Being a mom is just one of many roles a woman has—other roles include wife, homemaker, employee, sister, friend, daughter, neighbor, and more. Because you’re often wearing so many hats, taking care of yourself is often last on the list (if it’s on the list at all).

What often happens is neglecting your own mental wellbeing so much so that it negatively impacts both you and your life.

If you’re feeling like you haven’t made your mental health a priority, I’m right there with you. I’ve been there, and I promise you there’s a better way. This post will help you get started doing just that.

Ways To Boost Your Mental Health As A Mom

As a professionally trained and certified life coach, here are the top nine ways I help my clients to prioritize their mental health.

1. Prioritize Self Care

As a mom, it’s easy to put your own needs on the back burner while you focus on taking care of your children. However, neglecting your own mental health can lead to burnout, exhaustion, and even depression. To avoid this, it’s important to prioritize self-care and make time for yourself each day.

Self-care can take many forms, from a relaxing bubble bath to a quick yoga session or a few minutes of meditation. Self care is less about the activity and more about the feeling motivating the activity. For example, it’s very refreshing for me to take a walk. However, that’s not the case for everyone. This applies to any activity. It’s not the specific activity you take that defines what self care is; it’s how you feel doing the activity.

Find activities that you naturally feel good doing and enjoy that help you feel recharged and refreshed. Focus on your feelings and less on the actions. Even if you only have a few minutes each day to devote to self-care, make taking care of yourself (and feeling good) a priority.

Related: Escapism Vs. Real Self Care

2. Build A Support Network

Being a mom can be isolating, especially if you’re a stay-at-home parent or if you’re new to your community. Building a support network of other moms can help you feel less alone and provide a sounding board for the challenges of parenthood.

Look for local mom groups, join online parenting forums, or attend parenting classes in your area. You might be surprised at how many other moms are looking for support and connection. Don’t be afraid to reach out and start a conversation; you never know who you might meet and how they might impact your life.

3. Get Enough Sleep

It’s no secret that being a mom often means sacrificing sleep. However, getting enough rest is essential for your mental health and well-being. Chronic sleep deprivation can lead to irritability, anxiety, and depression, and can even impact your physical health.

Try to establish a consistent sleep schedule, even if it means going to bed earlier or waking up later than you’d like. Create a relaxing bedtime routine that helps you wind down and prepare for sleep, such as reading a book, taking a warm bath, or listening to calming music. While it’s not always possible to get good, high quality sleep, having it as an intention and priority will help you make it happen when it is possible.

4. Eat A Healthy Diet

As a busy mom, it’s easy to fall into the trap of relying on fast food or convenience foods to fuel your day. However, a healthy diet is essential for both your physical and mental health. Eating a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help you feel more energized and focused.

Make a plan for healthy meals and snacks, and try to prepare meals in advance when possible. If you’re short on time, look for healthy convenience foods like pre-cut veggies or pre-cooked grains that can help you stay on track.

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5. Exercise Regularly

Regular exercise is a powerful tool for boosting your mental health and reducing stress. Physical activity releases endorphins, which are natural mood boosters, and can help you feel more energized and focused.

Try to incorporate 30 minutes of physical activity into your day, whether it’s a yoga class, a brisk walk, or a family bike ride. Find activities that you enjoy and that fit into your schedule, and make them a regular part of your routine.

One of my favorite ways to do this is to go on a morning and evening walk. I get the exercise and self care all in one, without much effort.

6. Practice Mindfulness

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the chaos and lose sight of the present moment. However, practicing mindfulness can help you stay grounded and reduce stress.

Mindfulness is simply the act of focusing your attention on the present moment, without judgment or distraction. I define mindfulness as awareness with acceptance. You can practice mindfulness by doing thought work (managing your mind), meditation, deep breathing exercises, or simply by paying attention to your surroundings and the sensations in your body. Try to set aside a few minutes each day to practice mindfulness and see how it impacts your mental health.

There’s nothing that’s been more empowering in my life than practicing mindfulness. This is what I teach you all about in the How To Become The Mom You WANT To Be Guide.

CLICK HERE to download The How To Become The Mom You Want To Be Guide.

7. Set Boundaries

As a mom, it’s easy to feel like you need to do everything and be everything to everyone. That’s why setting boundaries is an essential part of taking care of your mental health. Learn to say no to commitments that don’t align with your values or priorities, and delegate tasks when possible to reduce your workload.

Setting boundaries can also mean creating physical and emotional space for yourself. Whether it’s taking a solo weekend getaway or simply setting aside an hour each day to read a book or take a walk, prioritize the things that bring you joy and make you feel rejuvenated.

As you learn to set and hold boundaries, boundaries can become a tool in your mental wellbeing tool belt that can help you through challenging times.

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8. Hire A Coach

Coaching is like therapy but for modern day problems, not trauma. For example, you can work on challenges with in-laws, yelling at your kids, etc. with a coach. A good coach can help you prioritize your mental health in a fun, healthy, and motivating way. While therapy tends to be past-focused (help with childhood, trauma, and more) and is diagnostic, life coaching is future-focused (help with current relationships, confidence, time management, fulfillment, and more).

As a professionally trained coach, I’ve used what I teach to stop yelling, become more calm, change careers, quit drinking, lose 40 pounds, create an incredible marriage, navigate motherhood challenges, and more. I continue to use these tools because they help me solve problems and live a happier, more fulling life.

To learn more about coaching, explore the Mom On Purpose Membership here.

9. Cultivate Gratitude

Finally, one of the most powerful ways to boost your mental health as a mom is to cultivate gratitude. Focusing on the positive aspects of your life, whether it’s your children’s accomplishments, the beauty of nature, or the kindness of others, can help you feel more joyful and content.

Try to make a habit of practicing gratitude each day. Whether it’s through journaling, meditation, or simply taking a few moments to reflect on the good things in your life, focusing on gratitude can help shift your perspective and improve your mental health.

A Final Note

Being a mom can be challenging, but taking care of your mental health is essential for both you and your family. By intentionally boosting your mental health using the nine strategies above, you can improve your overall quality of life. Remember, taking care of yourself is not selfish—it’s essential.