5 Self-Care Tips From A Philadelphia Mom

As a mother, I understand the struggle of always putting ourselves last. We are the caregivers and nurturers, but it’s crucial to remember that our well-being should be a top priority. I often hear from new moms in my Philadelphia photography studio who share this common struggle. If you’re one of them, feeling like you’ve lost yourself in the whirlwind of mother ood, I want you to know you’re not alone. Here are some tips that have helped me and many others this year. Here are 5 Self-Care Tips From A Philadelphia Mom.

5 Self-Care Tips From A Philadelphia Mom

Focus on Balance, Not Perfection

When it comes to self-care, many things are thrown at us: Do this, do that. Like my list today, my most important takeaway is always: You do you. Don’t add more stress because you have to read a book for self-care today. While all of the tips I give you or that you read somewhere are great, it’s unreal that there could be more that we get to all day.
Instead of attempting to do it all and reach perfection, find the balance in your life that works best for you. This is not about doing everything, but about doing what you can and what makes you feel good. Small changes can also have a significant impact. Consider a 10-minute walk. Or wake up 5 minutes early and enjoy a quiet cup of coffee by yourself. Don’t place so much pressure on yourself; you will find that those tiny changes make a huge difference.

Take a Walk

Remember the calming effect a walk had on your baby when they were fussy? If it works for your baby, it can do wonders for you, too. Make it a point to step outside at least once daily for self-care. The fresh air and endorphins from walking are excellent for your mental health. Suppose you don’t have someone to watch your baby, or you take them or your kids with you in the stroller. One thing I always loved was packing my kids and going to Fit4Mom. It’s like a 4-for-1 deal: get outside, you get exercise, your kids socialize with other kids, and mom gets time with other moms.

Wake Up 10 Minutes Earlier

This is still one of my favorites. I love quiet time to myself. Pour your coffee, sit back, enjoy the silence, and mentally prepare yourself for the day. Waking up 10 minutes earlier can make a world of difference. It’s a time for you to gather your thoughts, plan your day, and just breathe. Do you like the silence in the morning or the evening? Find a few minutes to call your own.

Ask For Help

This is always easier said than done, at least for me. From multi-tasking to managing everyone’s schedule in the house, we all need a support system. I have learned there is no shame in asking for help when you need it. One thing I have learned to do is build a community. Often, I swap with a family, and we watch each other’s kids to get things done. I also partnered with parents for before and after-school care occasionally when we needed it.
Consider dividing and conquering with your partner. Split the housework, child care, and other things on your to-do list with your partner so you can do different tasks or set aside time for yourself. Consider getting a night nurse to help support you. Not sure what a night nurse is, take a read here: 6 Benefits of Hiring a Night Nurse. Trying to do it all yourself can lead to burnout, and you can not be the parent you want to be when you are burned out.

Take a Night Off From Cooking

YES!!! Take it, no food prep, no serving, no cleaning. Let your partner take the night. Order in or go out to dinner. Taking the night off from cooking is a liberating experience. It’s a break from the routine, a chance to relax, and a moment to enjoy a meal without the stress of preparation. The kids will be okay, and they might enjoy it. I often take the boys to have waffles and ice cream for dinner at the local creamery in the summer.  Take the break, however that looks for you.

5 Self-Care Tips From A Philadelphia Mom

It is important to maintain your mental and physical health. As moms, it’s really hard for us to prioritize our needs above our families. I hope that with this list of 5 Self-Care Essentials for Moms, you can take away that the goal is having a healthy balance, not perfection. Don’t compare yourself to others, and ask for support where you feel needed. You got this, mama!

I love celebrating mothers, and a great way to do this is with a photo session for your self or a motherhood session.  Celebrate and capture you and your little ones.  Get pampered with hair and make up service. Best of all, you don’t have to lift a finger, I will take care of it all for you. Want to talk about the details. Reach me: Motherhood Sessions