When you're a mum, it turns out you have to completely redefine your idea of self-care, because you rarely have the time or money to do all the nice stuff you used to do like get a mani-pedi! Yet 'filling your own cup' is an essential aspect of motherhood. Meeting your own needs will equip you to take better care of your family as well.

Not only so you have enough energy to run the zoo that is your home life, but also to set an example of how to love and care for yourself for those little people that are watching. Even though it may seem like the right thing to do, routinely dismissing your own needs can have an adverse effect on your overall health. It can make you irritable, fatigued, stressed and susceptible to a full-blown burnout. So, in order to save your health (and sanity), make time for self-care!

Don't know where to begin?

Here are five simple self-care tips you can start right away:

Sneak exercise into your day. Sticking to your usual workout routine can be challenging, one way to tackle this issue is to choose outdoor activities that you can do with your kids to stay physically active, consistently. For instance, you can go swimming or cycling with them. Or, sign up for dance lessons or a fitness class that has a creche or childcare option. Even simple exercises like crunches, jumping jacks and squat jumps in the garden can help you stay fit and energised. Consistency is the key!
Take advantage of early mornings. One of the easiest ways to ensure that you don't miss out on ‘me time’ is to start off early in the day, before everyone else in the house gets up. Go for a walk, practice meditation, do yoga in your living room, read a book, or have a ‘roll & release’ session with your foam roller. You can also try self-care apps like Headspace, Happy Not Perfect, Colorfy and 365 Gratitude.
Try micro self-care techniques. Let's be real, there isn’t time to be soaking in a champagne bath for hours. The trick is to practice self-care in short intervals. For example, try a 10-min foot soak, or 5-min journaling before going to bed, take deep breaths for 5 minutes after you wake up, listen to your favourite music or podcast while commuting, or whip up your favourite dish on a weekend - and serve yourself the best bits first!
Invest time in your health. When was the last time you went for a full body check-up? Your health and wellbeing is just as important as that of your family members. So, make time to schedule dental exams, go for annual check-ups that include important tests like a skin check and pap smear. In addition, be mindful of what you put in your body. Load up on whole foods like nuts and seeds, lean meats, fresh fruits and veggies. Cut back on sugar. Slash your caffeine intake, and drink plenty of H2O!
Prioritise sleep. Getting adequate sleep is a very basic yet crucial self-care practice. It alleviates stress, improves cardiovascular health, strengthens the immune system and boosts memory, among other things. Meanwhile, regularly skimping on sleep impairs cognitive function and puts you at risk for serious health conditions like diabetes and heart disease. Don't cut back on sleep, even when you're tempted to get just a few more tasks done (or watch that extra Netflix show) while the kiddos are asleep.

Bottom line: YOU MATTER. Your self-care routine can involve anything that recharges you!

And last but not least, please don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it - whether it's from your partner, parent, friend or a counsellor. Raising a family takes a village, so reach out for the support you need, when you need it.

WISHING ALL YOU WOMEN AND MAMAS MORE TIME FOR SELF CARE THIS MOTHER’S DAY!