Welcome to motherhood mama! Your new baby is finally here and you just cannot get enough of those sweet cuddles. If you are like me, you have probably lost track of time, and not just because you are in awe of this living miracle you have waited for nine long months.
Motherhood journey is a roller coaster of emotions: one minute you feel on top of the world and the next you feel like you are all over the place.
Don’t worry mama, we have all been there. Though it is the most worthwhile role you’ll ever assume, motherhood can leave you overwhelmed. This goes for new moms as well as experienced moms.
When you spend the entire day taking care of your newborn along with never-ending household chores, it may seem next to impossible to find time for yourself. From one mom to another, trust me when I say that putting yourself first is crucial to your well-being.
Remember, a happy mama makes for a happy home!
A mother’s love knows no bounds. Try to extend some of that love to yourself and watch how you ace this beautiful journey as a new parent.
This article is not a substitute for medical advice.
How Do I Make Myself Time As A Stay At Home Mom? – 10 Best Ways
Nothing worthwhile comes easy, right? Motherhood is no different. Here are some ideas to assist you in making time for yourself as you navigate through this new chapter of life1.
1. All Hands On Deck
Try to involve your partner and kids in getting through the daily chores. Now I highly doubt how a baby can help load the dishwasher, but assigning tasks to each family member can take the load off a busy mom and give her some alone time.
This can also serve as teaching grown-up kids the importance of teamwork and independence. Make them sort the laundry, or bring their plates to you. These are small thing but will help you find time for yourself.
2. Schedule Your Free Time
You must have heard this a million times: sleep when the baby sleeps. If your busy schedule does not allow that, you can make a rule that you will ONLY RELAX when the baby sleeps.
Catch up on that show you have been meaning to watch or grab the dog-eared book that has been waiting for you for ages. If you have elder kids, tweak their bedtimes a little earlier so you have some free time available on your hands.
Work can wait. You do not need to overwork yourself, just to keep up with the cultural norms. Take it easy mama.
3. Plan Your Meals
Figuring out meal options can be a daunting task, especially when a mom has the responsibility of a new baby.
Try to plan meals ahead of time. Get your partner on board. If they can cook, you can take turns. Many moms make double batches and freeze them, so you can have meals readily available on days when you can’t be bothered to cook.
Avail grocery delivery services instead of heading to the mart yourself. Though it can be good sometimes, saving your precious time will help you cater to your own needs.
4. Prioritize Your Sleep
I can not stress enough the significance of sleep in a new mom’s life. Sleep deprivation can be one of the factors that lead to postpartum depression2.
Taking care of a baby with incessant diaper changes and feeding sessions will definitely not allow for a full night’s slumber, but a mother should try to squeeze in a nap here and there to keep herself replenished.
Having a sleep schedule will do wonders for your emotional and physical well-being.
5. Make The Most Out Of Nursing Sessions
You know you are going to stay put while you are breastfeeding your baby. Taking advantage of that time, try to tap into your social life again by making that overdue call to your friend.
If that is not how to want to spend time, indulge in a book, or watch a movie. If mindless scrolling through Instagram is what you want to do, then be it. Enjoy this quiet time.
If you’re EPing mama, I recommend investing in a good wearable hands-free pump like Elvie or Willow that will allow you to multitask during pumping sessions.
If you’re using hospital-grade pump like Spectra, get a pumping bra for Spectra that will hold its flanges (and free your hands). You can use this time for reading a book, chatting over the phone or shopping online.
6. The Scrubbing Can Wait
If your house is considerately clean, you’re winning here.
The last thing an exhausted mother needs is to scrub the floors. If you find yourself cleaning meticulously as soon as your baby falls asleep, I am going to have you stop right here Mama.
Though it is a great thing that you keep your place spotless, certain things should take the backseat as you become new parents. That pile of unfolded laundry can wait.
If your budget allows, hire professional help so you can save up on time and effort.
7. Exercise
You’d be surprised to know how positive you’ll feel after physical activity. Bonus: once you get used to it, this will serve as a motivation to lose that pregnancy weight.
Now it does not have to be a crushing workout session at the gym, a simple stroll in the park will do just fine.
Better yet, use this as your cue to take the kids to the park. Your partner or friends can watch over the big kids while you bond with your baby, enjoying the fresh air.
Moms that can’t find time to leave the house can put on some dance workouts and have a fun evening with the kids. Even 15 minutes of exercise will boost your mind.
8. Ask For Help
All mothers swear by this golden rule: ask for help. You need all the support you can get. This does not make you any less of a mother.
In my case, it took me a few deep breaths and a lot of courage before I asked for support but it was exactly what I needed.
I went from being an overwhelmed and stressed mommy to a happy mom who is one step ahead of her to-do list.
Get a babysitter if you can, or consider daycare options if you intend to resume work.
9. Prioritize Self-Care
Being a mom, it is so hard finding time for yourself in your busy everyday life. More often than not, moms struggle to maintain a balance between newborns, chores, and family responsibilities.
With no time to ourselves, we ignore our feelings and health which results in outbursts.
Let’s start with making self-care a priority. If you’re a morning person, start your day with an energizing shower while your newborn is napping, or indulge in an evening bubble bath once your kids are asleep.
Revisiting your hobbies can be rewarding. Take up baking, sewing, reading, or whatever tickles your fancy. If you want to nap with your babies, then go for it.
Do whatever makes you feel happy and validated. You deserve the world.
10. Spend Time With Family And Friends
It is rightly said that it takes a village to raise a child. One of the best ways of finding time is to visit your loved ones. As a mom, it is important to stay in touch with friends so you can laugh, cry and vent. It gives you a beautiful feeling that you are not alone.
Plan play dates with other moms who have kids. This helps you bond with your friends while keeping your children engaged in play.
The perk of visiting family is they will keep your kids busy and you can escape, even if it is only for 5 minutes of quiet time. Never feel guilty for stepping out for a break when your children are with trusted supervisors (family, friends, neighbors).
Tips For Finding Time For Yourself When You Have An Infant
Here are some great tips for finding time for yourself when you have an infant. There is nothing wrong with wanting to have some free time for yourself. Just remember to ensure that they are being supervised.
- Shower every day
Bust the stress with a shower during baby’s nap time3. Using an invigorating shower cream will leave you smelling like spring.
- Get yourself moving
A few minutes of working out will get your heart rate racing, which will keep you powered through the day.
- Make a to-do list
A sense of organization will help you stay on track, eliminating the needless stress that comes with mom brain fog.
- Ask for help
Never shy away from asking for help4. Have your friends step in, or leave the children with trusted family, so you can get some time alone. You need all the support you can garner.
- Treat yourself to a Spa day
Light those candles, put on a relaxing face mask, and listen to soothing music. If you’re feeling like it, book a home appointment with a nail technician.
- Entertain yourself when breastfeeding
Catch up on your favorite TV series or podcast when you’re nursing. This could also be a good time to check on your friends.
- Prioritize your free time
When you have free time, make sure you stay away from chores and demands that do not help you unwind. Go swimming, head out for a brunch, or do whatever makes you happy.It’s nothing bad about prioritising your well-being5.
- Rekindle your hobbies
When your child is asleep, it is the best time to tap into some old hobby. Or even better, take up a new one. This will keep you busy while keeping you productive.
- Get a babysitter
It is a wise decision to get someone else to watch the baby. Head out with your partner so the both of you can bond, without the kids.
- Address your triggers
If you are stressed, burnt out, or exhausted, chances are that you will not be able to give your best as a well-rested parent would.
- Connect with nature
Put the baby in their stroller and enjoy some downtime in the fresh air. This will refresh both your mind and body.
- Baby Wrap and Go
With an infant, it is likely that your baby will be around you for most of the time. You can multitask and stay active with baby-wearing. Enjoy your light hike with your best buddy.
- Make the most out of baby naps
Plan ahead how you will spend time when the baby naps. Having a list at hand can free up mental space and improve your efficiency.
- Mom and Baby activities
Join mom and baby yoga classes. You get to enjoy a yoga session with your baby, which may keep you motivated to return frequently, improving your general well-being.
You can get in a good workout while spending time with your baby in her stroller. A win-win situation for mom and baby.
Tips For Finding “Me” Time When You Have Toddler Or Older Child
Apart from the above-mentioned tips, here are a few extra tips to find some “Me” time if you have a bit older kiddo:
- Sensory box
Engage your child with a box full of toys, blocks, activity books, or playdoh.
- Involve the older kids
Ask for their help with laundry sorting or picking up toys. They can even look after the baby if mom needs a quick bathroom break.
- Establish a quiet time
Quiet time for the child, and few peacuful moments for tired mom!
- Grocery runs
These trips can be the perfect break you need from being overwhelmed at home. It comes with added benefits of getting some coffee, and oh groceries of course.
- Nursery / day-care
If you have a toddler, you can consider dropping them off at a daycare or nursery that you pick.
- Group activities for kids
Children love to interact in group activities. So take your kids to camps, sign them up for language learning, and enroll in science activities. You can enjoy your downtime while your kids have their attention elsewhere.
Why Self Care Is So Important?
In this busy world, self-care and self-love are the only way to be. Our kids look up to us and when we practice self-care, this will instill in them that their needs should be put first.
Self-care helps us destress and make time for ourselves while improving our mental health6.
Mothers often put themselves at the bottom of their list, but with some effort and compassion, we can make time for ourselves to be our best versions. Rock on, mama!
The purpose of this article is informative. It’s not a substitute for professional medical advice or medical care. Remember: safety first! Consult your doctor/pediatrician in case of any doubts. The author of this article does not accept any responsibility for any liability, loss or risk, personal or otherwise, incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, from any information or advice contained here.
Resources:
https://www.kindredbravely.com/
https://mom.com/momlife/
https://www.verywellfamily.com/
https://www.nct.org.uk/
https://www.sleepfoundation.org/
https://www.parents.com/
Hello Moms! I am Zooey. I am a wife and a mother of three amazing kids: almost 5-year-old Haley and 2-year-old twins Jesse and Matthew. I am a jogger, cooker and blogger.If you have a question or a comment, do not hesitate to write to me! 🙂