5 Things Every Mom Should Be Doing to Take Care of Their Mental Health

Photo: Mathilde Langevin

Photo: Mathilde Langevin

Are you a momma? Then this article is for you. People go through different phases in their lives, and one such unique phase for women is motherhood. From the very first day of knowing that you are about to welcome a baby to all the months that they are growing, each and every day makes it a little out of the ordinary. If you are a mother, then you know how you are always ready to go that extra mile for your kids every time. But being a mother is not always a cakewalk, and hence mental health support is important!

5 Tips for Mothers to Tackle and Take Care of Mental Health Problems

1. Exercise

You’d never know how much a little stretching, a walk, and some light exercise can make a difference in your overall life until you try it. If you are a new mother, then the first few days will be all about making sure that your child eats, rests, and sleeps well. There is a good chance that you might feel a little flushed in the process because there is literally no professional course on being a mother. It just happens in its own due course. Over the years, you will start to carve out some extra time for yourself, and you can also play some badminton, maybe? If you want to support you mental health and sport(s) is something that you have always enjoyed, then just do that. You will feel refreshed for sure! Body, mind, and soul- all of these have to be in sync; if you want good mental health yoga classes to help you achieve that to the fullest. 

2. Shop Online

For women, shopping is really nothing less than therapy. Plus, you might not always find the time to go on a day-long shopping spree if you are a mother of a small baby. During those times, you can make good use of technology and shop online. You can buy a few baby dresses, some self-care items, and more. If you have plans to get your fitness on a check and you need some comfortable gear, then you can also look for a pair of the best workout shoes for wide feet. It might not also be possible for you to go for a quick grocery run, then you can also order the essentials online. Shopping online is super convenient if you don’t have the time or the energy to venture out after a long day. And of course, don’t forget about our environment and look for sustainable shops online.

Photo: Anthony Tran

Photo: Anthony Tran

3. Go for Therapy

Often, people do not understand the intensity of mental health, and most of them do not really know if they actually need some help. It is no secret that there is a hell and heaven difference in a woman’s life when she steps into motherhood. The responsibilities increase at an alarming rate, and so do love, warmth, and care. If you feel a bit of added mood swings, some anxiety, and some panic attacks, then there is a good chance that you are not feeling too well lately. You should know when to make yourself a priority at this stage because you cannot support mental health without medication. It is best to consult a therapist as soon as possible, and if you don’t, you’d never know how mental health affects physical health day after day. You can also check out some mental health courses, and people really do benefit from a routine checkup, self-help groups, and new activities.

4. Make Time for Your Hobbies

You might have been a great painter, a pianist, or just maybe a lover of DIY tasks, but with your surroundings changing so rapidly, all of these things might have taken the backseat. So, how about going back to them? If you have been struggling to find peace and calm amidst running all the errands, you can take some ‘me time’ out of it. You should never pile up yourself with everything in the world and not focus on yourself otherwise, you will never know when mental health becomes a disability. So, take charge of your life, don’t stress, and try to do at least one activity every day that makes you happy. You’d feel the difference from the very first moment when you put yourself on the same page as others.

liz fitch

Photo: Liz Fitch

5. Ask for Help When You Need It

You cannot always assume that you will be able to do it all. There are times when your body gives up, yet you try to finish up the tasks, and that causes burnout. There is a good possibility that you might feel flustered with everything that is going around you. In times of need, when you need a little break, you can always ask your loved ones to help you out. Someone can just pick the groceries for the day, call the doctor and fix the appointments or just cook you a good hearty meal. These little things do make a difference. So, if you want to keep a check on your mental health training yourself with the art of asking for something when you need is the greatest learning of them all. 

Conclusion

In a nutshell, it is a known fact how mothers are always a step ahead when it comes to doing things that are more than just ordinary. But, along the line, they often choose to sacrifice a few things here and there, you never have to ask her, and you would never know. Hop in for some warmth, ask for help, and make sure that your body, mind, and soul are all in sync! 

How do you take care of your mental health while being a star mom? Tell us in the comment section below!

This is a guest post written by Rachel Hudson, a journalist and blogger living in California and covering everything about women's health and wellness, including pregnancy and childbirth. She is a mother of two girls. They have three cats and a dog.