Ways I Fill My Cup as a SAHM
Refreshed & Recharged: Self-Care Ideas for Moms
[**Images used were created by AI on ChatGPT Sora]
Postpartum is not easy especially with your hormones going wild and navigating being a mother and wife.
As a first-time mom, I received some of the best advice when I returned home from the hospital, following a week-long stay due to my c-section and other complications.
The advice one of my friends gave me was make sure to do something for you today, so now I pass that on to you. Whether you are a new mom or an already seasoned momma, remember to do something for you daily—something that brings you joy. Even if something simple like just doing your hair and make up, do it for you.
As mothers, we are always providing for the needs of others, including meals, diapers, cleaning, appts, and planning, but we are left feeling empty. In the brief three months I’ve had the privilege of being a mother, I’ve come to learn that I should remember to take care of myself, by doing something that I find joyful even if it’s just one little thing every day.
The following are some of the things I do to feel refreshed:
Starting my day off making a coffee.
It doesn’t have to be fancy. I use the Nescafe Ice Roast, Starbucks Creamer, and make my own cold foam with heavy whipping cream and the caramel flavor syrup. It’s perfect to wake me up but also satisfy my coffee craving.
Go Outside
Whether that’s going outside to my backyard with baby for a bit to get some vitamin D for a few minutes or taking a min trip to the park with baby. While some people are comfortable doing things solo (aka me), I’ve found that our community has many mom groups people can join on Instagram, so you don’t have to do going outside with baby alone. Especially for SAHM, these help you connect and not feel alone in motherhood.
Baby & Me Yoga/Pilates
In one of those mom groups on instagram I found a yoga & pilates classes that are baby friendly. While I attend regular pilates and yoga classes at the gym, I am excited to have found the mommy and me classes to. build community and meet other FTM moms and SAHM.
Creative Outlets
When baby lets me or if she is sleeping long enough I sit down at the office for a bit and write some blog posts or outline them, as time permits. Sometimes I do other things like Canva projects, Adult coloring books, drawing, or sticker scene building. These things don’t take too long so whether I get to finish them in one sitting or if not I could have something to come back to later that I may look forward to. Writing, blogging, and creating remind me that I’m still me—not just “mom.” That little spark of creativity fills me up.
Reading for Me
While I do read baby books and practice sign language with my baby, reading books from my TBR shelf is a must. I’m catching up on all the books I held off on reading while I worked and went to school for my masters. So I use nap time as an opportunity to catch up on my books. Today try swapping scrolling for a good book. Even one chapter can feel like a small break.
Connect with Friends
Whether they are a mom too or not, take some time to do stuff together. Not only does this remind you that it takes a village, you don’t have to do it alone. But often times we get stuck in the routine and forget to check in on our friends see what they’re up to. Even if it’s only meeting up for less than an hour it’s good to stay connected.
Join a baby friendly bible study
Or form your own. Again connecting with other women reminds you that you are not in this alone. Not only that but you’ll be strengthening your faith while making memories with friends.
Go shopping
Take baby in a baby carrier or your stroller but give yourself some time to go buy something for you and not just the baby.
Morning/Evening Walk
To wind down after a long day or to get some fresh air to start the day, a walk around the neighborhood with baby (and my husband sometimes) helps me reset by stepping into sunshine. It’s amazing how fresh air can clear your mind and recharge your energy. Our babygirl also loves being outside this benefits us both.
Journal + Read the Bible
Last but not least, I try and make time throughout the day whether baby is sleeping or is in her bouncer I try and read my bible and journal a bit. If my babygirl is being clingy that day and won’t let me put her down I will have a praise and worship moment and even though she’s only 3 months old she seems to join in the worship songs with her baby talk.
Take Care of you, so you can take care of others
Your kids only get one mom, so make sure you are taking time to recharge and reset. Motherhood is full of giving, but' you have to remember to receive sometimes. Whether you receive joy from the things you are able to do, or if it’s just five minutes of peace and quiet, no matter how small you deserve it. While I try my best to do something for me daily, it’s not always possible but that’s ok I’ve longed to me a mom and knowing she needs me is such a blessing.
If you’re a stay at home mom, I want you to know: taking care of yourself is not selfish, it’s a necessity.
God’s word says:
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
God rested after he created the world, you deserve some rest too. What about you, what are some ways you fill your cup? I’d love to hear in the comments.
