Having kids—the responsibility of rearing good, kind, ethical, responsible human beings—is the biggest job anyone can embark on.
-Maria Shriver
I just finished a great book called Real Self Care by Pooja Lakshmin (which I highly recommend reading!). The author spoke a lot about needing to change systems to better help and support women, versus adding more onto our already full schedules, especially if you’re a mom. So, how can you take better care of yourself while also taking care of all the other people and things you have going on in your life? Not an easy question, I know! Read on for some reflection questions on your own transition into motherhood, what wellness from the inside out may look like for you, and what you’re carrying in that mom brain of yours (and what you may want or need to release or delegate to others moving forward).
Pregnancy and postpartum reflection questions:
- How has my body changed physically?
- How have I changed mentally?
- What’s different emotionally now?
- What spiritual changes have I experienced?
These questions are great to use as journal prompts too! What other reflection questions would you add here regarding your own pregnancy and postpartum changes?
Motherhood wellness from the inside out often prioritizes:
- Physical wellbeing
- Intellectual stimulation
- Having a spiritual practice (like meditation, going to a service, going outside and focusing on the beauty all around you, etc.)
- Emotional safety and security
- Keeping stress as low as possible
- Being your creative, authentic self
- Connecting with family and friends socially
- Financial stability for the family as a whole
- Work life balance (inside and outside of the home)
What else would you add here?
The mental load of motherhood and what you’re probably carrying in your mom brain (often not just for you and your kids, but for your partner as well):
- School schedules
- Meetings
- Family events
- Play dates
- Vitamins
- House cleaning
- Planning birthday parties
- Home maintenance
- Appointments
- Decorating
- Shopping
- Lawn care
- Exercise
- Hydration
- Medications
- Healthy meals
- Planning drop offs and pick ups
- Home organization
- The mental, emotional and spiritual well-being of the household
What did I forget that you’d add to this list?
Motherhood health and wellness is a hot topic these days! It differs from mom to mom depending on your own wants and needs, so it’s important to take some time to reflect on what it means to you personally. Once you have this clarity in your own life, what needs to shift or change so you have more wellness day in and day out? I’m sending lots of love and support your way as you make changes in your life to better take care of you!
