It’s hard to take time out for yourself when you’re a mom. Especially for new moms. We are taught from a young age that we need to look out for others and not be selfish. We make space and time for everyone else. It can be one of the hardest things to actually practice, but self care is vital for the health and happiness of not only yourself but for your whole family.

Moms are often busy taking care of their families, and it can be easy to neglect their own self-care. However, taking care of yourself is essential for your well-being and the well-being of your family.

And just remember: It’s impossible to be perfect. It’s okay. You are enough. You are doing the best you can!

Here are some self-care tips for moms:

Prioritize rest and sleep:

Being a mom can be exhausting, so it's important to prioritize rest and sleep. Try to get at least seven hours of sleep each night and take naps when possible. Take turns with your partner or ask for help from family and friends to give yourself a break and catch up on rest.

Sleep may come in 1-3 hour spurts when you have a newborn, and that’s okay. If you can ride the waves of exhaustion, it’s okay if you aren’t getting 7-8 hours of solid sleep.

Practice stress-management techniques:

Moms often deal with stress and anxiety, so it's important to have healthy coping mechanisms. Practice deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to help reduce stress levels. Take breaks throughout the day to relax and unwind.

It also helps to talk to someone, even if it’s a video chat therapist. People are more understanding and patient than you may believe.

Make time for hobbies and interests:

It's easy to put your hobbies and interests on hold when you're busy with family responsibilities, but it's important to make time for yourself. Whether it's reading a book, taking a dance class, or pursuing a creative project, find something that brings you joy and make time for it regularly.

Once my baby was around 7 months old, I started to study a new hobby and was able to make that into a side business for a couple years, while bring a full time stay at home mother. My investment of time and money into learning photography helped pull me out of post partum depression.

Connect with other moms:

It can be helpful to connect with other moms who understand what you're going through. Join a mom's group or attend mom-focused events to meet other moms and build a support network. Share your experiences and offer support to others.

There are so many groups that have the same goals as you: to just connect with others. Knowing that other parents are going through the same things, and that you’re not alone is so helpful. It’s healthy to get out of isolation, even if it’s for one hour once a week.

Take care of your physical health:

Moms often put their own health on hold, but it's important to take care of yourself. Eat a healthy, balanced diet and stay active by taking walks or doing at-home workouts. Schedule regular check-ups and screenings with your healthcare provider.

Subscribing to a grocery delivery or a meal prep kit can help alleviate the pressures and inconveniences of taking a baby to the grocery store. Shopping at farmers markets and local produce stands can also be a healthy, affordable way to nourish your body.

Practice self-compassion:

It's easy to be hard on yourself as a mom, but it's important to practice self-compassion. Be kind to yourself and acknowledge that it's okay to make mistakes or have bad days. Treat yourself with the same compassion and care that you give to your family.

It’s not sustainable to run on fumes. Talk to your partner about the ways you don’t feel supported.

And just remember: It’s impossible to be perfect. It’s okay. You are enough. You are doing the best you can!

By prioritizing self-care, moms can feel more energized, refreshed, and fulfilled. Remember that taking care of yourself is not selfish but essential for your own well-being and the well-being of your family.