How to stay zen when you’re a mum

Nothing can prepare you for having a baby it literally turns your world upside down, night becomes day, day becomes night and somehow you manage to bumble through in some sleep deprived haze of nappies, feeds and cuddles.

With all of the very real pressures on mums from breastfeeding vs bottle feeding to baby led weaning, learning to walk, talk and use the potty there’s a never ending list of milestones you feel you have to conquer. All whilst looking amazing and having a clean and tidy house – although once baby turns into a toddler the house is lost! The amount of mess Ollie makes in one unsupervised minute gives me palpitations.

It can all become pretty overwhelming and it’s sometimes hard to remember who you were pre-baby or some days to even think straight let alone feel zen when you’re constantly keeping up with you’re little ones. But at the same time it’s so important to take some time for you.

Here’s a few ways to take some me time:

Meditate – If you can meditate for just 5 minutes a day, you will feel refreshed, centered and ready to take on the world. If you have never meditated before or not sure if it’s for you, there’s two great apps you can download for free with short, guided meditations. One is called Rituals and the other is called Headspace which has a ten day programme after which you can subscribe. I find it best to sit down and meditate for 5-10 minutes once Ollie’s in bed so I can relax for the evening.

Yoga – Another way to feel relaxed, let all of the worries of your day melt away and also a great way to get some exercise. I realise it’s hard to fit a class in when you’re a mum, especially if you don’t have childcare. There is a great app called Yoga Studio – I think I paid £2.49 to download it. It has classes for beginners through to experts and they start at 15 minute classes through to an hour depending on how much time you have. So another great one for when baby is sleeping.

Have a cup of tea – When I feel frantic and worn out I sit down, sit Ollie in front of the TV and try to get 5 minutes with a cup of tea and a couple of biscuits. This is great to just take a small amount of time to gather your thoughts and re-fuel.

Have a bath – If you can get someone to watch your little one, treat yourself to a bath, light some candles to create a relaxing atmosphere and maybe chuck in a bath bomb. It’ll help to make you feel relaxed and pampered.

Go for a walk – Sometimes I just need to get out of the house so I can’t see the constant rounds of housework piling up, washing up, laundry, toys etc. It’s a good chance to get some exercise and some fresh air.

Sleep – Me and my husband have an agreement so on a Saturday morning I will get up with Ollie and on a Sunday morning he will get up with Ollie. This way we both get one lay in a week. This is great because even if I wake up early I can just lay in bed and relax. I have breakfast in bed and catch up on blogs, vlogs and just take time for me.

I hope this has given you some ideas on how to take some time for you to feel a bit zen again.

How do you relax?

XOXO

 

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