Hey Mama, the holidays can be a busy and overwhelming time. Cooking meals, hosting friends and family, keeping babies on sleep schedules. On thing you need to prioritize is mama self-care during the holidays. I know what you’re thinking, how Tijana?!? It’s important so you need to ask for help and carve out time where you can.
One thing I’ve found helpful is scheduling time in my calendar. When I get the reminder on my phone I know I have to stop and take the time for myself. It doesn’t have to be a lot of time, whatever works. Even if it’s only 15 to 30 minutes, that amount of time can make all the difference. I’ve even had 5 minute meditations that made such a huge difference in my day.
What time of day do you have small pockets to do something for yourself? Do you have quiet mornings to yourself? (I know! With babies we don’t normally have this! But you neve know.) Or maybe the evenings there is time to relax and feel good for the next day. Time for reading or meditating or drinking a warm beverage, whatever rejuvenates you.
mama self-care ideas that worked for me.
- Sleep In: I know, I know! Easier said than done. When I need a morning to myself to sleep in or lay in bed quietly, I ask for my husbands help.
- Walk: Getting outside can be so refreshing and give you energy for the busy days. Even if it’s only 15 minutes around the block.
- Ask for Help: Over the holidays there are usually a lot of helping hands. Don’t try and do it all yourself, that can be overwhelming. Ask for guests to bring food or wine or an appetizer. If you need help with the kids reach out to family and friends.
- Baths: Not everyone is into baths, but if you are make sure to take the time before bed. Fill up the tub with relaxing bubbles or oils or bath salts. Let the stress melt away. If showers are your thing do a shower steam or get eucalyptus to hang in the shower.
You might be thinking, Tijana there is not time for all of this mama self-care! I think there is. Instead of scrolling on social media when your babies go down or your guests leave, do something that will give you energy like a bath or walk or sleep! It’s that easy. Trade the tv time for reading or meditating so you feel refreshed and ready for the next day. There are so many little choices we can make where we trade something like scrolling social media for an activity’s that helps give our body energy or grounds us in the chaos of the holidays. You’ve got this!
Planning for the holidays seems small but it’s as important as planning for postpartum. All these little decisions, planning and self care set you up to feel good mama.
