can. It will change your mental and physical state and help you to function during those early weeks. ⠀⠀⠀
Once you sleep train your baby, you’ll have predictable naps and plenty of night sleep. At that point you can check off your to-do list during naps. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Until then? JUST SLEEP.
Who's Taking Care of You?
Once you are out of the newborn phase and are getting more sleep, your schedule and routine are more predictable (especially if you’ve been sleep training!) And motherhood is amazing — we all get that. But it’s also SO HARD and can be extremely draining.
Now your days are filled with wiping bums, snot, and cleaning up spills all over the floor. You may be dealing with picky eaters, tantrums, trying to home-school during this pandemic, or potty training accidents while 8.5 months pregnant. The list goes on and on, but you get the idea. You’re always taking care of everyone else around you.
But who’s taking care of you? Can you remember the last time you did something just for YOU?
Self-Care Starts with You!
Mamas, YOU need to take care of YOU so you can show up as your best self for THEM! I know that when my cup is empty, I don’t have much to give. I’m impatient, emotional and just not who I want to be. I get so sick of feeling like I’m in survival mode and just trying to get through each day. It is mentally, physically, and emotionally exhausting to feel like I’m running on empty 99% of the time.
However, when I take a little time to do something for myself, I’m a much better wife/mom/friend. Whether it’s a 5 minute guided meditation, a walk outside, I put on some makeup or hide and eat a bowl of cereal by myself, I feel so much better! I’m more equipped to take on the day.
So, moms, what do YOU do to take care of yourself each day? Please share so we can get ideas from each other! If your answer is “nothing,” then start now. You won’t regret it.