The Importance of Personal Time for Mothers
A majority of women with young children are in the workforce, and around one in four are raising their children on their own—as found in a recent Pew report. The many obligations moms have to fulfill often means that many hardly get any personal time per day, with many moms in developed countries getting a mere 17 minutes to themselves. If you are a mom and you find that you dream of having more time to enjoy a hobby, get some exercise, or connect with others, read on to discover a few reasons why you should make it a reality.
The Mental Benefits of Personal Time
Recent research published by the British Psychological Society has shown that personal time is important for your psychological health and wellbeing. The researchers found that good quality (rather than quantity) is the secret to making the most of ‘me time’ and that is good news for moms who may have little time to spare. The researchers found that personal time does not have to mean engaging in activity or relaxing by oneself. On the contrary; it can involve meeting friends and loved ones and taking part in any type of activity that leaves you renewed and reinvigorated. Good quality personal time involves recharging your batteries so you can be the very best version of yourself to your colleagues, friends, and family members.
The Power of Massage
Not all personal time is equal; some address pain, stiffness, and the other aches and pains that can arise when you are holding a baby for many hours a day or getting little sleep. The power of touch can be particularly restorative to new moms, many of whom help their newborns sleep better by performing soothing ‘baby massages’. Don’t forget yourself, though. As found by researchers from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, massage can relax you, reduce muscle tightness, improve your circulation and breathing, battle anxiety and stress, lower blood pressure, and help you fall prey to colds. There is a reason why so many massage specials are aimed at new mothers. It is important to separate body and mind from your obligations back home so you reconnect with yourself and your needs and you authentically feel the importance of self-kindness and care.
Healing Foods and Regular Exercise
Consider the food you eat and your fitness routines as vital components of your daily personal routine. When it comes to food preparation, aim to follow a Mediterranean-style diet that prioritizes fiber-rich fruits and vegetables. Fiber is known to promote a healthy gut, which is closely linked to mental health. Aim to get at least half an hour to yourself a day to stay active, too. Kansas State University researchers have found that new moms need workouts that are less structured. In other words, even if you can’t make your preferred two-hour stint at the gym, simply going for a walk or run, practicing yoga outdoors, or doing a few free weights will do the trick. The researchers found that many people who were physically active prior to having a baby feel guilty about taking time to exercise once their baby is born. Lead researcher, Emily Mailey stated, “Doing something for yourself is not selfish — it actually might help you be more patient or have more energy for your kids.”
Taking time to exercise, practice a hobby, and prepare yourself a nice meal are all examples of simple ways to embrace the power of personal time. Doing so is important at a time in which veering away from child-caring tasks may make you feel a little guilty. Taking time to meet friends, enjoy your favorite workout, or simply spend time in a nature-filled landscape by yourself can all recharge your batteries and make everyday responsibilities feel far less burdensome.
