Moms take care of everyone and everything. But in caring for others, we sometimes forget to take care of ourselves. Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish and you deserve to make some time for you!
Momentary Peace
It’s a beautiful morning. You slowly come to consciousness and feel the softness of your sheets and the warmth of your pillow. Birds are chirping just outside the window. There’s a calming breeze blowing through your slightly cracked window. A stream of sunshine sneaks through your curtains and shines on your face. You take a deep breath. Exhale. You notice the quietness that surrounds you. So very quiet…too quiet…
That’s when it hits you. You remember that since having kids, quiet does not always equal peace. In fact, it can mean quite the opposite. Your eyes fling open as you fly out of bed to see what you will find. What will it be this time? Crayons on the wall? Peanut butter on the floor? Don’t even get me started on the bathroom.
This kind of moment is one of the many abrupt awakenings moms experience. Between the crayons and peanut butter, it is hard to find a moment of peace. Just one moment to think about you. Before you know it, weeks have gone by and you can’t remember the last time you stopped to think or had a moment to yourself. Sometimes, it might even feel wrong to take a moment for yourself. In reality, taking time for yourself every day is one of the best things you can do for yourself and for your family.
Look Out for Yourself
There might be times when you feel like you are doing a disservice to yourself by taking some you-time. Or you might not even feel up to it. I get it, you’re exhausted after picking gum out of hair for three hours. You might feel exhausted all the time. If it seems like you’re tired more often than not; that can be normal. But you may want to watch to see if you are having multiple of these symptoms that could possibly be discreet signs of postpartum depression.
These could be signs of depression:
- Depressed mood or severe mood swings
- Having difficulty bonding with your baby
- Lack of sleep (insomnia) or sleeping too much
- Thoughts of suicide or death
- Reduced interest and pleasure in activities you used to enjoy
- Fear or sense of inadequacy that you’re not a good mom
- Thoughts of shame or guilt
- Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
Although experiencing these things might be scary, and it might be vulnerable to admit, it is important to talk to a healthcare provider if you are experiencing any of these symptoms. They are there to help you. It is common, and there is help.
By taking time for yourself every day, you can decrease the severity or likelihood of developing postpartum depression. Even little things can make a huge impact on your day, mood, and overall well-being as a mom.
Take Care of Yourself
- Do a face mask
- Seek online therapy or support on apps like Better Help, Baby Connect, Social Mom, Peanut, and many more
- Do an online dance, yoga, or workout routine
- Sit outside and breathe the fresh air
- Go for a walk
- Run a hot bath and read a book
- Start that thing you have always wanted to do
- Learn a new task
Simple or big, any time you do something for yourself, it adds to your bucket. By modeling these self care priorities, you will be a role model for your family. They will see you taking care of yourself and want to do the same.
You do you, mama. You deserve the best version of YOU!
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