Are you tired? You are not alone. Momming is a mentally, physically and emotionally exhausting job that you rarely get breaks from. There are so many things to get done making it near impossible take the downtime that you need for yourself. And the more children you have, the harder it is to get in any downtime. But the fact is, with all that comes along with being a mom, rest is so necessary. Moms…Here is how you can get more rest.
Acknowledge The Work You Do
Let’s start with the fact that many of us run ourselves into the ground because we never think we are doing enough. Just the bare minimum of parenting requires so much mental, emotional and physical work. And most of it we don’t even acknowledge.
How many diapers do you change… How many meals do you make… How many times do you repeat yourself… How many random toys and clothes do you pick up a day… How many people’s schedules are managing???
Most moms do more before 8am than many people do in an entire day. Yet, we are quick to harp on what we didn’t get done. Stop it!
Take the time to pat yourself on the back for what you do accomplish even if it’s the most minor thing. The more you acknowledge all that you do, the more likely you will be willing to take time to rest.
Give Yourself Permission To Rest
The truth is we don’t give ourselves permission to rest. How can we… the house needs to be clean, meals need to be cooked, there is a list of emails and phone calls that need to be returned. The to-do list is long.
But rest should also be on your to-do list. And rest should be a priority.
All that you do as a mom entitles you to rest. And as a caretaker, you need to give yourself permission to care for you.
Take a Power Nap
Taking a nap is a luxury that moms don’t always get to take advantage of. Finding an hour or more in the day to completely tap out is just not an option for most of you.
However, a power nap is just what you’re looking for. It’s surprising what a 20 minute nap can do for your energy levels! When you take a power nap, you’re able to get a jolt of energy to help you get through the rest of the day.
There are so many ways to fit a power nap into your day. Take a quick one in your car during a break at work. Lay down on the couch while your kids watch a show. Take a car nap while your kid is at their dance class or sports practice. Make everyone take a nap on a Sunday afternoon. Set your alarm, lay down, close your eyes and get more rest.
Zone Out
Zoning out is often seen as a negative. But giving your brain a break is also a form of rest. There are quite a few things you can actively chose to do to zone out. And it is important that you actively chose when you are going to zone out and how. Zoning out goes south when you mindlessly use up your time and end up regretting it.
You can hop on social media or play Candy Crush as long as you can limit your time. But some other ways to zone out are doing puzzles, doodling, knitting or crocheting and even taking walks. Or turn on their favorite movie or tv show and take a seat. And give yourself permission to enjoy a period of mindlessness without guilt.
Clear Your Schedule
I know that as a mom managing multiple schedules, you are most likely very busy. There will be some days that you are just too tired to finish out the tasks of the day. You don’t always have to power through. Do you know what you should do? Clear out your schedule!
You may be surprised as to how clearing your schedule can help you get the rest you need. You can call it a mental health day, a sick day or just a time out. The fact is some days you just have to call it and give yourself a rest.
Go to Bed on Time
Momma… you stay up too late. I know you are either trying to get ahead and get things done or just relishing in finally having a moment to yourself. I get it and I am guilty of it. But getting enough sleep is so important to your overall health. Sleep allows your body to replenish and heal. If you constantly short yourself on sleep you will never climb out of that hole of exhaustion.
I know it’s easier said than done but make it a priority. Set a reasonable bedtime for yourself and stick to it. Leave your digital devices far away from your bedside. Create a bedtime routine to help signal your body for sleep.
Going to bed on time will help you get the rest you need. You aren’t built to just go, go, go all the time. Face it, you need a rest, so give your body more rest!
Sleep In
I know you are probably laughing at this one but it is possible. As moms, there are multiple reasons why we are not getting enough sleep… Your baby isn’t sleeping through the night. You have young kids that wakeup at ungodly hours. Someone is sick. Your brain just won’t shut off. So sometimes you just have to fit it in where you can get it in.
Try setting a day of the week that you always sleep in. Trade off with your spouse or partner. Set your kids up for breakfast the night before so they won’t bother you. Just an extra hour a week can quickly add up. That’s almost and extra 7 full nights of sleep a year. I don’t know about you but I’ll take it.
Plan Your Rest
Moms can get more rest but you have to prioritize it. In order to make rest a priority, you have to plan it. The chances of you getting random down time are slim to none. Pick a time, pick a day. Write it down in your schedule and honor it.
Take a power nap at lunch time, sleep in on Sundays, zone out with a puzzle for 15 minutes a day… However you choose to rest, plan to do it. That way you will make rest for yourself a priority in your schedule. And you will hopefully consistently make rest a part of your selfcare practice without guilt.
Figuring how to get more rest as a busy mom can be a challenge. When it comes to having children and getting rest, you have to fit it in as many ways as possible. If you do these small things to get more rest, it’ll help you get through this mom life with more presence, patience, energy and joy… I promise.
Elisha Beach is a stay-at-home mom to four kids and four step-kids…Yes, you read that right—eight kids. She is a wife, home cook, taxi driver, herder of children, terrible housekeeper, selfcare advocate and founder of The Mom Forum.
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