What Does Self-Care Look Like in Motherhood

Motherhood can be a beautiful, transformative journey, but it is also exhausting, overwhelming, and often self-sacrificing.

Somewhere between diaper changes, school drop-offs, meal prep, and bedtime routines, many moms forget to check in with the most important person in their child’s life: themselves! As a mother, it is important to ask yourself the question of “how am I doing?” Motherhood is a constant outpouring of love, energy, time, and patience. If you are not refilling your own emotional, mental, and physical reserves, burnout is inevitable. Self-care helps you stay balanced so you can continue giving without completely draining yourself.

As a mother, the idea of self-care is difficult and maybe even confusing. From the moment you become a mom, there is an unspoken message: Your family comes before everything else. This mindset, often reinforced by culture, media, or even well-meaning loved ones, makes it feel wrong or selfish to prioritize yourself. The truth is, self-care is not selfish. It is rather an important piece of being the best version of yourself for your family. Self-care in motherhood is not typically about spa days (though those are nice!) Rather, it is about creating sustainable habits that keep you grounded, healthy, and whole. It is about showing up for yourself so you can keep showing up for your family.

Below are some ideas on how you can practice self-care as a mother!

Ask for and Accept Help:

You don’t have to do it all alone! Try to let go of the idea that asking for help is a weakness. It is, in fact, a strength! Maybe you need help with something as simple as a diaper change, or maybe it is something as big as finally getting a therapy appointment for postpartum anxiety. Asking and accepting help can help take the pressure off and give you a sense of relief! 

Reconnect With What Makes You You:

At the end of the day, you are not just a mom. You are a whole person with passions, interests, and dreams!  Even if you feel as though you have lost touch with some of yourself, that is okay and normal! Try to reconnect with yourself by: revisiting an old hobby, listening to music you like, reading a book, exercising, or wearing something that makes you happy!

Start Small:

You do not necessarily need a full day off to recharge. Sometimes, small, consistent acts of care that support your mind, body, and spirit are enough! Try things such as: taking time to drink a cup of coffee, doing a ten-minute meditation or body stretch, or practicing deep breathing when feeling overwhelmed. 

Schedule Time for Yourself:

Put yourself on your own calendar like you would any other priority! Whether it’s 15 minutes with a book, a solo grocery trip, or an hour to pursue a hobby, treat it as non-negotiable. You deserve time for just you! 

Practice Mental Self-Care:

Your mental and emotional well-being matter just as much as your physical needs. Things such as journaling your thoughts or gratitude, practicing mindfulness or prayer, setting healthy boundaries with people or technology can all be helpful! In addition, many moms choose to see a mental health therapist to help support them on their motherhood journey! At Mountain Vista Psychology, we have a highly trained team that is ready to support you or a loved one!

Start Working With a Maternal Mental Health Therapist in Greenwood Village, CO, Englewood, Littleton, and Across the State

Self-care can feel confusing in motherhood because you are navigating identity shifts, emotional overload, time constraints, and societal pressure all at once! Start small. Start with grace. Start with the belief that you are worth the care you so freely give to others. You can start your therapy journey with a caring therapist at Mountain Vista Psychology by following these simple steps: 

1. Schedule a free phone consultation
2. Begin meeting with a caring therapist
3. Start incorporating self-care in your daily routine!

Other Services Offered with Mountain Vista Psychology

At Mountain Vista Psychology, we provide many services to help empower individuals on their journey toward mental and emotional well-being. So in addition to offering maternal mental health support, we also provide counseling services in child counseling, adult counseling, family counseling, & more. We also provide Neurofeedback Therapy services for Neurofeedback for ADHD, Neurofeedback for Autism, Neurofeedback for Concussion/ TBI, trauma therapy, and Neurofeedback for Sports/Performance. Our team also provides testing for learning disabilities, ADHD, and Autism. Be sure to check out our Blog and FAQs for more about us and our services!