Taking Care of You

I know you’ve probably heard it a million times by now…but it’s so important to take time for YOU as a mom. 

Before we had our girl, my husband and I talked a lot about how just because we have a baby now doesn’t mean that we can stop doing things we love. In order to be the best parents we can be, we need to take time for ourselves to do the things we loved before her and still enjoy even though we are parents. This means taking time away from baby sometimes to be our own person. 

This is TOUGH. My girl is just about 5 months now and I have struggled with being away from her and having other people watch her…my husband included. I worry what if she’s upset while I’m gone? So I always make sure my phone is on ring so whoever is watching her can call me if needed.

When I don’t take care of myself, mentally or physically, I feel more drained. Of course I am tired from being a new mom and sometimes I just don’t want to put the effort into myself, but I know that I have to. I know that’s it’s needed, and when I get back to her I feel so much more refreshed and ready to be present and the best I can be for her.

This goes back to that instruction on airplanes of how you have to put your own oxygen mask on before putting others’ on. Because if you’re dead, well then you’re definitely no help to others. As a mom, if you let the part of you die that enjoyed doing things for yourself, then you won’t be the best you can be for your child(ren).

Some things that I do to take care of myself are: exercise, meditate, make sure to eat healthy (most of the time), and tell others when I need something. There’s definitely more, but I hope these ones will help you out to start taking care of yourself (or continuing to take care of you!). This is also why I started “Treat Yourself Tuesday” on Instagram, making sure you take care of you and celebrating it!

I know it’s tough, mama, to take time for yourself, but remember that you deserve it and will be a better mother for it! You are doing an amazing job with your little(s).