If you've ever flown on a plane (or maybe even if you haven't), you'll know that, in the event of an emergency, you're told to put your own mask on before helping anyone else. This is because you're better prepared to help others if you help yourself first. And this is a lesson that all parents should take to heart, even outside of the context of an extremely rare aircraft failure. By taking care of yourself first, you can be a better mom. When you're happy and healthy, you're able to be there for your children more fully. There are several ways you can make sure you're putting your mask on first.
Make Time for Self-Care
Self-care isn't just about the basic things you do to care for yourself every day, although things like showering and brushing your hair can come into it too. It's all of the things that you do to care for your own needs, both physically and mentally. Your self-care might include taking a few minutes for yourself each morning or evening, or making sure you follow a healthy bedtime routine. There are different types of self-care, such as emotional, spiritual and physical self-care, which can all help you be healthier.
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Take Care of Your Mental Health
Self-care is part of looking after your mental health, but it's not the only thing that you need to stay mentally healthy. Being a parent is often stressful, and that's without considering other stress factors or mental health issues in your life. You might need to do a number of things to care for your mental health. Some people can require therapy or medication to help them stay balanced. In some circumstances, attending a service like a depression rehab center could even be required to help you get back on track. Sometimes you have to do whatever is necessary to care for your health and make sure you can be present for your children.
Ask for Help When You Need It
Asking for help can be tough, especially when you feel like you should be able to do everything yourself. But it's often true that it takes a village to raise children, so don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Don't wait until you're really desperate for someone to lighten your load, either. Allow people to help you on an everyday basis, whether it's helping with childcare or taking some other burden that you're struggling with.
Take the Pressure Off
Moms can put a lot of pressure on themselves to be perfect, and a lot of external pressure can affect them too. It's hard not to be affected by this, but working on not letting the pressure get to you can help to make you a better parent. The truth is that there's no such thing as a perfect parent, and you can't be everything to everyone. Taking the pressure off yourself can also mean there's less pressure on your children to do things like get perfect grades or attend a million after-school activities.
Put your own mom mask on first if you want to be a good parent and make sure you can be there for others, as well as yourself.
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