The Juggle is real: How Mums Can Look After Themselves
The juggle is real when you become a mother. The juggle is there anyway, let’s be honest, and hats off to everyone who feels like they’re juggling right now.
As a mother of two, I truly feel it! Balancing motherhood, work, running the house, doing laundry, cooking healthy food, and being a wife/partner can be overwhelming. To not loose yourself in the juggle of being a mother it’s helpful to remind yourself of your key values and what you live by. It will keep you grounded and feeling on top of the juggling act.
My Key Values
Stability: Creating roots and foundations so we can all feel grounded.
Freedom: Thinking positively, being optimistic, and doing things that make us feel alive and joyful.
Trust: Trusting in the flow of life. Trust the difficult moments will pass, trust that you can get through it, trust that life is unfolding as it’s supposed to.
Play: Keeping it light and doing things that bring joy. Be playful.
Love: Continuously asking yourself, how would I respond to this moment if I was responding from my heart? Pour love into everything you do.
Many mothers feel like they lose themselves when they have a baby or a young family. It's easy to lose yourself in looking after everyone else and holding space for everyone.
BUT, it's so important to not lose yourself. Your family needs you. In order to support them and show up as the best version of YOU, you have to prioritise yourself.
Signs You Might Be Losing Yourself or feeling frazzled:
Needing a holiday to take the edge off
Wanting to tap out
Needing a glass of wine at the end of the day
Just wanting to veg out in front of Netflix
Feeling fatigued every single day (not just tired but drained)
These aren't necessarily bad, but they are signs of a rough day or week and indicate you need some nervous system nourishment to recharge.
If you don't listen to your body, it will catch up with you. You might get ill, burn out, or become snappy at people. We all need to look after ourselves, but I'm especially talking us mums.
Tips for Mums to Look After Themselves
Prioritise Self-Care: Set aside time each week for activities that rejuvenate you. Sit and journal this questions. What rejuvenates me? What helps me restore some energy? I understand it can be hard to fit in self-care each day so aim for several days a week if that’s the case.
Exercise Regularly: Physical activity can significantly boost your mood and energy levels. Find an exercise you enjoy, be it yoga, walking, or dancing, and incorporate it into your weekly schedule. I try and fit in a 20 - 30 min practice 3 times a week.
Connect with Other Mums: Building a support network with other mothers can provide a sense of community and shared understanding. Regular meetups or virtual chats can be incredibly uplifting.
Delegate Tasks: Don’t be afraid to ask for help or delegate tasks. Whether it’s involving your partner in household chores or hiring help for cleaning, sharing the load can ease your burden.
Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness and meditation can help you stay present and manage stress. Even a few minutes of deep breathing or a short meditation session can make a big difference in how you handle the day's challenges.
Set Boundaries: Learn to say no when necessary. Overcommitting can lead to burnout, so set boundaries that protect your time and energy.
Nourish Your Body: Eating nutritious food and staying hydrated are fundamental to feeling your best. Plan meals that are both healthy and enjoyable for you and your family. Poor eating is a sign that you need some help. You could buy some healthy ready meals such as ‘Cook’ and have them in your freezer for back up.
Get Enough Sleep: Prioritise your sleep as much as possible. Establish a bedtime routine that helps you wind down and ensures you get quality rest.
Find Joy in Small Moments: Focus on the small, joyful moments throughout your day. Whether it’s a quiet cup of coffee in the morning or a fun game with your children, these moments can recharge your spirit. When we’re feeling overwhelmed we forget these moments bring us joy. We have to consciously remind ourselves.
Seek Professional Help if Needed: If you’re feeling overwhelmed or struggling with your mental health, don’t hesitate to seek help from a professional. Therapy or life coaching can provide valuable support and strategies for managing stress.
Remember, taking care of yourself isn’t selfish; it’s essential. By prioritising your wellbeing, you’re better equipped to care for your family and handle the juggle of motherhood with grace and resilience. Your family needs you at your best, so give yourself the love and care you deserve.