Stop Waiting Until Bedtime: How to Integrate Self-Care into Your Day as a Busy Toddler Mom
For a long time, I thought that being a good mother meant always putting my children first, even at the expense of my well-being. That was the example I had growing up, so I just assumed that it was the norm. Until I became a mother myself. I found myself with a toddler, overwhelmed, exhausted, experiencing what felt like never ending mom fog, and I felt lonely. I had this amazing experience I was going through as a new mom, but I missed adult conversations and hanging out with my friends. I didn’t know who I was anymore outside of being someone’s mother.
The only time I had to myself was whenever my daughter napped, or when she went down for the night and in both cases I usually ended up completing some household chores. Even though, everyday I’d make a plan to catch up on a podcast or do my nails once the baby was sleep, I always ended up doing something else. I quickly learned that putting my needs last all the time was not sustainable. I just grew even more exhausted, overwhelmed, and easily triggered by my toddler’s behavior.
I know that as moms, we want to do all the things and act like we have it all together, but putting yourself last isn’t the way. You deserve to prioritize your own needs too. In this post, I’m going to share four effective strategies that will help you integrate self-care into your daily routine without waiting until bedtime.
1. Reframe Your Mindset
The first step is to reframe the mindset that your needs always come last. It’s important to recognize that your well-being is crucial, not only for you but also for your family. When you take care of yourself, you are better equipped to care for others. Start by making a conscious decision that your needs matter.
2. Address Overwhelm with Coping Skills
When you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s important not to ignore it. Pushing through without addressing your feelings can lead to emotional outbursts, especially during challenging moments with your toddler. Instead, pause and use a coping skill to regulate your nervous system.
Deep breathing exercises, one of my favorite coping skills, can be extremely effective. Take a few minutes to focus on your breath, inhaling deeply through your nose and exhaling slowly through your mouth. This simple practice can help calm your mind and body, allowing you to respond to stress with more patience and clarity.
3. Encourage Independent Play
Providing your toddler with opportunities to play independently is beneficial for both you and your child. STEM toys and materials that promote creativity and problem-solving are excellent choices. Magnatiles, for instance, are a fantastic option as they can engage children in endless ways.
Use your toddler’s independent playtime as an opportunity to practice self-care. While they are busy building and exploring, take a moment to do something that rejuvenates you. Whether it’s reading a chapter of a book, fitting in a quick workout, or simply enjoying a cup of coffee, these small breaks can recharge your energy and improve your mood.
4.Take Mini Breaks
Incorporating self-care into your daily routine doesn't require large blocks of time. Taking mini breaks of five minutes or more throughout the day can help you stay centered and regulated. Reflect on your daily routine and identify small windows of time where you can prioritize self-care.
By regularly checking in with yourself and addressing your needs in real-time, you can prevent overwhelm and maintain a more balanced emotional state throughout the day.
Waiting until the end of the day to take time for yourself isn’t a sustainable strategy. By reframing your mindset, addressing overwhelm with coping skills, encouraging independent play, and taking mini breaks, you can integrate self-care into your daily routine. Remember, taking care of yourself is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. When you prioritize your own needs, you set a positive example for your children and create a more balanced, fulfilling family life.
