Are you a mum who often puts her needs last? Do you feel guilty about taking time out for yourself? If you said yes, then you are not alone! Many mothers struggle with self-love, but it’s important to prioritize your own well-being in order to be the best parent you can be. Here’s why you should love yourself and how you can do it. Keep reading on to find all about self-love for mums.
Why practice Self-Love?
Self-love is the foundation of a healthy life, and it’s especially important for mums. Here are three reasons why self-love matters:
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You can’t pour from an empty cup: You give so much of yourself to your family but if you don’t take care of yourself, you’ll eventually burn out. Practicing self-love ensures that you have the energy and resources to give to others.
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You teach your kids how to treat themselves: Your kids are watching you and will learn from the way you treat yourself. If you constantly criticise yourself or ignore your own needs, your kids will internalise that message. On the other hand, if you model self-love, they’ll learn to treat themselves with kindness and compassion.
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You deserve it: You are a wonderful, amazing, and worthy human being, and you deserve to treat yourself as such. You don’t need to earn the right to practice self-love; it’s something you’re entitled to simply by being alive.
Self-Love Rituals
Self-love looks different for everyone, but here are some ideas to get you started:
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Take a hot bath: There’s something magical about relaxing a bath filled with warm water. Add some bath salts, essential oils, or bubbles for an extra dose of relaxation.
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Journal: Writing down your thoughts and feelings can help you process them and gain clarity. Try free-writing for 10 minutes every morning or just before bed. If you can’t spare 10 minutes, a couple of sentences will suffice.
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Exercise: Moving your body releases endorphins which boosts your mood. Find an activity that you enjoy, whether it’s yoga, running, dancing, or something else.
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Say affirmations: Positive affirmations can help rewire your brain to think more positively about yourself and you’ll want to start doing it on a regular basis to make it a habit. Repeat statements like “I am enough,” “I am worthy,” or “I am loved” to yourself throughout the day.
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Treat yourself: Buy yourself a small gift or indulge in your favourite treat, such as chocolate or jewellery. You deserve to treat yourself and you don’t have to wait for someone else to do it for you.
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Set Boundaries: As parents, we often feel obligated to say yes to everything. But saying yes to others often means saying no to ourselves. When there are no boundaries in place, we can end up feeling drained and overwhelmed. Setting boundaries means recognising your limits and communicating them to others. Prioritise your needs and take ownership of your own time and energy.
Incorporating self-love rituals into your daily routine may seem overwhelming at first, especially for parents. Even if you don’t have time for everything, start with the simpler and more realistic ones so that once they become a habit, you can try more. It’s not about perfection, but rather about progress. Small steps towards self-love can have a big impact on how you feel about yourself and how you show up in the world. Remember that self-love for mums is an ongoing practice, not a one-time event. Be kind to yourself and keep trying different things until you find what works for you. So by taking care of yourself, you’re also taking care of your family. Go ahead, try that new hobby, take that vacation, or simply take a nap. You deserve it, mama!
