The Busy Mum’s Wellness Routine

If there’s one job in the world that can be considered the busiest and most difficult, it might very well have to be that of being a mum. We don’t know how they do it, and yet mums seem like they can do just about everything. But this also comes at a price. BBC has found that mothers were more stressed as they managed more complex responsibilities daily. This is especially true for working mums, who juggle several tasks.

These stress levels usually make mums feel more tired and too busy to care for themselves. However, being unable to rest can lead to burnout and a cycle of even greater stress levels. Prioritizing wellness is just as crucial for busy mums, not only so they can keep going but also so they can take the break that they truly deserve. Here are some steps to wellness that stressed-out mums can take:

Skincare

Many mothers may be so busy that they may not have a beauty routine, but investing in skincare can be a huge help. It can give busy mums a big confidence boost and some time in their routine that they can call their own. The key is to keep it simple.

For the morning, try a simple routine consisting of a cleanser, moisturiser, and sunscreen. In the evenings, cleanse once again and then use an active or anti-ageing product of your choice; hydroxy acids and retinol are popular choices that are effective and easy to use. Use a moisturiser after these products to ensure your skin doesn’t dry out. Alternatively, you can cleanse and use a simple night cream.

Diet

Mums need all the energy they can get, and eating well is the best way to do that. Sticking to a healthy diet is essential for mothers because they’re constantly on the move as they attend to their different responsibilities. Not only does it support mental sharpness and boosts one’s mood, but eating healthy also strengthens the immune system and helps with weight management.

A proper diet can do wonders for mums looking to manage their weight. However, it is imperative to avoid fad diets that severely restrict calories. WeightWatchers notes that tailored weight loss plans are easier to follow because they are more customised to individual needs. Such individualised programs make it possible to lose weight healthily by keeping one feeling physically satiated and mentally pleased — without compromising schedules or personal preferences.

Exercise

There is a common misconception that one needs to exercise for long periods to burn a lot of calories. However, this can lead to burning out and dreading the next workout. For mums, this may soon make working out seem like just another chore. Consequently, doing high-intensity interval training (HIIT) may be more effective for busy mums instead of long exercise sessions.

Yahoo News explains how HIIT can produce results in less time. The article cites a study that compared two groups. One did stationary cycling several times a week and the other did HIIT sprints. Those who did HIIT turned out to be just as fit in terms of performance and muscle, but with far less time invested. Since mums are always short on time, HIIT may be the way to go in terms of exercise to boost heart health, increase strength, and improve daily movement.

Rest

Rest can be hard to come by if you’re a mum that’s always on the go. While it may sound silly, try putting it in your planner. It is best to be deliberate with your time, and this includes the time you have for rest.

Whatever you make of that time, try doing something that will refresh you. Instead of catching up on chores, focus on hobbies and activities like reading, watching your favourite shows, journaling, or even taking a bubble bath. This will help you unwind, relax, and recharge. At night, we recommend avoiding blue light as discussed in our post titled How To Get A Good Night’s Sleep so you can get quality rest.

Mums will always be busy. Post times, it can be extremely overwhelming. But squeezing in these four aspects into your wellness routine can help relieve stress and give you a well-deserved break.

Written by Lizveth Agatha for ilovecosmetics