{"id":111351,"date":"2021-04-26T08:55:22","date_gmt":"2021-04-26T12:55:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wp.oviahealth.com\/guide\/111351\/self-care-essentials-for-today-and-every-day-pregnancy\/"},"modified":"2025-03-10T13:28:27","modified_gmt":"2025-03-10T17:28:27","slug":"self-care-essentials-for-today-and-every-day-pregnancy","status":"publish","type":"article","link":"https:\/\/www.oviahealth.com\/guide\/111351\/self-care-essentials-for-today-and-every-day-pregnancy\/","title":{"rendered":"9 self-care essentials\u00a0for today and every day"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

A lot of us are figuring out what our essential needs are, as well as what we might need beyond that to best care for ourselves and our families. As mothers, we need to fill up our own cup first. Self care is not selfish, and it can\u2019t come last on your list \u2014 taking care of yourself enables you to be the best version of yourself for your family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These self-care essentials, whatever they might look like for you, are more important than ever. So make sure that somehow, someway, you\u2019re taking time each day to prioritize your own care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Care for your body<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s start with the bare bones basics. As much as you can, continue old routines that keep you healthy and feeling good, or start new ones \u2014 like eating nourishing food, staying hydrated, and engaging in some form of movement. Even a walk around the block can make you feel energized and happier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Care for your mind<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Your mental health is just as important. So do what you can to manage your stress in healthy ways. Minimize the time you spend following the news if that\u2019s causing you a lot of anxiety, by muting your news notifications or scheduling a specific time to read the news. Maybe give meditation a try. And reach out to a mental health specialist if you\u2019re having a tough time and want professional support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Get enough rest<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Getting the sleep that you need is important for both your body and mind. But for parents \u2014 especially those with babies or very young children \u2014 sometimes this can feel impossible. While we can\u2019t necessarily help your child sleep through the night, we can give you permission to prioritize your own rest. So take that nap (whenever you possibly can), leave the dirty dishes for the morning, keep your email response as short and sweet as possible, and maybe don\u2019t binge watch that extra episode tonight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Don\u2019t sweat the small stuff<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Right now, there\u2019s a lot that seems small by comparison to the health crisis we are living through. In some ways, this can be freeing \u2014 that unfinished DIY home project or the giant pile of unfolded laundry that\u2019s been sitting out may be annoying, but it\u2019s not hurting anyone. Give yourself all the breaks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Make time for fun and laughter<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

We need some levity to lift us up when things are bleak, whether it\u2019s watching a favorite comedy, asking your toddler to tell you a joke, or sending a silly meme to your friend group. Laugh as much as you can. And if you can\u2019t right now, know that you will feel like yourself again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Seek out pleasure<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Similarly, it\u2019s important to engage in things that you know bring you pleasure. Maybe for you it\u2019s lighting a candle while reading your favorite book, having a date night at home with your partner, rocking your sweet baby for a few extra minutes, making a really good soup. Despite all that\u2019s going on, there is still some joy available to each of us right now, so soak it in when and where you can.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Stay connected to loved ones<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019re all missing our close friends and family members. Even if you can\u2019t physically be with your loved ones, stay in touch in all the ways you can. Video chat with family members, plan a virtual hangout with friends after your kids are in bed, play online games together with extended family, watch a movie together virtually, send a card via snail mail, write an email, ask for a favorite recipe, share that great article you just read with your social media circles, send a funny meme to your family text chain \u2014 there are so many ways we can still stay close.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

8. Spend quality time with the people you live with too<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

If you feel like you\u2019ve spent way too much time with the family that you live with lately, this might sound like a lot, but while quantity time can be exhausting, quality time is restorative. You might feel like you spend a lot of the day being pulled in a million different directions, so make some time each day to focus your attention on just being present with your little one, just being present with your partner, even just being present with your pet. That quality time, even if it\u2019s brief, provides much needed connection \u2014 and maybe even a moment of calm, or clarity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

9. Carve out some alone time<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

That being said, you also need some time by yourself. Whether you spend it showering in silence, watching that show everyone\u2019s talking about, or making a meal without a toddler at your ankles, it\u2019s incredibly important to recharge with some time spent solo too \u2014 especially since it can be so hard to come by these days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If all else fails, start small. Right now, we\u2019re all stretched thin, and even thinking about self-care might seem overwhelming. If you\u2019d really love to take a long shower but finding time for that feels impossible, take a few minutes to wash your face. If you can\u2019t make time to finish a yoga practice during the day because your kids take that as an invitation to treat your body like a jungle gym, do a few gentle stretches before bed. If you\u2019d love to take a long walk outside but can\u2019t, open a window. If you\u2019re finding it hard to schedule a video call with several friends, text them to connect. These little moments can make a big difference and will give you a bit of the self-care you deserve.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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