Five Ways Mums Neglect Themselves 

There is a misconception that to be a good mother, you must put yourself last. However, regularly ignoring your personal needs will have a negative impact on your well-being. Mum burnout occurs because of a lack of self-care, and it can lead to both physical and mental health issues, which are typically exacerbated by feelings of guilt, shame, and loneliness. Remember that your children can only succeed if you do. There are several ways that mums neglect themselves. 

Sleep

Sleep, a basic habit of well-being, is often undervalued. Everyone is different but be aware that sleep deprivation lowers cognitive performance and puts you at risk for significant health problems like diabetes and heart disease. Perhaps you need to reschedule your day to include consistent bedtimes for children and parents! Going to bed earlier means you will be able to get up earlier. This will give you more energy, put you in a better mood, and make you healthier. It may mean you can fit in a morning exercise session before the household wakes up.

Exercise

A healthy level of exercise does not have to be strenuous or boring. Consistency matters and just three times a week will make a significant difference to your mental and physical health. There are so many different types of exercise programmes to get your blood pumping. A brisk walk around the neighbourhood, a swim with the children, a yoga session with a friend, or even a YouTube dance class can all be highly beneficial. 

Nutrition

Many mums admit to being so concerned with making sure their children eat well that they forget to eat. A well-balanced diet and drinking plenty of water go a long way to maintaining your health and energy levels. Keep healthy snacks on hand – not only for your children! Meal preparation and planning can be extremely helpful for busy mums who tend to skip meals.  

Regular Health Checks

Mums are known to rush their children to the doctor for every cut, scrape, and sniffle, yet they neglect their own health. Routine health check-ups or screenings can save your life! 

Mums should have regular blood pressure and cholesterol checks. Mammograms and bone density screenings are important as a woman gets older. Pap smear tests can detect cervical cancer but not ovarian cancer. Diagnosing ovarian cancer depends on the early detection of symptoms such as sudden loss of appetite, bloating, abdominal pains, and unexplained fatigue. You need to find healthcare providers who put your needs first. Other screenings to schedule include blood glucose tests, colon cancer screening, skin examinations, and dental check-ups. 

Fun

As a mum, it is easy to lose sight of the importance of having fun. We must find things that add joy and excitement to our lives, both with and without the children, to alleviate depression and provide inspiration to keep moving forward. Take time to re-connect with your friends over a cup of coffee or a glass of wine. Schedule date nights with your partner to keep the flame alive and remind you that you are more than just a mum!

Self-care refers to the acts that an individual takes to preserve or develop his or her physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Self-care is a sign of love; it shows that you care about yourself, your family, your friends, and everyone else with whom you engage. Be kind to yourself and don’t feel bad about it.