Self-Care Tips for Busy Moms: Managing Stress and Supporting Your Health
Mothers are the ultimate jugglers—coordinating family schedules from soccer games and band practice to doctor’s appointments, planning and preparing healthy meals, and, for many, balancing a full-time job. We seem to do it all. Unfortunately, being the “24-hour woman” often comes with a price: chronic stress and related health challenges.
Women today experience high levels of stress at every stage of life, with new moms reporting some of the highest stress levels. According to the New Moms Speak Out report—a 2008 national survey of women who gave birth in U.S. hospitals in 2005—43% of respondents said stress was a major postpartum problem, followed closely by weight concerns, lack of sleep, and physical exhaustion.
A Personal Perspective on Motherhood and Self-Care
As a mom—and now a grandmother—I’ve experienced many of these same challenges. But I also remember the incredible rewards of motherhood that make it all worthwhile. Watching my son take his first steps, receiving my daughter’s artistic masterpiece of a Mother’s Day card, or being served breakfast in bed by an 8-year-old son with his trusty 4-year-old sister acting as sous chef—who wouldn’t sign up for this joy?
Because caring for yourself allows you to care for your family even better, I’d like to share a few practical self-care tips to help you be the best mom you can be.
Simple Self-Care Strategies for Moms
Make Time for Daily Relaxation
One of the most effective self-care strategies I’ve discovered is scheduling personal relaxation time. Even just 10–15 minutes a day can make a difference. Sit somewhere quiet, focus on your breathing, and allow your thoughts to settle. Whether you reflect or simply let your mind wander, this small daily practice can work wonders for managing stress.
Eat Well to Support Energy and Stress Management
Eating a balanced, nutritious diet plays a key role in helping moms function at their best—especially during stressful seasons of life. A variety of foods helps you stay focused and alert, supports immune health, and may help ward off colds and flu.
Choose whole-grain breads and cereals, plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, and lean-protein options such as fish or chicken. Milk, yogurt, and cottage cheese provide valuable calcium and protein, but opt for low-fat or nonfat varieties. It also makes good sense to address nutritional gaps with a comprehensive multivitamin/multimineral supplement.
Stay Active—Even with a Baby in Tow
New moms know better than anyone that caring for a newborn can be exhausting—not to mention leaving you with a mountain of laundry! One of the best ways to stay energized and manage stress is to make physical activity a priority.
Don’t be afraid to get creative. If a traditional workout class doesn’t fit your schedule, think outside the box. Instead of Jazzercise®, maybe it’s time for Strollercize®—yes, it really is a thing! Getting moving with your baby can boost both your energy and your mood.
The Importance of Social Support for Moms
And last but not least, remember that no one has to do this alone. Seek out social support by joining a local mothers’ group where you can connect with women experiencing similar challenges.
New research from Brigham Young University has also found that blogging may boost maternal well-being. If you’ve ever wanted to write, now could be the perfect time. Becoming a “mom blogger” or using social media to share your experiences can help you find encouragement, connection, and community.
