Being Someone's Mother Requires You To Be The Healthiest Version Of You

Self-care is most important for physical, mental, psychological and social well-being. We all deserve self-care and mothers in particular. It is a non-negotiable part of their lives. Self-care is simply about prioritising habits which bring out and evolve making you feel the healthiest version of yourself.

There is a quote stating, "Take time today to love yourself ". Self-care is simply implementing the daily routines which bring about a balance in physical and psychological health. These habits should fill your heart with happiness and positivity and inspire you to be a better version of yourself, ultimately for positive reinforcement for your children.

In this exhausting and overwhelming life where a good balance needs to be maintained between taking care of children and a full-time professional job, we can help share some self-care ideas and activities we can knit into the fabric of our lives.

1. Give yourself 15-30 minutes in the morning

Waking up on time, having your favourite beverage like tea, coffee, decaf, juice etc., and listening to calm music. These solo minutes can add value to the start of your day.

2. Read newspapers and books and listen to a podcast

Read or listen to self-enrichment articles which will inspire and encourage you. Take this time to solely focus on yourself.

3. Skincare

This plays a vital role. Beauty comes from within. But you should also reflect on your skin with your healthy habits. Make sure you remove makeup before sleep and practice applying ice water to soothe your skin and reduce inflammation and puffiness. Drink plenty of oral fluids to keep your skin hydrated.

4. Physical activity

Take a solo walk or run for 15-20 minutes a day. Keeping yourself physically active keeps bone and muscle strength. Avoids early osteoporosis and weakness. Physical activity can be practiced in different versions like yoga, pilates, home exercises, dancing etc anything that makes you happy and validates you.

5. Multivitamins

They are important sources to provide the essential vitamins and minerals in recommended doses. Make sure to have some sun exposure in the early morning for vitamin D. Healthy balanced intake of fruits and green vegetables is the ultimate source of nutrients.

6. Sleep

A healthy daily sleep of at least 6-8 hours is most important. Sleeping habits can affect the entire routine of the day. Limited sleep can end up making you feel lethargic and fatigued.

7. Food

So, you’re a mom, which means you have kids and most of the time you probably either feed them first or try to eat simultaneously and everyone needs something, so you don’t end up eating until it is cold. Do yourself a favour and eat first or eat alone. Make sure your diet is balanced with all the nutrition to keep you running on your toes for the day.

8. Dress well and get some salon sessions

Dressing up automatically makes you confident about yourself. Do some manicures and pedicures. Keep your nails healthy and your skin moisturised. This will add glow to your credence.

Finally, ' Lighten up on yourself. No one is perfect. Gracefully accept your humanness".

Remember, if you don’t love yourself, nobody will. Not only that, but also you won’t be good at loving anyone else. Loving starts with the self.

// Dr.Salomi Singh, Specialist Gynaecology & Obstetrics, Aster Clinic, Sheikh Zayed Road