Self-Care Guide For This Mother’s Day & Beyond
Celebrate Yourself This Mother’s Day
Motherhood is a beautiful journey which has its own fair share of ups and downs. While it can be heartwarming at times, it can also be challenging and overwhelming sometimes. With her tendency to care for the family 24/7, a mom’s health often takes the backseat. They’re prone to putting their family’s health first, frequently forgetting that it includes their health, too. Neglecting health issues can sometimes result in deteriorating physical and mental health, manifesting as ailments like obesity, anaemia, diabetes, hypertension, PCOS, thyroid problems, and even cancer.
With Mother’s Day around the corner, pour yourself some love and celebrate yourself, prioritising your health, happiness, and well-being. Here are a few things you can do to improve your physical and mental health.
- Get Plenty of Sleep
Sometimes, it may seem like there aren’t enough hours in the day. That doesn’t mean that you should burn the midnight oil to keep going. Giving up on the necessary hours of rest can lead to various chronic health conditions, like cardiovascular conditions, diabetes, and even depression.
- Eating Timely & Healthy Meals
Along with sleep, moms often find it challenging to eat on time. This can lead to a reliance on quick, unhealthy snacks. While the occasional take-out or microwaveable meal is fine, making it a habit can have serious health consequences. It can lead to increased cholesterol, sugar levels, blood pressure, and hormonal fluctuations. By making small changes to your eating habits, you can significantly improve your health and well-being.
To start a healthy eating routine, begin by planning your day ahead and making time for yourself. Pack yourself healthy snacks or even lunches for busy days. Taking care of your nutrition is essential, as it has a direct impact on your overall health.
- Release Your Tension Through Yoga & Exercise
Physical activities, like running, jogging, weight training, etc., are proven stress relievers, but that doesn’t include running around after your kids! Yoga, pilates, exercises, and workouts help release stress and tension while providing mental clarity. Try practising focused breathing, mindful movements, and relaxation techniques. Dedicate time to your yoga or workout sessions at least three to five times a week, and you’ll slowly reap the benefits of improved physical as well as mental health.
If you’re worried where or how to start, look for workout and yoga sessions on YouTube that you can perform at home on your own. You can even get specially curated content for moms pre and postpartum. Find out what works for you and incorporate it into your daily life gradually.
- Hydration is Key
Although it may seem trivial, hydration is essential for you as well as your baby, especially during the hotter months of the year. Drink some water just as you remind your kids to get their timely dose of hydration. Gulp some orange juice while you pour some for your little one!
- Go Out in the Sun
It is rarely stressed, but getting enough sun exposure is also very important. As we age, our bones become more susceptible to gradual wear. Minimal to no exposure to the sun doesn’t help, especially for women. Soaking in the goodness of the morning sun synthesises a huge part of your Vitamin D, which is essential for healthy and strong bones, especially after your 30s. So, remember to spend some time in the sun during the early hours of the day!
- Ease Your Stress
Being an all-rounder Supermom is challenging while taking care of everyone in the family selflessly. It can become overwhelming and stressful sometimes, which can negatively impact mental and physical health. But, you must learn practical ways to tackle stress. Talk to a friend or close one, take a warm bath, or take a walk. These can work wonders for clearing your head and resetting your perspective, making you refreshed and rejuvenated.
Take a break; everyone deserves it. Taking care of yourself in small, simple ways is important in maintaining your physical and mental health and bringing out the best version of yourself.
- Get Breast Cancer Screenings Done
It has been found that at least one out of every eight women get diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime. It is often ignored or overlooked due to the lack of awareness among women. No matter if you’re at risk or not, you should get regular screenings for breast cancer. The earlier breast cancer is detected, the more successfully it can be treated. Talk to your healthcare provider or regular gynaecologist for getting breast cancer screenings.
- Seek Regular Health Checkups
Breast cancer isn’t the only affliction that can cause upheaval in your health. There are a plethora of health conditions and disorders that can crop up as a result of gradual buildup or have a sudden onset. Moms often tend to ignore the warning signs, prioritising the health of their children, but end up suffering from preventable diseases.
Add Cervical Cancer Screening & Pap Smear
Choose a comprehensive health checkup package curated for women to get the most out of your health screening. You should definitely add cervical cancer screening and pap smear within your regular screening tests to keep yourself updated on your health. You can opt for a healthy screening once or twice yearly or as frequently as your physician directs. Remember, your health is just as important!
Mother’s Day is an excellent reminder to pause, reflect, and work on yourself. Being a mom goes around the year, and so does taking care of your well-being. As a mom, you want to be present and cherish every moment you spend with your children and family. Incorporate these steps to ensure optimal physical and mental health while you continue to be the healthy mom you always wanted to be!
This Mother’s Day, start embracing the idea of putting yourself first and giving yourself the time, effort, and love you deserve. After all, a healthy and happy mom contributes to a healthy and happy family as well!
This article has been medically reviewed by Dr. Radhika Jupally, MBBS, M.S.(OBGYN).