Ways to Improve Your Well-Being
Motherhood can be quite rewarding but the important role can come with many challenges. For many moms, the overwhelming feeling of having to “do it all,” can lead to burn out and feeling exhausted – physically, mentally, and emotionally. Mom burnout is common but its essential to acknowledge it and address it proactively. Overcoming mom burnout is essential for mom, child and the entire family.
To improve your well-being as a hard-working mother, be sure to allow yourself patience. Give yourself grace and commit to your own mental health and positive well-being. Here are some ways to do this and to embrace the wonderful moments of motherhood with less stress and a smile.
Ways to Improve Your Well-Being
Make Self-Care a Priority
- Slow Down: It’s easy to, “go, go, go,” sometimes but not slowing down or allowing yourself to stop and breathe from time to time can be costly on your mental and physical health. Be sure to dedicate daily moments to focus on yourself and what brings you peace. Whether it’s a quiet walk or a hobby you fully enjoy, be sure to prioritize these special moments unique to your well-being for peace of mind and calming moments to enjoy.
- Sleep: Sleep is so important! Establish a sleep routine that ensures proper rest. Create a schedule that allows for zero screen time, and proper down time to relax your body and mind at the same time each night.
- Exercise: Exercise has been proven to enhance mood and reduce stress. Physical activity is important when it comes to feeling happy and maintaining a healthy weight. Choosing physical activities with a friend also offers a little extra fun and can keep you motivated.
Learn to Say ‘No’ and Set Healthy Boundaries
- Prioritize: Identify what truly makes you happy and what is truly essential to your personal and professional goals. Take the time to become aware of energies and situations around you that make you feel uncomfortable, nervous and/or anxious. The first step is to identify, the second step is to let go. It’s okay to let go of toxic relationships and commitments that waste your time, inner peace, and positive energy. Learn to say, “no” to events and responsibilities that can overwhelm you
Love Yourself and Embrace the Importance of Stress Management
- Mindfulness Practices: Incorporate mindfulness techniques into your daily routine, such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises.
- Join a Networking or Support Group: Attend a Thursday networking group with likeminded moms and/or professionals or sign up for a weekly counseling session that can provide a safe space to express your feelings and your stories slowing you to connect with other individuals facing similar challenges.
Embrace Your Imperfection
Recognizing one’s imperfection might takes time and maturity. Moms who push themselves to be “perfect,” are at a higher risk of anxiety, stress and burnout. Here’s what you can do to give yourself some grace:
- Accept Your Faults: Accept that you are not perfect and do not have to be perfect. Be sure to only focus on things you can control.
- Recognize Your Own Poor Behavior – Listen. We all make mistakes and sometimes say things or do things we don’t mean. In order to change and be the best person you can be, is to recognize and take responsibility for your mistakes and make the necessary changes to avoid making those same decisions again.
- Give Yourself Credit: Acknowledge great decisions and small wins throughout the day. It;’s okay to pat yourtself on the back when you finally get the kids to school on time or that you gave a great PTSA speech. Feel the good in your life that YOU are responsible for. You deserve it!
Choose Your Health
A diet that best suits your genetic makeup and personal health needs including a healthy amount of physical activity, can contribute not only to good physical health but also is known to improve your mood, energy levels and overall mental health.
- Choose Healthier Food Options: Eating junk food high in sugar and empty calories are hurtful in the long run. Remember to -have a diet rich in natural foods such as fruits, vegetables and nuts. Try to be selective in food choices each day and manage good portion control.
- Recognize Any Food Allergies or Food Sensitivities: Are you often bloated or you do you have frequent stomach aches? Don’t ignore these symptoms. You could have a food sensitivity that is stopping you from feeling good and managing a proper weight.
- Choose Exercise Habits That Work For You – Not all exercises are good for your particular body. For example, if you have a bad knee, running stairs may not be helpful. Choose a physical routine that releases endorphins, boosts mood and reduces stress.