12 Mama Health & Wellness Top Tips

As we welcome our babies into our lives, it is harder to find time for ourselves as parents. We may feel like we need an extra set of hands or a couple of extra hours in the day, especially as we either prepare for the arrival of our little one or once they have made their entrance earth-side.

Looking after our own health and well-being is so very important, especially during those busy days. When we ourselves are 'full', our energy flows outward and overflows positively into our families to help create loving environments for our families to grow well in.

We appreciate that parent-life often only affords us short moments of opportunity, so we have tailored these refuelling suggestions to be slotted in as those bursts appear.

1. Go for gentle walks. Getting out into the fresh air for a quick walk can do wonders for our mental and physical health.
2. Leave technology behind for the day. Say goodbye to socials and just live in the moment.
3. Sit outside in the sunshine. In your backyard, balcony or in a park, sitting outside watching the world go past is a wonderful way to take a moment for yourself. 
4. Practise yoga, Pilates, or meditation. Sooth your mind, body and soul with some light stretches and mindfulness. 
5. Do something that brings you joy. Baking, reading, phoning a friend, going to the beach – do something that brings you so much joy and happiness. 
6. Grab a coffee with a friend. What a great excuse to get out of the house for a quick (or long) coffee. And yes, getting a slice of cake is a great idea!
7. Wash your face. Simple, quick, and easy. Sometimes all it takes to feel like yourself for a moment is doing your skincare ritual. 
8. Listen to a podcast. Find one you love and play it in the background as you feed, do the dishes, laundry, dinner. It’s a great way to multi-task with a little one. Find some of our top picks here. 
9. Wash and brush your hair. It still amazes me how this tiny thing can make such a big difference. If you trust your other half, get them to brush your hair and just truly immerse yourself in it (I do!).
10. Say No. Remember it's okay to say no, there will always be another opportunity to see your friend or go for dinner. 
11. Mindfulness App. Calm is one of the tops mindfulness apps on the market, and a personal favourite of mine.
12. Mama dates. Make a date with one of your new mama friends to help encourage each of you to make time for yourselves.

And at the end of the day, feeling fresh and a little be-dazzled can also work a treat...

13. Self-Care Minute. Take a hot bath and enjoy a momentary pause on the chaos around. 
14. Get your nails done. It is a lovely and relaxing 20 mins of your day and you’ll have beautiful nails afterwards.
15. Indulge in a facemask. We love a good facemask, and with plenty available for at home application there really is no excuse to not do a cheeky self-care session. 

Self-care doesn’t have to be difficult, and you should focus more on creating patterns of rest and rejuvenation, no matter how short the moments are. And remember, above all, parenting teaches us to surrender...so try not to stress when your long-awaited 'self care' moment is unexpectedly and abruptly interrupted by a crying baby. Take time out to respond to your baby. Another relaxing moment will come again.

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The multi-functional DockATot is the perfect place for your baby to lounge, play, rest, cuddle, and enjoy  tummy time. The DockATot is here for you no matter where the day takes you! Created to mimic the womb and voted as a must-have baby product, parents and babies around the world love DockATot.

From parents who know:

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