To Be a Better Mother, Take Care of Yourself

To Be a Better Mother, Take Care of Yourself
María Alejandra Castro Arbeláez

Reviewed and approved by the psychologist María Alejandra Castro Arbeláez.

Last update: 27 December, 2022

The best way to be a better mother is to set time aside to fulfil your own needs. If you don’t start by taking care of yourself, it will be difficult for you to take care of others.

All mothers want to do a better job every day. If this is something you’ve had on your mind, you’re certain to have heard endless advice on the subject.

However, there is one tip that is truly essential: if you want to be a better mother, make sure to take care of yourself.

When we as people want to achieve a goal, we push ourselves. And if this goal is to become a better mother, we demand even more from ourselves.

But the fact is that you already know how to be a good mother. Your intuition and instincts are on your side. Although it isn’t an easy task, it’s infinitely fulfilling.

To be a better mother, start by taking care of yourself

There is no doubt about it: being a mother is hard. It requires constant work and dedication.

And for this reason, many women stop taking care of themselves when they become mothers, often without realizing it.

Neglecting yourself can indirectly impact your ability to care for your children. It also takes all the enjoyment out of motherhood.

Don’t wait until your baby is born to start taking better care of yourself. You can begin even while you’re pregnant. Try to stay calm and relaxed, eat well and get enough rest each day.

Not only will this benefit you, but taking care of yourself also helps the development of your baby in the womb, and continues to do so once they are born.

To Be a Better Mother, Take Care of Yourself

Love begins in the womb

When their baby is born, many mothers forget about themselves to focus all their attention on their newborn. This is understandable: taking care of a new baby hardly leaves a spare moment.

However, taking care of yourself will also help you take better care of your baby. Focus on your own health to be a better mother.

If you find that you simply don’t have enough time to exercise and take care of yourself, it might be time to reassess your routines and habits.

Don’t forget that you’re a priority, too

A mother who eats a healthy diet, who gets enough exercise, who keeps in touch with her friends and asks for help when she is struggling to face a situation alone, has many tools at her disposal to help her be a better mother.

If you’ve noticed that you need physical activity, to sleep a little more and go out with your friends or your partner, but don’t have time, try to find a way to balance your responsibilities with your personal needs.

Don’t feel guilty about putting yourself first sometimes. There’s nothing wrong with taking a few minutes for yourself.

Exercise can help you to be a better mother

Many moms think they don’t have enough time to exercise, or that taking time off to work out makes them a bad mother. Unfortunately, some women believe this so strongly that they put their own health on the back burner.

However, you should learn that when you make time to go to the gym, take a dance class or go for a run, you’re giving yourself the strength you need to care for the whole family.

Believe it or not, getting at least half an hour’s exercise a day can be an invaluable support for the difficult task of being a mother.

Children learn by example

Don’t forget that your children are watching you. They absorb everything and don’t easily forget what they see. As they grow up, they learn by imitating you.

To Be a Better Mother, Take Care of Yourself

It’s much more difficult to explain to your children just how important it is to exercise and eat a healthy diet if you, their mother, don’t follow your own advice.

Remember that saying one thing and doing another can be very confusing for your children.

If, as a mother, you’re able to organize your time effectively, you’ll find the balance to do everything on your list.

Try to include a few minutes in your daily routine for personal care and hygiene. You will show your children the importance of time management, and of dedicating time to themselves.

To be a better mother, above all, avoid cutting yourself off from loved-ones when you have your first baby.

This is the ideal moment to surround yourself with your true friends, who will lend a hand when you need a little help, and – why not – a little time off for yourself.


This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.