This archive report was first published on 15 June 2020.
Eight self-care tips for mums working from home ¶
Working from home as a mum can be challenging, but with the right strategies, you can maintain a healthy work-life balance and prioritize your self-care.
According to a recent article published on Standard Media on June 15, 2020, creating a schedule is essential for working mums. This helps ensure that you have set aside time for everything you need to do on any given day.
Start by making a to-do list and include even mundane tasks such as taking a shower, meditating, going for a walk, having your meals, and spending time with your kids. You can colour-code tasks for instance, one colour for work-related tasks, one for those related to the kids, and a different one for those that are exclusively yours.
Exercise is also crucial for working mums. It improves your mood, boosts creativity, and keeps you healthy. You can choose to wake up half an hour earlier to get a workout in before the busyness of the day. Alternatively, go for a walk with your kids, killing two birds with one stone: exercising and spending time with your kids.
Another essential self-care tip is to eat healthy. Start by having all three meals each day, and ensure that they include all the food groups. If you need a snack, choose healthier options such as nuts, fruit, or yoghurt. Avoid binge eating junk food, as this slows down digestion making your body and mind sluggish.
Revisiting your hobbies is also a great way to prioritize self-care. Many of us have things we like to do for fun, things that help us relax. Whether it is sewing, writing, cooking, painting, or drawing, make time for these in your day, where possible, or in the course of the week.
Having quiet time is also essential for working mums. Teach your child to sit quietly for 30 minutes either playing or reading. This will allow you some time to take a breather, journal, meditate, do your nails, scroll through social media, and even get underway with your hobbies.
Creating a peaceful environment is also crucial for self-care. Ensure your home is inviting, and where possible, have a separate home office so that you can use the rest of your home to relax. Your home decor should make you want to spend time in those rooms. Also, keep your surroundings clean and as tidy as possible to help in creating an inviting environment.
Having adult time is also essential for working mums. Set aside time to talk to your friends either via video call as you cook or messages which you can reply at your convenience. Schedule time to spend with your partner. Date nights are essential even for couples who have been together for a while.
Finally, getting enough sleep is essential for good physical and mental health and can help in keeping your weight in check. Even as you go out of your way to ensure that your family is well taken care of and that your work gets done in time, remember that if you don’t look after yourself, you will not be able to give your best to others.