We all need to be looking after ourselves and upping the self-care at the moment, due to this latest COVID-based lockdown. It’s causing a lot of stress and anxiety, with many households getting a little frazzled by yet more restrictions and unintended extra time under one roof together.
But mums in particular, are feeling it even more this time, as homeschooling is taking its toll on them and the kids. It can feel like you’re getting a double-whammy of stress and frustration as you navigate your own feelings and those of your kids!
It’s so important that you take a little time out for yourself. Self-care isn’t a ‘nice-to-have’, it’s an essential part of your mental and physical wellbeing. But I appreciate your nerves may be a little fried, your time a little short and your motivation even shorter. So here are some simple self-care tips for mums to recharge their batteries and calm those frazzled nerves.
Get outdoors for your wellbeing
Fresh air and natural light can really help blow away the cobwebs and increase those feel good hormones. It works for your and the kids, so make it possible for you all to get outside. However, also reserve some time for you to go it alone - even if it’s a quick walk around the block.
Plug into some good music
Whether it’s some soothing mindfulness and meditation tunes or the latest pop song, music can do some good things for your mood. Remember, self-care can be fun too - so if you want to really benefit from it, throw in a few dance moves and have a little sing along too!
Ask for help
You’re not a superhero, so stop trying to do everything solo. You may not be able to visit your friends and family at the moment, but that doesn't stop them from helping out. Zoom makes it a lot easier for them to get involved in homeschooling. Your kids can spend a little time reading to nan or grandad, or doing a little coworking session with a friend, as they both work through their maths homework together. This helps free up your time for a quick break.
Take 10 minutes for yourself
Go have a cup of tea, grab a slice of cake or simply put your feet up. When you’re cooped up at home with the kids, it’s crucial that you’re giving yourself time to switch off and unwind, even if it is just for 10 minutes. If you’re really struggling to find time for yourself, stash a book in the bathroom and lock yourself in there for 10 minutes!
Start a journal
It doesn’t have to be anything deep or fancy, but the act of writing your thoughts and feelings down can be quite liberating. It helps free your mind of all the clutter it accumulates, whilst also giving you a little space to reflect and ponder. It’s a great way of also getting into the habit of writing down some things you’re grateful for too - as this helps keep you positive.
We all need to be looking after ourselves more, especially at the moment. So if you’re looking for a few simple ideas, try the ones above and see how many you can fit into each day. They’ll help your mental and physical wellbeing and may just make this latest lockdown a little less stressful for you.
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