Motherhood is a beautiful and rewarding journey, but it can also be physically and mentally demanding. As a mom, it's so crucial to prioritize self-care and make time for yourself amidst the busyness of daily life. And not just “self-love”, but giving yourself the gift of long-term health through daily habits and intention.

By loving and caring for yourself, you can better care for your family. Win-win, right?

In this article, we will explore five practical ways (and offer realistic advice) for moms to love themselves both physically and mentally every day.

1) Prioritize Sleep:

Depending on the season of life, it is easier said than done - we know. Sleep is often felt like a luxury for moms… between feedings, naps, work, household chores and more, there is a lot pulling us in all directions. All the more to understand how sleep is so vital for your physical and mental well-being. Lack of sleep can lead to exhaustion, mood swings, and decreased cognitive function. Deprived sleep over time can cause even more decline in body system function and decrease immune system support as well.

Tip: Establish a consistent bedtime routine for you and your kids that allows you to unwind and relax before sleep. Instead of a bright bedside light, switch the bulb to a red bulb to create a darkened and sleep-inducing environment. Create a peaceful sleep environment, free from distractions (including screens like TV or phones - especially within an hour before bed). Delegate tasks to other family members, ask for help, and set boundaries to ensure everyone gets enough rest. Remember, a well-rested mom is a happier and healthier mom.

2) Nourish Your Body:

As a mom, it's easy to prioritize your family's nutritional needs while neglecting your own. However, self-love includes nourishing your body with wholesome foods. Aim for a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and plenty of protein.

Tip: Meal prepping and planning can help you make healthier choices and save time. Establish one day a week where you meal-plan 2-3 dinners during the week (assuming there will be leftovers). Get creative with what’s already in your freezer! Involve the kids too. This is a good opportunity to teach them what healthy food choices look like, how to plan and prep meals, and even help with grocery shopping (or setting up your virtual grocery cart for pick up later!) Don’t forget to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day (we say aim for half your body weight in ounces). Keep your eating in a 8-12 hour eating window and indulge in occasional treats guilt-free (80/20 rule!). Your body deserves nourishment and care.

3) Move Your Body:

You know this would be on the list! Regular exercise is not only beneficial for physical health but also for mental well-being. Find an activity you enjoy and make it a part of your daily routine. It could be a workout class, yoga, dancing, or simply going for a walk. We know different seasons of motherhood challenge us all in different ways, but there are always ways to find stress-free movement. Exercise releases endorphins, which boost mood and reduce stress.

Tip: If finding time for a dedicated workout is challenging, incorporate movement into your daily activities. Take the stairs instead of the elevator, play with your kids outdoors, go on long stroller walks with your favorite podcast during naptime, or try home workouts while the kids nap or play (or workout with you!). Prioritizing your workouts not only gives you energy and a mental and physical outlet, but you are also role-modeling healthy movement to your kids. It doesn’t need to be a perfect workout plan (PSA: that doesn’t exist), but make sure its something you enjoy doing. Your body will thank you for the extra movement and energy.

4. Practice Self-Compassion:

Ohhh the mom-guilt! Being a mom comes with its share of challenges and self-doubt from the moment your kids are born. Recognize you are not alone and realize how important it is to be kind and compassionate to yourself.

Tip: Replace negative self-talk with positive affirmations. We encourage you to take 5 post it notes and write down words or attitudes that describe how you want to feel everyday or how you want others to think about you (example: role-model, “better every day”, strong, confident, consistent, intentional, etc).

We also encourage you to celebrate your achievements, no matter how small they may seem! Share with others! Allow yourself to make mistakes and learn from them. Set realistic expectations and don't compare yourself to others. Embrace imperfections and focus on self-growth. This is the stuff we are teaching out kids all the time…. why not remember them for yourself? Finally, remember this - you are doing your best, and that is more than enough.

5) Carve Out "Me Time":

In the midst of busy schedules and endless responsibilities, it's essential to carve out time for yourself. Find activities that bring you joy and relaxation. They don’t have to be hours long; even just 15-30 minutes is usually just enough to recharge. It could be reading a book, practicing a hobby, taking a bubble bath, going out with friends, walking alone, meditation behind your closed bedroom door, or simply sitting in silence.

Tip: Schedule regular "me time" on your calendar and treat it as a non-negotiable appointment. Communicate your needs with your family and ask for support with this. Taking care of yourself is not selfish; it's necessary for your overall well-being.

We all know how much moms play a significant role in their families' lives, but it's equally important for them to prioritize self-care and self-love. By implementing these five practical ways to love themselves physically and mentally every day, moms can enhance their well-being, find balance, and be the best version of themselves for their families.

Remember, taking care of yourself is not only a gift to yourself but also to your loved ones in so many ways. Great conversations and lessons can be taught to our kids when we take time to be intentional about how we care for ourselves. Enjoy the journey of motherhood and give yourself lots of love and grace along the way.