Looking After Yourself While Juggling Life and Motherhood

We’ve all heard the saying, “if mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy.” Much truth lies in this idiom, particularly because the overall well-being of a family depends on the health, both physical and emotional, of the mother. In the frenzy of juggling life and motherhood, women often place themselves last on the never-ending to-do list. However, practicing self-care isn’t merely about indulgence—it’s about maintaining your health and sanity to better serve your family.

Comfort is Key

Do not underestimate the power of comfortable clothing. When careening through your busy day, the right outfit can make a world of difference. From chasing a toddler through the park to managing a company’s accounts, you won’t get very far if you’re constantly tugging and adjusting your clothes. Consider seeking out a comfortable strapless bra, which can provide both the necessary support and comfort without those pesky straps to adjust. 

Clothing is just the beginning; comfort extends to your entire lifestyle. From your work environment to the space you relax in, your surroundings should evoke feelings of comfort and peace, not anxiety and disorder. Ensure you have a comfortable workspace, your bed is sleep-inducing, and your living room invites you to relax. Your home is your sanctuary, and maintaining a comfortable, neat, and organized environment can drastically reduce stress.

Nourish Your Body

Alexander Den Heijer once said, “When a flower doesn’t bloom, you fix the environment in which it grows, not the flower”. This applies to your body as well. Exercise doesn’t have to mean grueling boot camp workouts; simple activities like walks or yoga can make a huge difference. Eating nutrient-dense foods will fuel you, so you can meet the demands of your day. Don’t forget: hydration is just as critical as nutrition and physical activity.

Nourish Your Mind

While taking care of your physical health is fundamental, never neglect the mental aspect. Start by finding an activity that brings you joy and peace. This could be anything from curling up with a good book, meditating, journaling, painting, or simply having a cup of tea alone in silence. Remember, you’re not being selfish by taking time for yourself—you’re recharging. 

Support and Connection

No one is an island. As you grapple with the challenges of life and motherhood, never forget that it’s okay to seek help and lean on your support networks—be it your partner, family, friends, or other moms. Sharing experiences and solutions with other women in the same boat can bring emotional relief and tangible strategies to help manage the balancing act.

Prioritize and Outsource

There might be a million tasks on the to-do list, but decipher which ones are critical and which ones can be delegated—involve your partner, older kids, or hire some help if feasible. Perhaps a cleaning service once a month or a meal prep service could take some duties off your plate. In life, everything cannot be perfect, and that’s okay. 

Set Boundaries

Lastly, it’s essential to set boundaries—between work and personal life, between you and your children, and between requirements and desires. Not everything needs to be addressed immediately; learn to distinguish between the pressing tasks and those that can wait.

In the ongoing exchange between life and motherhood, remember that you can’t pour from an empty cup. Taking care of yourself is not selfish; it’s a necessary part of taking care of those around you. With the right balance of comfort, nourishment, connection, and boundaries, you can navigate the complex waters of life and motherhood while maintaining your sanity. After all, happy moms make happy homes!

See more parenting and wellbeing posts here!

Becky

Meet the award-nominated UK lifestyle blogger behind Spirited Puddle Jumper – a mum of three living in South East London! Becky shares the real ups and downs of family life, parenting tips, and lifestyle inspiration, proving that being a mum doesn’t mean you stop being fun or having other interests! Follow along for honest insights into UK family life and opinions on a whole range of topics, from travel and food, to beauty reviews, home and DIY, business and health and wellness.