Important for moms to take time for themselves
Mental health is an important part of our lives. May is National Mental Health Month and also the month we celebrate mothers. I would like to encourage mothers to take care of their mental health. As moms, we tend to hold down the fort and lead our families into battle with everyday tasks. Women are known to be great multi-taskers, but sometimes we need to be reminded that we need to take care of ourselves as well.
New mothers often experience the stress of becoming a mom or caring for a newborn. This is a special time in your life when you are welcoming a part of you into the world. Try to remember that if you are stressed, your baby may be stressed. This is an important time for you to be well rested and to enjoy the moments of being a new parent. Fathers and grandparents may be wanting to get their time with the baby and let them. This can allow time for mom to take time for herself.
Moms who are juggling multiple kids and a full time job might be thinking, time … what time? If you are running yourself to exhaustion, you may not be able to be the best you. Remember that not everything needs to be perfect. If you didn’t do the dishes tonight because you wanted to take a hot bath, nothing bad will happen. Dishes can be cleaned later, you may not be able to take that moment for yourself later. Indulge, for your sanity sake.
Oftentimes, we get stressed out with every day agendas like taking the kids to school, working full time, preparing meals and all the little things in between. There are only so many hours in the day and sometimes there is just not enough time to get everything done. We get stressed, depressed and feel like we are losing our minds. When feeling like this, remember to take a moment and remember these tips from the National Child & Maternal Health Education Program:
• Connect with other moms: You can learn from others going through (or have gone through) the same thing you are feeling and share their feelings.
• Make time for yourself: Yes! Even mom needs a day to herself sometimes. Do something for yourself and let your spouse or a friend watch the kids.
• Be realistic: You don’t have to do everything.
• Rest when the baby rests: Sleep is important for you as it is for the baby.
• Be with others: Seek out other adults. Regularly create a special time for you and your partner.
Mental health is a part of our health that we don’t always assess because we can’t always physically see the effects. Meditation, relaxation and even simple deep breathing can help us decrease stress and improve our focus. This Mother’s Day was the perfect occasion for you to take some time to allow those who love you to pamper you and allow yourself some time to unwind. Free your mind!
Jen Woltman is a wellness coach at Yuma Regional Medical Center. She can be reached at yrmcwellness@ yumaregional.org.