11 Self-care activities for new moms to eliminate stress

Self-care activities are important for all mothers, but especially for new moms. A baby can be a lot of work and it is important to take some time for yourself to relax and recharge. In this blog post, we will discuss some physical self-care activities for new moms to take care of themselves. We will also talk about how to make time for self-care in your busy schedule. Self-care is essential for maintaining your mental health and well-being, so don’t neglect yourself!

What is self-care in motherhood?

Self-care is anything that you do to take care of yourself, both physically and mentally. It can be anything from taking a relaxing bath to going for a walk outside to reading your favorite book. Self-care is important for all mothers, but it is especially important for new moms. A baby can be a lot of work and it is easy to forget to take care of yourself when you are taking care of a little one. It is important to make time for self-care, even if it is just a few minutes each day. That’s why we created these amazing and realistic physical self-care activities for new moms! Did you know there are 8 types of self-care?

Self-care is giving the world the best of you, instead of what’s left of you. ~Katie Reed

Why is self-care important for new moms?

Self-care is essential for maintaining your mental health and well-being. It can be easy to get overwhelmed with the new responsibility of motherhood. Self-care can help you to relax and recharge so that you are able to handle the challenges of motherhood. It is also important to model self-care for your child. Showing them that it is important to take care of yourself will help them to develop healthy habits as they grow.

Self-care can sometimes feel like a luxury, but it is important to make time for it in your schedule. One way to do this is to schedule some “me time” into your day. Wake up a little earlier so that you can have some quiet time to yourself before your baby wakes up.

Or, if you are breastfeeding, use that time to pump so that you can have a break later in the day. You can also ask your partner or family members to watch the baby for a few minutes while you take a break. If you don’t have any help at home, there are plenty of apps and websites that offer tips on how to sneak in some self-care while you are caring for a baby.

We can’t stress this enough! Therefore, we continue to emphasize the importance of moms needing to develop a self-care routine. The routine can be quick to fit your lifestyle or as elaborate as needed.

As a new mom, it’s easy for us to get consumed in our kids, and lose ourselves unconscientiously.

There’s this idea we make up in our heads, that we have to suffer or deprive ourselves of life for our kids, when that simple, shouldn’t be. Our goal is to continue to spread information to parents on the ways to prioritize your needs for the betterment of your kids.

Self-care is more than bathing and lighting candles. At its core, it is self-work to become a better version of yourself.

Collectively, all the self-care types work together to bring about balance and wholeness throughout your human experience. No one is better than the other. It, however, becomes a matter of needs which self-care area do you need more at the time because of your moods, feelings, desires, etc.

Taking the time needed to assess your self-care needs is important because it speaks to the level of care you need in order to feel content and a sense of happiness/fulfillment.

Although we hear the term self-care, we emphasize on the word “self” and assume every activity has to be isolated. While that may be necessary for some activities, it’s not always the case or always possible for that matter. If you can only partake in self-care with kids/babies around, we want you to focus on the feeling it gives you and the ability to be consistent at self check-in verse time alone.

Again, in some instances and practices, you will need time alone, but realistically, it may not always happen, at least for a while, especially if you’re a new mom.

But nonetheless, we do have some tips below, that can help you with physical self-care activities as a new mom when caring for a baby. So stay tuned and keep reading!

11 Physical Self-care Activities for New Moms You Can Actually DO with a Baby Around

There are many different physical self-care activities that you can do, but here are a few ideas to get you started:

1) Sleep

– Sleep: Sleep is so essential and one of the most essential physical self-care needed because it impacts every other self-care activity, no matter the type! “Sleep is a body-mind state in which individuals experience sensory detachment from our surroundings. Sleep is an essential function of the body and impacts every system from our cognitive function to immune health. Quality sleep can help us reset, recover and recharge. It’s absolutely vital to brain function, memory, concentration, immune health, and metabolism. Unlike rest, sleep is something your body cannot function without. In fact, if you are sleep deprived, your body will force you to sleep, no matter what you’re in the middle of”, as stated by Integris Health”.

For better quality sleep I recommend new moms invest in the Owlet Dream Duo Smart camera and Dream Sock! As a mom, when we know our baby is okay during sleep, we can sleep and rest with ease!

The Owlet Dream Duo smart sock was a game changer for my sleep after baby #2! The monitors alone, aren’t enough ( in my opinion), the sock, tracks your baby’s heart rates, oxygen level, and sleep patterns (which can help you learn their sleep cycles) and alerts you when something is wrong! This is a must and will help you sleep much better while your baby is asleep!

2) Exercise

-Exercise: A little bit of exercise can do wonders for your mental health. If you don’t have time for a full workout, try doing some simple exercises at home or going for a walk. You can also search YouTube for specifically targeted exercise videos. You can engage in this activity while your baby’s sleeping, doing tummy time, in the bouncer, etc. If you are unable to get your full workout session at once, break it up into 2-3 small sessions throughout the day.

3) Take a Nice Bubble Bath

– Take a bath: A relaxing bath can be a great way to unwind. Add some soothing aromatherapy or add a few drops of lavender oil to your bathtub. For a more personalized, spa-engaging experience, try a luxury lavender bath box! It includes lavender scented: bath bombs, a sugar scrub, soap, lip balm, Epsom salt, and a soy wax candle for the ultimate aromatherapy experience!

4) Get a Massage

– Get a massage: A professional massage can help to relieve muscle aches and tension. If you can’t afford a professional massage, ask your partner to give you a back rub.

Need more massage options? I got you! If you’re in need of a professional massage but don’t have the time or finances, to maintain this luxury routine, you can invest in a massage device. Our family has one and we love this device and its simplicity. It connects to your phone and gives visual tutorials for each targeted area. You can easily engage in this massage activity with your baby around, as most massage sessions are under 5 minutes.

5) Steam Sauna

– Steam Sauna: There are many benefits to sauna services. It’s a relaxing activity that relieves stress and it gives your skin a glow. This is a great activity as it’s usually done in a gym or salon, but you can even enjoy a personal therapeutic sauna in your home. Yes, you can, and for a very affordable price!

6) Facial

–Facial: Who doesn’t love a bomb facial? Create a spa like experience at home with affordable, yet premium OTC (over-the-counter) products. Focus on reducing pores, exfoliation, and moisture. All these things will bring a youthful appearance. Even though your tired from the adjustments of a newborn, no one will truly know because your skin is thriving through it all. For a quick and easy spa session, consider a facial steamer that can improve your skin and promote relaxation.

7) Watch a Movie

– Watch a movie: Curl up with a blanket and watch your favorite movie. You can even make it a “mom’s night in” and invite some friends over to watch movies together. Remember, Disney+ is still a great option for family-friendly movies!

8) Create a Photo Book

– Create a photo book: This is a great way to document all of the precious moments with your new baby. You can use an online service or create one yourself using photos and mementos. After you create this book, you can add flipping and look over these cute memorable pictures to your mental and emotional self-care list!

9) Create Crafts

– Get creative: Whether you enjoy painting, knitting, or scrapbooking, taking some time to be creative can be very relaxing. You can even involve the baby in your project by making handprint art or a family collage. If you get really good at making crafts, you can even sell them and make extra money on the side doing what you love!

10) Lay in the Sun

– Lay in the Sun: Take a break and cover yourself with sun rays for at least 15 minutes daily. Even if you cannot physically sit in the sun, open your windows and/or blinds. allowing the sun to hit you daily. Exposure to sunlight is thought to increase the brain’s release of a hormone called serotonin. Serotonin is associated with boosting mood and helping a person feel calm and focused. Low levels of serotonin are associated with a higher risk of assess your self-care needs (formerly known as seasonal affective disorder or SAD).

11) Detox Cleanse

– Detox Cleanse: If you’re no longer breast feeding, then this can be a great physical self-care activity to explore. This can alter you physique, as you begin to eliminate processed foods from your diet, eliminate pounds internal waste, boost energy (once completed), etc. It’s a body reset that can help you to establish discipline that will be need throughout your self-care journey. Consider a adding a detox for women supplement, that helps remove waste and toxins from your body.

Last Thing You Need To Know About Physical Self-Care Activities for New Moms

We hope you enjoyed these ideas for physical self-care activities for new moms! What are your favorite ways to take care of yourself? Share in the comments below!

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