Kabadian- Sinai

5 Self-Care Tips for Busy Moms

Adulating is hard. Parenting is harder. Parenting as a mom can be even harder since so many women inherently try to fix, please, serve, help, and be all the time. While the rewards of motherhood are too many to list, it can nevertheless be very taxing physically, mentally and spiritually. I myself completely "lost" myself once I became a mother; I lived for my children and was running full force 24/7. I erroneously believed that self-sacrifice was necessary to be a "good mom." The problem, of course, is that if you are not well, you cannot help those you love. Wellness flows from you; as a mother – you are a conduit of the goodness that flows into your family (or not).

Below are five easy tips to help you take care of you, so you can continue being the best mom you can be for your family.

Tip #1: The bathroom is your sanctuary

This is the one place you should train your children not to come in after you. Simply usher them out and explain that mommy needs to use the potty. Assuming you have someone watching the children (or safely in a crib without anything in there), close the door and take 15 minutes for yourself. Take a hot shower, put on a mask, check email or , etc. It's your time for a quick break.

Tip #2: Get the kids to bed early and enjoy your time.

Aim to get your children to bed at a decent hour and then enjoy your free time. Do not feel guilty for just sitting on the couch with popcorn, wine, and smutty TV. You will get up early (you always do of course) and tidy the house up. If your child refuses to go to sleep or wakes up after being put to bed, assuming that they are old enough, explain to them that they need to go back to sleep because this is "mommy's time" to do stuff and relax. I've had this very conversation with my 3-year-old numerous times and surprisingly, she understands and gets back into bed. Your children are strong, smarter and more aware than you probably realize.

Tip #3 Carve out alone time