International Mother’s Day is tomorrow and mothers everywhere have their due.
Mom means care, love, and security. It is the rock, the eternal support that every day and not just tomorrow deserves a million thanks. And that’s because motherhood is not easy. It is a life role with easy and difficult moments and contradictory feelings that need effort, understanding, and adaptation.
The mother’s well-being affects not only her own psychology but also her interaction with the rest of the family. What can you do yourself to strengthen it?
Don’t compare yourself to other moms
The first and most basic. Just as every child is different, so is every mother. There is no good and bad mom and comparison is not only toxic but also futile. Especially in today’s age where social media is part of our daily lives, comparing yourself to a perfect image is an easy trap. A survey conducted in Canada showed that 69% of moms who participated in it said that social media apps make them feel insecure.
But the next time you see a “perfect” picture on Instagram, think about this: the picture, if true, only captures a small part of the life of the mom who posted it.
take care of yourself
In a daily life full of obligations and time pressure, so-called self-care often comes second. It shouldn’t, though. Take care of yourself in any way you want and can. A twenty-minute nap, a bath with warm water and bubble bath, a walk may seem small, but they make a difference. Not only do children need care, but you do too.
Do creative activities
Research shows that doing something creative boosts your sense of well-being and mental health. Even if you find it difficult to do something on your own, you can do creative activities with the children such as painting or getting into the kitchen together and making cookies, cakes and other treats.
Work out
You may feel like you’re running all day, but that’s different from actual running. It may seem exhausting to exercise after work, reading, activities and cooking, but exercise releases endorphins in the brain, thus improving your mood.
Research shows that just 15 minutes of exercise a day is enough to reduce the risk of depression by 26%.
Don’t be afraid to say “no”
Your daily life is probably full anyway. You don’t need to burden yourself even more with things you don’t want to or can’t do.
Make time for your relationships
The relationship with your partner has certainly changed after the arrival of children, the relationship with your friends. These are your people, and meaningful communication with them will definitely only benefit you.
With your partner, you don’t just have to talk about the kids. It may be a priority for both of you, however, talking about a variety of topics will set you free.
Ask for help
There’s nothing wrong with asking for help, whether that means asking a grandparent to babysit for a while or reaching out to a mental health counselor for things you want.
Avoid multitasking
It may seem impossible, but by focusing on one thing at a time, you’ll get it done much faster and more efficiently. Conversely, by doing many things at once, you are more likely to make mistakes and stress levels skyrocket.
