The phrase “working mother” is redundant.
-Jane Sellman
I love thinking about wellness from the inside out. This can be especially important in motherhood, when we’re often so outwardly focused on our children and often on our partners as well. To me, wellness from the inside out starts with checking in with yourself internally. How do I feel in my body today? Is any part of my body hurting? How am I feeling mentally and emotionally today? Spiritually? Are there any other parts of me that are wanting to be seen in this moment? I’m a big proponent of meditation and journaling, and do both of these types of self-care on a daily basis in my own life. A quiet meditation can help you start to tune into yourself. Journaling can be a great place to process these areas in your own life, and you may even want to take some of the questions above and use them as journal prompts.
Here’s what’s to come in this blog: pregnancy and postpartum reflection questions, the mental load of motherhood, and wrapping up with the things that motherhood mental wellness from the inside out often prioritizes. Read on for this short, quick information!
Here are some reflection questions to think about (or journal about!) during your pregnancy and postpartum experiences:
- How has my body changed physically?
- How have I changed mentally?
- What’s different emotionally now?
- What spiritual changes have I experienced?
What other reflection questions would you add here that were helpful to you during your own perinatal experiences?
The mental load of motherhood/things you may currently be carrying in your own “mommy mind”:
- School schedules
- Appointments
- Shopping
- Meetings
- Decorating
- Lawn care
- Exercise
- Family events
- Play dates
- Hydration
- Vitamins
- Medications
- House cleaning
- Healthy meals
- Planning birthday parties
- Planning drop offs and pick ups
- Home maintenance
- Home organization
- The emotional wellbeing of the household
- The mental wellbeing of the household
- The spiritual wellbeing of the household
What else would you add here?
Motherhood wellness from the inside out often prioritizes:
- Physical wellbeing
- Intellectual stimulation
- Having a spiritual practice
- Emotional safety and security
- Keeping stress as low as possible
- Being your creative, authentic self
- Connecting with family & friends socially
- Financial stability for the family as a whole
- Work life balance (inside & outside of the home)
What else would you add to this list?
If you’re struggling in motherhood right now, know that you’re not alone. The mental load of motherhood is real. If you could use more help and support in your life today, please reach out to your doctor or a therapist in your area. Know that I’m thinking of you and sending lots of love and compassion your way as you navigate the stressors of motherhood in your own life.
