Those of you who know me well, also know my precious baby girl, Noa. As most new moms do, I’ve made it my mission to do any and everything I can to give my girl the best upbringing possible. However, throughout the first couple months of her life, I’ve realized that in order to pour all that I’ve got into my sweet baby, I first must make sure that the glass I am pouring from is full–ME!
Before the days of Noa… When it was just Olden and I, I was careful to always take the time I needed to be my best self. Whether this meant taking a relaxing bath, reading a book or going on an occasional shopping spree, it was easy to “fill my cup” and be my best self! Admittedly, when Noa came along my self-love routine was thrown for a loop. However, I was able to identify it early on and have discovered 3 easy steps for creating balance as a mother at any age… Keep reading to find out!
- Find what “fills your cup” outside of being a mother.
That’s right! If you’re a newer mom, this might feel selfish at first. Trust me, it felt that way for me, too! But I quickly realized that neglecting my own likes and interests only made me feel tired and depleted. My routine included nothing for me, and everything for work and Noa. The result was an unbalanced life.
I knew that Noa needed my all, and so I re-evaluated my daily routine and decided to try and incorporate back into my life some of the things that I enjoyed before motherhood. While girls nights and brunch with my cousins might not be a weekly occasion anymore, I identified the things that I can still do daily that won’t disrupt my routine with little Noa. I found that incorporating the smallest acts of self-care throughout my day made SUCH a difference!
2. Find time! Yes, you have it.
While having a newborn feels like a full-time job in itself, adding work to the list felt nearly impossible when the time came to go back. With the challenge of going back to my job and being a mother, I must admit that I was afraid of once more losing touch with what fills my cup (outside of motherhood!). Did it become more difficult? Yes. But has it been worth it? 100%.
I’ve found that I can maximize my day by using the small in-between moments. Luckily, I have Olden to help me. When Noa is down for a nap, even 5-10 minutes of gentle stretching, reading, or listening to my favorite podcast gives me such a rejuvenated sense of peace. Make a tea and let these moments fill you with gratitude. I’ve started thinking of my morning and evening routines as an act of self care by adding more intention into each task, too.
3. Ask for help!
It seems that many mothers carry such a sense of guilt when it comes to asking for help from family members or babysitters. Don’t! I completely understand the feeling of not wanting to leave your little one–especially your first. But when the time comes, allow your family members to help you. And when you’re comfortable with it, know that investing in a trusted babysitter for date night weekends will be well worth it.
As a working mother, it is easier to get the things done that simply MUST be done. However, I’ve found that making time for the little moments that I enjoy independently of my child has allowed me to give her my best self day after day without getting exhausted. It isn’t easy, but it is worth it!
Seton Walker 