in trying to be the best mom we all forget this one thing

Growing up the centre of my world was my parents, transitioning into teenagers it shifted to myself and friends, then came marriage and my husband took precedence (for sometime at least) and finally when motherhood beckoned, my little one has taken that spot. I want to give it my all to raise a healthy and a happy child.

In fact, we all go above and beyond for our family and especially our children. During the first few years of motherhood, we become so consumed with every little detail for the baby that we often forget to take care of that one person who is the most important. YOU! Not the daughter, not the wife, not the ‘whatever career designation you hold, not even the MOTHER, but YOU, the person.

This reality check hit me the hard way. I was becoming irritable and getting angry at petty things. And my daughter and husband were at the receiving end of my tyranny. In trying to give my family all my time, I was getting disconnected with myself. I was neither taking care of my appearance nor my health. The once glowing skin looked like sandpaper; the hourglass figure, if I may say so, was now more like a box and the silky long tresses started to resemble a broom.

Things that I liked to do, like reading, singing, going to the gym, and baking became a tough choice between the constant knee and back pain or to just continue on with the day. A messy bun with an occasional hair band, loose pants and ill fitting shirt and concealer to hide my once upon a time glowing skin became my new look whenever I went out. Of course it hardly mattered to my daughter. She loved me anyways. But somewhere deep down, I felt something was amiss.

I was happy being a wife, a mother, but I was not happy with myself. An inferiority complex was creeping in, not because I didn’t like the way I looked but because I was just neglecting many aspects of my wellbeing. And so, something had to be done. I thought I would start with simple changes in my routine and give my appearance and health a good kick start.

And perhaps somewhere within we all know this yet we often put it on the back burner thanks to mommy guilt. Taking some time off from motherhood is no reason to feel guilty. In fact, it is necessary and very much a part of being a Great Mom. My mom once told me; don’t become so selfless that you think of yourself less.

So kick the mommy guilt and take care of yourself. Try these simple yet effective methods without having to sacrifice much time.

1. Food

As moms, we often neglect this most important aspect. I would spend hours feeding my daughter and get irritable for her to finish because I was getting hungry. I decided to take care of myself first. I would often eat before feeding her and this way there was less screaming and less screaming meant more peace of mind.

2. Me time

As mothers, getting out of the house alone is a distant dream, especially for new moms. So I stopped getting home delivery for items that I could pick up myself from my local grocery shop. I would make it my reason to get out and have some time to myself even if it was for 15 minutes. Just that was enough to spring me back in action.

3. Yoga

Yoga does wonders to a woman’s mind and body especially when it has gone through the perils of pregnancy. When I was pregnant I had the worst sciatica pain. Even after having my daughter the pain would come and go. I started to religiously go for yoga class, something I have continued until today and my body and mind both thank me for that. If for some reason I can’t go, I do my surya namaskars at least at home and the best part, my little one watches and learns too.

4. Skin

This is something that I neglected the most after having the baby. Most of us do, isn’t it? While I was pregnant I tried to avoid stretch marks by rubbing soothing body butter and it worked wonders. But after having the baby, the new baby syndrome kicked in, it all stopped. My skin was getting very dry and it was breaking out, it’s very important to use toning massage oil for greater strength and firmness on your skin! And don’t even get me started on my nipples, they were always sore and I didn’t want to go for the next feed. We should always use a nipple care butter that is soothing after feedings and helps your nipples feel ready for the next feed.

Always remember your baby needs you the most and you need to take care of yourself to give the best for your little one.

#HimalayaCares

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