Self care plays a major part in looking after your own well-being, but it may often feel like your last priority. The practical tips below from parents might provide some inspiration if you could do with making more time for self-care in your regular routine.
You can also find more information on taking care of your mental health here, and promoting good mental health in children here.
Taken from a guest blog from Charlotte, Calderdale Mumbler, May 2020
We all love our kids – but don’t you wish you could get some time on your own? Don’t worry, you aren’t alone. So, what’s a tired, burned out mama to do? Here are some ideas from lovely Mumbler parents who have shared their tips for resting, recharging and relaxing.
Workout: I start my day with a Youtube workout. It isn’t particularly relaxing – all three kids climb over/under me at some point and I’ve even breastfed during yoga! It really helps fire up my body and mind for the day ahead though, and I can cope much better with stresses afterwards.
Getting outside: “Getting outside every day really helps to improve my mood and outlook. It doesn’t have to be by myself, I think it helps us all.”
Walks: I got up super early and went for a lovely long walk all on my own with a super new playlist and it was like entering another world! I came home feeling much better and ready for the day.
Colouring & journaling: I did some colouring, albeit a kids colouring book with a cuppa, but it was awesome. Also been doing quite a bit of diary writing, which I always aim to do, but never do.
Word searches: I have started doing word searches to tune my brain into something other than the kids!
Crafting: “I like knitting, or painting. My friend loves to bake and decorate cakes. It’s really relaxing and lovely to see the finished piece at the end.”
Rise & shine: I wake up a bit earlier than the kids – which is so hard – but it means I can have a coffee in peace.
Podcasts: “If I can manage it, I get up before the kids and listen to a podcast while drinking my coffee. If the kids wake up early too, I give them the tablet for an hour so we all get a bit of ‘me time’ before starting the day.”
Smoothies & oils: I swear by health smoothies first thing in the morning, with lots of superfoods. That’s my “go to” feel good factor. I also love essential oils at night with a good drink of something and a good book.”
Bath, bed & beyond: “I love a long bath when the kids are in bed. Face masks and doing my nails help relax me, and I try go to bed early, or read a chapter of a book every day.”
Treat yourself: “Once a week, we order takeout. It feels like a real treat and the whole family really enjoys it.”
We hope that helps you to enjoy a bit of ‘me time’ – even if it’s a sneaky chocolate biscuit in the kitchen when the kids aren’t looking!
Thanks so much to our guest blogger Charlotte. If you have family or friends in Halifax or Calderdale be sure to let them know about the Calderdale Mumbler site.
There’s plenty on Gateshead Mumbler to help keep little ones (and big ones!) busy, check here for more ideas and info for playgroups, classes and fun days out from tots to teens!
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