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Having kids is one of the best things you’ll ever do, but there’s no doubt that you lose yourself a little along the way. One moment you’re you, the protagonist in your life and the next you’re a mom, you’ve helped to create this incredible little person and your whole world becomes about them. As parents, our kids will always come first, but it’s not to say we need to completely give up on ourselves in the process. In fact, taking care of our own needs boosts our happiness and in turn, can make us better parents. If you’re feeling a little lost, in a bit of a rut or just need a boost then here are five ways to increase your self esteem.
Treat yourself
As a mom, everyone else’s needs and desires tend to be ahead of your own. Kids always need something and managing on a family budget can be tight, so chances are you don’t get to treat yourself all that often. But when you can, go for it and be guilt free! You could book in for a spa day with your partner or a friend and enjoy some pampering treatments. You could treat yourself to a new outfit that makes you feel good about yourself, or go to the hairdresser and let them work their magic on your locks. These little treats are always so nice every now and again, and it can make the difference between you feeling really drab and feeling vibrant and happy. Maybe you could put away a little money for yourself each week and save up for something you want? Otherwise, find ways to treat yourself on a budget. Charity shops are full of hidden gems, or maybe you could buy yourself some new makeup from the drugstore. Even some inexpensive bath products to pamper yourself at home can make you feel great.
Fit exercise into your routine
Many moms struggle when it comes to maintaining their figure. While you might be busy running around all day after your kids, it’s easy for too many calories to amount over the day. Perhaps you’re fuelling up on coffee to keep you going, putting sugar in each one. Maybe you’re grabbing convenience food as you need something quick and easy. Chances are you make sure your kids eat wonderfully healthy food, but are you giving yourself the same kind of treatment? Eating better and exercising can seem like hard work as a busy mom, but it can transform your life. The fitter you are, the more energy you’ll have and everyday tasks won’t feel like such a slog. Take your kids out on walks to the park, go on bike rides or run around and play games. If you have a local gym with a creche then consider investing the time into going. You’ll feel better, your clothes will look more flattering on you and you’ll generally give yourself a confidence boost.
Study
Studying around raising kids is never going to be easy, but thanks to online courses it’s now far more achievable for busy moms. No longer do you have to go to university on set days and times, you can learn online and catch up on your work whenever you get the chance. It’s completely flexible so perfect if you’re not sure that you can commit a certain amount of hours each week. Studying will improve your job prospects and reaching educational goals is a surefire way to feel good about yourself. Whether you do a degree in English, a DNP midwifery course or anything in between, it’s so worth considering improving your education.
Start a hobby
Hobbies are a great way to improve your skills while busting stress and keeping you productive in your spare time. As a mom, you’ll probably want a hobby that’s inexpensive and from home so that you can easily fit it around your child care commitments. Thankfully there are loads of options. You could write a blog, try your hand at baking, take up a craft like sewing or candle making or even get out into the garden. Growing fruits and vegetables to eat, or just flowers to look pretty can be really satisfying- it’s good exercise digging and weeding too! When you do the same thing day in day out it’s easy to feel like you have no other skills, so hobbies can be really helpful. And when you spend time socialising, you have something to talk about and a way to connect with and meet like minded people too. Have a think about what kinds of things you enjoy- do you want to do something active, something creative, something on the computer? Search lists online and give it a try, there are a ton of Youtube tutorials to get you started.
Tap into your spirituality
Finally, connecting with something bigger than ourselves can give our lives meaning and even provide us with the signs we’ve been looking for to make changes. Whether it’s God, Allah, angels, the Universe or any other entity that you believe in, make the time to practice your faith/ spirituality. Prayer or meditation not only helps to clear your mind but can have positive effects on the body too. It doesn’t have to be overly time consuming, just when you can, sit and practice or think about what you believe in. If you’re looking for answers, signs or courage then these things can often be found from looking in these places.
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