5 practical ways to (realistically!) make self-care a priority

When you’re pregnant there’s a lot of mum-focused love and attention. After baby is born, everybody (including mum) is so focused on this beautiful, teeny bundle of joy that mum's needs often taken a back seat. Louise Hurley shares some simple and practical tips to ensure new mums make self-care a priority to help keep that very important tank full.

It’s easy as a mum to get so focused on looking after our babies that we forget (or don’t prioritise) care and attention for ourselves.You may roll your eyes at the term "self-care" (I used to, until I had my second baby), but trust me, when your physical and emotional energy tank is running on empty, being a mum feels so much harder. Think about self-care as servicing your car. You don’t service your car only when there’s a problem. You service it in order to keep it running well. Same goes for you! Use self-care to keep your body and mind running well. You’ll enjoy the journey of motherhood so much more if you always have enough left in your energy tank.
Five Practical Ways To Make Self Care A Priority
1. Write down a list of self-care actions or activities that a) you enjoy and b) are realistic. Here are a few ideas (bear in mind, we’re all different, and there’s no right or wrong – do what fills YOUR cup):- 30-minute massage
- A walk alone
- 10 minutes of meditation
- A nap
- Intuitive eating (listen to your body, what does it want and when?)
- A long shower or bath
- An hour on the beach
- Time alone with an audiobook or podcast
- Exercise with or without baby
- Book that Women’s Health Physio appointment

About the Author
Louise’s mission is to help mums feel fitter, healthier and stronger through a supportive and motivating community. Whether it’s been 6 weeks or 6 years, no matter how long ago you had children she can help you to safely return to exercise and restrengthen your body so that you can start to take back some control in this crazy roller coaster of motherhood and feel more like you again. Strong Mums isn’t about “bouncing back” after having a baby or getting your pre-baby body back. It’s about feeling fit, healthy and strong enough to keep up with the demands of your little tribe.
Louise’s mission is to help mums feel fitter, healthier and stronger through a supportive and motivating community. Whether it’s been 6 weeks or 6 years, no matter how long ago you had children she can help you to safely return to exercise and restrengthen your body so that you can start to take back some control in this crazy roller coaster of motherhood and feel more like you again. Strong Mums isn’t about “bouncing back” after having a baby or getting your pre-baby body back. It’s about feeling fit, healthy and strong enough to keep up with the demands of your little tribe.?