posted 3rd March 2025
Little time, endless chores, and constant demands. Motherhood today looks vastly different from what it once was. In the midst of modern pressures, it’s easy to feel disconnected—not just from our role as mothers, but from ourselves as women.
At times, it feels like the world has lost its way, and we risk losing ours too. But one thing remains true: the stability of a home rests on the mother's nervous system.
As Gabor Maté states in his latest book "The Myth of Normal":
*"Children unconsciously absorb their mother’s emotional states, shaping their capacity for resilience or vulnerability. Chronic stress in a mother can influence gene expression in her child, making them more susceptible to conditions like anxiety, depression, or autoimmune diseases."*
Knowing this, taking care of yourself isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Here are 10 effective ways to help you reset, recharge, and nurture your well-being, even on the busiest of days.
*Find Your Recharge Window*
Every mum’s schedule is different. Identify a time of day when you can prioritise yourself—even if it’s just 5 minutes. Whether it’s early morning before the house wakes up, during nap time, or after the kids are in bed, carve out your sacred moment.
* Move Your Body, Shift Your Energy*
Our physical state impacts our emotional state, so movement is key. Even 10 minutes can make a difference:
A brisk walk
Yoga stretches
A short run
Dancing in the kitchen
A few deep, grounding breaths
Exercise isn't just about fitness; it's a reset button for your mind.
*Practice Micro-Mindfulness*
Mindfulness doesn’t have to be an hour-long meditation. Try:
Breathwork: A simple 4-7-8 breathing exercise (inhale for 4, hold for 7, exhale for 8)
Gratitude practice: Name three things you’re grateful for while making your morning coffee
Body scan meditation: Take one minute to check in with your body and release tension
*Journal Your Thoughts*
Writing things down can clear mental clutter. Try:
A simple "brain dump" each morning
Writing down one thing that went well today
Journaling through a challenging emotion
*Make Space for What Brings You Joy*
Motherhood is part of your identity, but not all of it. What lights you up?
A dance class
Painting or crafting
Singing, baking, gardening
Reading something that isn’t about parenting
When you make time for your passions, you teach your children that joy and self-expression matter.
*Set Boundaries and Say No*
Protect your energy by:
Saying "no" to things that drain you
Asking for help without guilt
Letting go of perfectionism
You don’t have to do everything. Your well-being is just as important as everyone else's.
*Embrace Nature, Even for a Moment*
Nature is a natural stress reliever. Step outside:
Have your morning coffee in the garden
Walk barefoot on the grass
Open the window and take five deep breaths of fresh air
Even tiny moments ground you in the present.
*Nourish Yourself Properly*
Food is more than fuel—it’s self-care. Instead of rushing meals, try:
Drinking your morning tea or coffee mindfully
Eating without distractions for one meal a day
Choosing nutrient-dense, whole foods that truly nourish you
*Create a Simple Nighttime Ritual*
The way you end your day sets the tone for the next. Try:
A warm bath with essential oils
Reading instead of scrolling
Stretching or deep breathing before bed
A soothing night routine signals to your body that it’s safe to rest and restore.
*Give Yourself Grace*
Some days will be messy. Some days, self-care might mean simply drinking enough water or taking a deep breath in the middle of chaos. That’s okay.
