9 simple tips for the well-being of busy moms

Taking care of yourself is not selfish; it is one of the best things you can do for your children and family. But most of all, your well-being is important to you. Taking a break to focus on yourself can cause guilt and anxiety in mothers. Always being in alert mode to respond to any need your children may have (even those you make up) can cause burnout quickly.

To help you take care of yourself, we’ve prepared a list of 9 simple tips for busy moms. Add the 9, or a few of them, to your weekly routine, then slowly add them to your daily routine and you’ll see how much good it will do you.

1. Drink water

A good hydration is an absolute imperative to preserve the good health of the organism. It is important to drink water when you wake up because after a few hours of sleep our organs are already dehydrated and their functions are weakened. Water therefore helps to rebalance the balance and boost your organs, especially the brain, to be more efficient during the day.

It is also recommended to add a few pieces of lemon to your water. In addition to enhancing the taste of your natural drink, lemon water will help you get rid of several toxins. Add to your morning routine a glass of lemon water (ideally lukewarm) to be drunk just before breakfast to maximize the benefits of this drink.

2. Move your body

Here you are not asked to prepare to run a marathon by the end of the year. The idea is to be able to devote at least 30 minutes of your day to activating your body. Choose what suits your fitness level and energy level. You don’t have to do exercise that requires more physical effort every day. Taking a walk in your neighborhood or doing a stretching session does count!

3. Stimulate your brain

To function effectively, our brain needs constant stimulation. The more it works, the better it is and the more it can contribute to your well-being. Simple, fun and relaxing activities can help keep your brain active:

• Drawing;
• Painting;
• Reading a book;
• Listen to a podcast;
• Play a guessing game.

4. Take a moment for yourself only

Take some time in your day to do something you enjoy, which will allow you to relax. It’s important to take that time just for yourself. Here are a few ideas for a relaxing moment:

• Take a hot bath;
• Take a nap with relaxing music;
• Do a home facial;
• Do a breathing exercise (cardiac coherence);
• Prepare a hot drink and enjoy it with both hands;
• Listen to your favorite song (or album);
• Meditate: Start with 5-minute meditations if you are not familiar with this concept. You can also use applications to do guided meditations;
• Eat a piece of cake and enjoy each bite silently;
• Create a comfortable space in front of a window where you can sit and simply watch the branches/leaves/clouds move for a moment.

5. Make time for your friends

Although you may have a very busy schedule with the children, it is important to give yourself time to meet your friends. You can organize walks to the park with the strollers, but also give yourself quality time alone with them. You can plan simple activities, such as a video call to have your coffee or tea at the same time. Give yourself that little time to break from the routine and share a beautiful moment with people who make you feel appreciated, supported, and loved.

6. Go outside!

Spending time outdoors has many benefits for your health, including your mental health. With better air quality and more vitamin D, you will have more energy. You can take a walk, settle down to read or eat, or simply spend a few minutes breathing fresh air as soon as you leave the house to go shopping.

7. Practice gratitude

People who regularly practice gratitude by taking the time to notice and reflect on the things they are thankful for experience more positive emotions, feel more alive, sleep better, express more compassion and kindness, and even have a stronger immune system. You can start by writing in a journal what you are thankful for. You can also do a daily gratitude exercise with your family by sharing something at the table that you were grateful for today.

8. Disconnect from technology

We spend more and more time on our technological devices. While digital technologies offer many advantages, it is important to establish its limits. Spending too much time in front of the screens can affect our sleep and our productivity. Here are a few tips to help you disconnect at your own pace:

• Set a time limit on your electronic devices;
• Use a real alarm clock to avoid having your phone in your room;
• Choose a day when you completely disconnect from the Internet, such as Sunday for example.

9. Prioritize your sleep

We know that you often tell yourself that you need to do as much as possible while your children are asleep. However, your sleep is just as important as theirs. Getting enough sleep improves attention, behaviour, memory, and the overall state of our mental and physical health. Sleeping longer in the morning can be more difficult when we are moms. Therefore, prioritize the recovery of your sleep in the evening. You can start by going to bed a few minutes earlier than usual. Also, take naps when your children take theirs. Dishes and washing can wait a while!

Photo: Alisa Anton

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