Self-Care Tips for New Moms – 31 Ways to Nurture Yourself
Throughout the endless diapers, sleepless nights, and heart-melting cuddles, it’s easy to forget the one person who needs care too: you.
Self-care might sound like a distant luxury, but in reality, it’s a lifeline that can keep you grounded and thriving during this incredible – albeit challenging – journey. This post isn’t about grand gestures or unattainable ideals. Rather, it’s about small, realistic, and achievable self-care tips for new moms. Even though it doesn’t seem like it, you can weave self-care into your daily routine. From embracing the messy bun when you’re out and about stocking up on motherhood essentials, to finding pockets of calm amidst the chaos, know that taking care of yourself isn’t selfish; it’s a necessity.
These practical self-care tips for new moms aren’t about adding more tasks to your to-do list; they’re about recognizing that by nurturing yourself, you’re better able to nurture your baby, your relationships, and your own well-being. Therefore, self-care can be your anchor as you navigate the uncharted waters of new motherhood.
Self-care tips for new moms to prioritize their physical well-being
1. Rest when baby naps.
Many say that you should sleep when the baby sleeps, but one of my favorite words of advice for new mothers is to use your baby’s nap times to do something for you. Maybe that is taking a short nap, but it could also just be sitting on the couch and watching a mindless reality show. Don’t feel the need to catch up on chores during nap time. Instead, rest and relax.
2. Stay hydrated.
Keep a water bottle handy so you can ensure you’re drinking enough throughout the day. I like the water bottles that have time markings to show how much you should be drinking. They definitely help remind you to be more hydrated.
3. Eat nutritious meals.
Choose balanced meals and quick, healthy snacks so you can keep your energy levels up. Stock up on fruits, vegetables, nuts, and yogurt as they are nutritious, easy-to-grab items for when you’re feeling hungry during the day.
4. Exercise on a regular basis.
Engage in gentle postpartum exercises in order to stay active and rejuvenate your body. Making time for exercise can help both your body and mind. It’s not about getting back to your pre-baby weight. Instead, it’s about gaining self-confidence and strength, and feeling good about yourself.
5. Take fresh air breaks.
Spend a few minutes outdoors, whether it’s in your backyard or a short walk around the block. Breathing in some fresh air on a beautiful, sunny day can really boost your mood.
Self-care tips for new moms to nurture their emotional health
6. Ask for help.
Society can make us feel like we should be able to do it all, but that is impossible! It is okay to need help. Don’t be afraid to ask friends or family for assistance when needed.
7. Talk about feelings.
Share your emotions with a supportive friend or a therapist. It is so important to talk about your feelings so your thoughts don’t fester inside. Sometimes it’s really helpful to be able to speak to a neutral third party who doesn’t already know all the details about your family and friends and who will not judge.
8. Practice gratitude.
I like starting the day with some gratitude. You may wake up and think about all you are going to have to deal with that day, but if you take a moment to think of a few things you are grateful for, your mindset can change to be more positive. There are also some great self-care apps for moms that remind you to take some moments of gratitude throughout the day.
9. Practice mindfulness.
Sit in peace and quiet. Take note of one thing you see, one thing you hear, one thing you smell, one thing you feel, and one thing you can taste. Having a few minutes of mindfulness can help calm you down when you are feeling very stressed.
10. Find a creative outlet.
Engage in a creative hobby you enjoy. Let your mind wander and draw whatever comes to mind. Pick up a coloring book for adults and do some coloring. Practice an instrument. Start a blog! Creative activities can be cathartic and help you release some of your emotions and feelings.
Self-care tips for new moms to find moments of solitude
11. Set alone time.
Schedule short breaks for yourself, even if it’s just 10 minutes of peace and quiet. Let your mind wander freely and feel whatever you are feeling.
12. Have pampering sessions.
Treat yourself to a relaxing bath or skincare routine when you can. Use some essential oils in a diffuser and relax and enjoy the smell. Light a scented candle, close your eyes, and really pay attention to the scent. Put on a face mask, lie down, and just relax.
13. Unplug.
Take a break from screens and digital devices for mental detox. Social media can especially be harmful. It is very hard to separate “real life” from “social media life”. People tend to post the best parts of their day on social media and don’t share the hard parts, so it’s definitely good to unplug every now and then.
14. Journal for therapy.
Write down everything that is on your mind. Write down your feelings and your fears. I enjoy journals that also have prompts to help get the writing going too. When you keep your feelings and fears inside they can spiral and get much worse. Purging your brain can really help free the mind.
15. Read for pleasure.
Reading is one of my favorite self-care activities. There was a time when I thought I was too busy to read, so I starting to set small goals for myself such as reading one chapter. If finishing a chapter seems like too much, then try to just read a certain number of pages. Stock up on some self-care books for moms.
Self-care tips for new moms to focus on their mental health
16. Eat mindfully.
Savor your meals, focusing on each bite, without distractions. Try to have a meal or even just a snack alone so you can really enjoy what you are eating.
17. Perform positive affirmations.
Let go of motherhood myths. Search for affirmations that have special meaning to you online or buy some affirmation cards so you always have some handy. Read the affirmations over and over until you start to believe them.
18. Practice mindful parenting.
Embrace the present moment with your baby without rushing. Put the phone down. Try not to think of your mental to-do list. Just play or cuddle with your baby.
19. Take breathing breaks.
Take short breaks throughout the day to practice deep breathing exercises. 4-7-8 breathing can be very helpful. Inhale through your nose for four counts, hold for seven counts, and then exhale for eight counts. This technique can really help calm you when you are feeling tense.
20. Practice yoga or stretching.
Incorporate gentle stretches or yoga poses into your day to relieve tension. Restorative yoga can especially be very rejuvenating. Find a video in any style that you enjoy and do some yoga at home.
Self-care tips for new moms to celebrate achievements, big and small
21. Celebrate milestones.
At the end of the day acknowledge both your baby’s and your own achievements, no matter how small, and remind yourself of what you accomplished. Ordering new clothes in the next size for your baby. Not having to deal with a diaper blowout today. Leaving the house with your baby by yourself. Seeing your baby smile. Think about all you got done and experienced that day, even if you didn’t get everything done that you wanted to, and be proud of yourself.
22. Create a joy jar.
Keep a jar where you write down one thing that made you happy each day. Read through them whenever you need a lift. You can even decorate the jar as a creative outlet.
23. Go on a solo adventure.
Get in the car by yourself, put on your favorite radio station, and drive somewhere or nowhere. Grab a coffee or stop in the library to pick out a book. Enjoy not having to lug along a diaper bag, bottles, or a crying baby!
24. Treat yourself.
Occasionally indulge in something you love, whether it’s a favorite treat or a relaxing bath. Buy yourself a new outfit, shoes, or some self-care products for new moms. .
25. Seek positive social interactions.
Connect with friends who uplift you. If you can spare the time, meet some mom friends for brunch. Share good and bad mom experiences, as well as survival tips!
Self-care tips for new moms to maintain social connections
26. Have virtual hangouts.
Arrange virtual catch-ups with friends and loved ones. Having a quick video call with a friend can be almost as good as actually being together.
27. Join mom groups.
Join local or online mom groups to share experiences and advice. You may end up making a new best friend.
28. Plan for couples time.
Set aside quality time with your partner, even if it’s just a quiet dinner at home. If you don’t want to do the work take a look at some self-care monthly subscription boxes for date nights. All the supplies you need will get shipped right to you.
29. Multitask when necessary.
Combine self-care with baby care, like listening to an audiobook during feeding or putting on some calming music while washing bottles.
30. Plan out the week.
Review this list and make a plan for your own mom self-care schedule. Schedule the items in your phone calendar so you will get reminders when it is time for your self-care.
31. Reflect and celebrate.
At the end of each week, reflect on your self-care efforts and celebrate your successes. Be proud of yourself for taking time out for you!
This journey is a marathon, not a sprint.
There will be days when self-care seems like an uphill battle, but even the tiniest efforts can have a big impact on your well-being. Realistic self-care is about stealing a few moments for yourself amidst the diaper changes and feedings. It’s about accepting help when it’s offered and seeking it out when you need it. It’s about finding beauty in the messy, stressful moments and recognizing that you deserve care, love, and time – just as much as your sweet baby does.
So, new mom, whether you’re sipping your lukewarm coffee, stealing a quick shower, or simply taking a deep breath in a quiet corner, remember that you are doing an incredible job. By caring for yourself, you’re giving your baby the gift of a happy and resilient mother. As the days turn into weeks and the weeks into months, keep these self-care tips for new moms close to your heart, and let them serve as a reminder that you are worthy of love, care, and moments of calmness.
As a special gift for you, I’d like to offer you my free 5-day self-care challenge to help you along the way!
4 Comments