Prioritising Self-Care in the Daily Grind of a Working Mom

Last updated on September 30th, 2024 at 03:07 pm

In the midst of our hectic lives, self-care is often relegated to the background, mistaken as a luxury or indulgence. However, for us working mums, it is the very foundation of our well-being. It’s about making daily choices that boost our physical, mental, and emotional health. 

These choices are not extravagant treats but essential elements that keep us functioning at our best in both professional and personal spheres. Integrating self-care into our daily routine is crucial; it’s not just a reward for getting through the week, but a consistent practice that sustains us.

Photo by Ketut Subiyanto

Quality Sleep: The Foundation of Well-being

Creating a Restful Environment

A tranquil environment is key to quality sleep. Investing in a comfortable mattress and pillows tailored to your comfort preferences is a good start. 

Enhancing your bedroom with blackout curtains and white noise machines can also create an atmosphere conducive to restful sleep, signalling to your body that it’s time to wind down.

Establishing a Pre-Sleep Routine

Developing a pre-sleep routine aids in transitioning from the day’s chaos to a restful night. This routine could include a warm bath, a calming cup of herbal tea, or reading a few pages of a book. These activities help signal to your body and mind that it’s time to rest, easing the transition into sleep.

Regulating Sleep Patterns

Consistency is crucial for quality sleep. Going to bed and waking up at the same time each day, even on weekends, helps regulate your body’s internal clock. 

This regularity not only improves the quality of your sleep but also your overall health and well-being.

Nutritious Eating: Fuel for the Busy Mum

Meal Prepping

With a non-stop schedule, healthy eating can seem like a daunting task. However, meal prepping can be a game-changer. Setting aside a few hours during the weekend to prepare meals for the week ensures that you have quick, healthy options at hand. This practice saves time and guarantees that you’re fuelling your body with nutritious food. If you feel you are sometimes just too busy to stick to a meal-prepping schedule, opt for a quality meal-prep service that will deliver right to your doorstep.

Smart Snacking

Snacking smartly is crucial, especially when energy levels start to dip. Keeping a stash of healthy snacks like nuts, fresh fruits, or yoghurt at your workplace provides better nutrition than the usual sugary or salty options. These healthy alternatives give you the energy boost you need without the subsequent crash.

Exercise: A Pillar of Physical and Mental Health

Incorporating exercise into our busy lives is vital for maintaining both physical and mental health. It’s often easy to skip exercise when our schedules are overflowing, but integrating movement into our daily routine is beneficial.

Integrate Movement into Your Day

Small changes can make a big difference. Opting to take the stairs, having walking meetings, or engaging in active play with the children are ways to incorporate movement into your day. These simple actions can significantly contribute to your overall health and well-being.

Find Activities You Enjoy

Sticking to an exercise routine is easier when you enjoy the activity. Be it yoga, swimming, dance, or a brisk walk in the park, find an exercise that brings you joy. When exercise becomes a fun and anticipated part of your day, you’re more likely to make it a consistent habit.

Mental Wellness: Keeping Your Inner Self Nurtured

As working mums, we often prioritise the mental health of our families, sometimes at the cost of our own. 

It’s vital to remember that our mental wellness is just as paramount. Maintaining a healthy mind is essential for tackling the day-to-day challenges and stresses that come with balancing work and family life.

Healthcare: Necessary to Stay Healthy

Busy moms seem to always put their healthcare needs behind their loved ones, especially their children. If you are unhealthy you may be unable to care for the ones you love so dearly. Make it a priority to schedule and keep your necessary healthcare appointments to stay in optimal health now and in the future.

Physical Health

You should see your GP at least annually for a well-check and women’s health exam to ensure you are healthy. If you have any problems between appointments, don’t hesitate to reach out to them for another appointment or guidance. As you age, there will be different requirements for care, and your GP team can help you navigate life’s changes.

It’s essential to prioritize your reproductive health by scheduling regular check-ups with a gynecologist. Annual screenings like Pap smears and HPV screening in Singapore play a vital role in detecting abnormalities early, such as cervical cancer or other related conditions. These screenings are especially important as part of a comprehensive women’s healthcare routine, ensuring that any issues are caught and treated as early as possible.

Dental Health

See a dentist at your local dental clinic at least twice per year. They will take x-rays to see if there are any underlying concerns and will get your teeth shiny and bright. Follow their guidance to avoid unnecessary cavities and contact them throughout the year if any other concerns arise.

Eyecare

Schedule eyecare exams once per year or sooner if you notice changes to your vision. Your eye care provider will give you a thorough examination to determine the health of your eyes and correct your vision with glasses or contacts, as needed.

Embracing Mindfulness and Meditation

• Mindfulness Practices: Incorporating mindfulness into your daily routine can be transformative. This could be as simple as spending five minutes each morning in meditation or mindful breathing. These practices help ground you, reduce stress, and improve focus.

• Benefits of Regular Meditation: Regular meditation, even for a few minutes a day, has been shown to significantly lower stress levels, improve concentration, and contribute to overall emotional well-being.

Seeking Professional Support

• The Value of Therapy: There should be no stigma in seeking professional help. Therapy or counselling can be a powerful tool in managing stress, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. It offers a safe space to voice your concerns and learn coping mechanisms.

• Support Networks: Professional support can also come in the form of support groups where you can share experiences and strategies with others who understand the unique challenges of being a working mum.

Personal Interests: Don’t Lose Sight of Yourself

In the whirlwind of juggling parenting and professional responsibilities, it’s all too easy to lose sight of your own identity. Remembering and nurturing your personal interests is a crucial aspect of self-care.

Pursuing Hobbies and Passions

Engaging in hobbies and activities that you love is not just a form of relaxation; it’s a way to reconnect with yourself. Whether it’s immersing yourself in a good book, painting, gardening, or any other activity that brings you joy, these pursuits are vital for maintaining your sense of self. Even a relaxing game of sudoku can help with this.

Maintaining Social Connections

The Power of Friendship: Regular interactions with friends can provide a much-needed break from the routine of work and family obligations. Whether it’s a quick coffee, a phone call, or a girls’ night out, these moments of connection can be incredibly rejuvenating and affirming.

In the relentless hustle of being a working mum, it’s crucial to remember that self-care is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. It’s about more than just physical health; it involves nurturing your mental wellness, indulging in personal interests, and maintaining social connections. 

By making self-care a priority, you’re not just enhancing your own well-being; you’re also setting a positive example for your children. In caring for yourself, you’re teaching them the importance of balance and self-respect. 

Amidst the packed lunches, work deadlines, and family commitments, remember to carve out time for yourself. A well-rested, nourished, and fulfilled mum is equipped to face life’s challenges with resilience and joy, and in doing so, lights the way for her family to follow.