If there is one thing I understand, it is the importance of mental wellness in motherhood. Moms have so many demands, not just as moms but in all other roles as well. Due to this demanding life schedule, it’s so easy to neglect mental wellness. With the endless to-do lists and family responsibilities, sometimes mental well-being is the last thing on the mind of a mom.
However, this lack of self-awareness can be harmful long term. At one point in my life, I was a busy and overwhelmed mom who neglected my own wellness. This led me to feel stressed, short-tempered, and miserable. In turn, this had a trickle effect on my family, and all of us were unhappy. I knew something had to change. If I wanted different, it had to start with me. I made myself a priority and put my needs first so that I could show up as my best self in all areas of life.
What you need to know about mental wellness
When it comes to mental wellness, you have to do what you need to do for yourself. You’re not helping anyone by pretending everything is okay when it isn’t. How can you be effective in any of your roles if you don’t treat yourself well first?
If your mental health isn’t right, it doesn’t matter what accomplish, it’ll all be in vain. Your mental wellness and mindset determine your quality of life. You have to get your mind right so you can start to live your best life.
3 ways to prioritize your mental wellness today
1. Say No
Why do you struggle to tell others “no’ yet you tell yourself “no” all the time? If you keep filling up your plate with the desires of others then it’s natural you feel stressed. You have to start saying no to others so you can make room to say yes to yourself.
2. Adjust your expectations
I bet you have some unrealistic expectations set for yourself. Then when you fail to reach them, you’re your own worst critic. Trade-in high expectations for realistic ones. This will relieve some of the unnecessary pressure you place on yourself and you’ll find that you’re more at ease and also giving yourself grace.
3. Practice self-care daily
Self-care is a norm, not an exception. You aren’t any good to anyone if you’re running around on empty. To refill your tank, do things you enjoy daily. Ideas include alone time, binge-watching TV, or indulging in your favorite beverage. Focus on doing something each day that brings you joy.
Recap: Here are the 2 ways to take steps towards protecting your mental wellness today
- Say No
- Adjust your expectations
- Practice self-care dally
The hardest part of prioritizing your mental wellness is people cannot see when you’re struggling mentally, so it can be difficult to explain needing a “mental health break”. However, don’t let this discourage you. Your mental wellness journey is not for everyone to understand. This journey is about becoming the best version of yourself possible. If others cannot understand that, oh well, that is their problem, not yours. Be encouraged, mama!
For more on self-care and your mental wellness check out the More Than a Mother podcast
Episode 95: Why Moms Need to Prioritize Mental Health
Episode 111: How to Make Mental Health a Priority as A Mom
