4 Simple Self-Care Tips for Moms

May 2, 2023 FIT4MOM

We get it, Mama… “self-care” feels more like a trendy buzzword than an achievable task… especially if you’re a mom to little ones. Here’s why that’s a problem: as women and as mothers, we are almost always putting everyone else’s needs above our own, which leaves us feeling run down, overwhelmed, and burnt out.

This May, we’re making it our mission to show you how to make self-care not only attainable, but enjoyable—and truly beneficial for your mind, body, and soul. We’ve broken it down into four weeks, each with a theme, to ease you into simple self-care. From scheduling doctor's appointments and haircuts to penciling in workouts and monthly breast checks, we promise you’ll end the month feeling refreshed and accomplished. You in, Mama? Let’s get started!

WEEK 1 | EARLY DETECTION IS KEY:

We often regulate breast health to October, when the focus is on Breast Cancer Awareness, but did you know that in the United States, breast cancer is the second most common form of cancer in women after skin cancer? Or that approximately 1 in 8 women will get breast cancer in their lifetime? While there isn’t just one cause of breast cancer, it’s evident that it’s a big issue that many women don’t think about often enough! According to Dr. Connealy, the key to breast cancer prevention is being aware of the various factors that cause the disease and avoiding them as much as possible while at the same time being aware of what discourages cancerous growth in breast tissue.

It sounds cliché, but prevention is key and knowledge is power, Mama! That is why we love this amazing (and free) app from our friends at Keep A Breast! Keep A Breast is dedicated to helping you navigate all of this in one spot, which is IDEAL for busy mamas. The app teaches you how to perform a breast self-check using interactive GIFs, allows you to schedule a monthly reminder, and even provides support in case you find something during your self-check! Keep A Breast uses the saying #FeelItOnTheFirst and we love that it’s easy to remember, because #mombrain is real no matter how old your kiddos are.

Download the App Today

WEEK 2 | LET’S GET PHYSICAL:

There’s no hiding the fact that a good workout can leave you feeling euphoric. That’s in part because of the rush of endorphins that your body releases when you exercise—according to Jessica Maurer, FIT4MOM Director of Operations and Product, in her article 5 Ways Fitness Can Increase Your Parenting Power, “incorporating movement into your day can make you a better, ok maybe calmer, parent” and we totally agree! At FIT4MOM, those good vibe feelings also come from working out outdoors, with a group of like-minded mamas or an accountability partner!

May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month and the second week of May (May 8-15) is National Women’s Health Week, so what better time to take control of your health, Mama? Psst: have you seen the incredible special events, membership rates, and giveaways happening in May at your local FIT4MOM location?! Sign up for a free week of classes or try a new workout this week, Mama!

Aside from committing to a workout routine, this is the perfect time to re-evaluate what foods you bring into the home. Wash and chop fresh fruit and veggies for quick and easy access, batch cook things like lean protein and whole grains, and start integrating packaged snacks that only contain a few, simple ingredients. We love That’s It. fruit bars and snacks because they’re non-GMO, have no sugar added, and are free from the top 12 allergens (did you know that May is Allergy Awareness Month?).

WEEK 3 | PENCIL IT IN:

Remember how we mentioned you doing all the things for all the people? This is where it gets real, Mama. Would you let your kiddo skip their well-check doctor’s appointment or their regularly scheduled dentist appointment? Would you schedule them a haircut when they needed it and make sure they got there? Why do we put such a high importance on appointments for others and not hold our own needs to the same standards?

This week, we challenge you to make a list of all those important appointments you’ve been neglecting: annual physicals, dentist appointments, dermatologist appointments, mammograms, gynecologist appointments, haircuts, and more. Get honest and really lay it out there! Now, choose your top 3–what are the highest priorities on that list? Grab your calendar, start making some calls, and get those top 3 penciled in, Mama! You’ll feel SO much better knowing they’re on the calendar.

WEEK 4 | MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS:

We can’t close out this self-care plan without acknowledging that May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Sometimes we just need 15 minutes of quiet a day to meditate, sometimes we need to schedule weekly appointments with a therapist to talk it out, and sometimes it’s a bit more than that—no shame or judgment. While many parents experience some mild mood changes during or after the birth of a child, 15-20% of women experience more significant symptoms of depression or anxiety. Parents of every culture, age, income level, and race can develop perinatal mental health disorders and symptoms can appear at any time during pregnancy and the first 12 months after childbirth, according to our friends at Postpartum Support International (PSI). The good news? There is help, Mama!

With kids getting out of school for summer and travel plans ramping up for many families, mental stressors can be exacerbated. There’s no denying that schedule changes inherently increase stress. Continue to care for your physical and mental health, Mama—your FIT4MOM village is always here for you! If you’re looking for outside support, utilize the resources provided by PSI and their event, Climb Out of the Darkness. The Climb is a community walk and international fundraiser focused on raising awareness and funds supporting the mental health of new families! Find a Climb event near you to join, Mama.

Let’s make May our healthiest month yet, Mama. Mentally, physically, and spiritually—you’re worth it.

Looking for a workout class or a community like the Villages mentioned above? Find your local franchise and get started today!

Find Your Village

Learn about Franchising