How to Practice Self Care Without Feeling Mom Guilt?

As a mother, you may often develop mom guilt.  You might suffer from this pervasive feeling of not doing enough as a mother. Working mothers tend to have more guilt because of the inability to maintain a balance between work-life and looking after the child. Understand that you do not have to feel frustrated or resentful because you could not do something. Most mothers forget to prioritize themselves after having a child. If you are also facing the same situation, we will guide you on how to practice self care and maternal wellness.  

It is essential to look after your own health, and you will not believe that practicing self-care can also help you become a better parent. The more you fill yourself with self-care, the more you will be able to give.

Realistic Ways to Practice Self Care Without Feeling Mom Guilt

Join a Group  

Consider engaging with other mothers who are facing the same problem or might have gone through the same struggle. It could be an effective way to learn how to overcome the guilt of caring for yourself. You may also consider either joining an offline or an online community. You can also attend events organized for mothers. Social learning is an effective strategy, and the experiences of other people will teach you how to prevent succumbing to mom guilt. Consider asking questions in the group and ask people to share their views. Take note of their mistakes and what did not work for them. Combine all the lessons and learnings and see what will work for you.  

Take out Time for a Workout  

Most mothers skip their workout routines to look after their kids and job. While it is essential to look after your child’s health, you cannot ignore your own. You should practice self-care and take out some time for a workout session. There are various fitness apps that may help you find a suitable workout.  

Read Also: Daily 20 Minute Home Workout

Prepare Healthy Meals  

Eating healthy meals will boost your energy and make you feel good. If you are buying freezer-ready or packed meals, make sure you invest in healthy foods. Try to look for healthy alternatives for every meal choice. Consider adding fruits, vegetables, healthy drinks, healthy snacks, and fresh juices to your diet. To satisfy your cravings, you may consider a healthy protein bar or any similar alternative.  

Celebrate Naptime with Baby 

You might have different tasks at hand, but you should prioritize your sleep time. If your little ones are young, it could be an effective way to practice self-care together. Instead of mindlessly scrolling through social media, give yourself a little break and take a nap. Your body needs rest, and sleep will help you reset, recover, and rebuild.  

Gather Data on Yourself  

There is no other way to bring changes to your routine than understand your habits. Once you understand your practices, you will know the areas you must work on.

Here are certain things you must know about yourself:  

• How much sleep do you get every day?  
• What are the factors that are impacting your sleep?  
• What are the issues that tend to stress you out?  
• Do you practice time management?  
• Do you have a schedule for completing all your personal and professional tasks?  
• Activities that you can plan to have a good family time.  

Gathering the data about yourself will help you evaluate where you lack. Therefore, you can make certain adjustments in your schedule accordingly. For instance, if work is causing you stress, you may consider practicing self-care and stress management. You may consider exercising or performing yoga to deal with the stress.  

Take Yourself on a Date  

Once in a while, you should consider going on a solo date. Explore a new restaurant or watch a play by yourself. You may ask for support from your family members to look after your kids or use the time when your kids are out on vacation. Take a stroll in the neighborhood area to relax and recharge yourself. You may also enroll in a course and learn something new. Do something that makes you happier and healthier.  

Read Also: Heather Forrester - The Power of Self-Love

Start a Gratitude Journal  

Another fun activity that you could do is start a gratitude journal. There can be multiple small and big things that may happen in your life. Write down everything that you are grateful for and practice it every day. It will make you feel happier and realize the importance of every little thing.  

Try a New Hobby  

We are never too old to stop learning and exploring new things. The best thing with the digital world is that you can always join something online and explore new things. Additionally, you must stop comparing yourself or overspending your time on the phone looking at other mothers. You do not know what happens behind the screen, and it would be better if you avoid judging them.  

Serve Yourself First 

Every mother teaches their children to look after their own needs as they grow. You should take that advice and implement it in your own life. Practice self-care and serve yourself first. When you are happy and healthy, you will be able to look after others well.