Real Mums On How Self-Care Looks Like In Motherhood
Struggling to find time for yourself? Take inspiration from these mums
By Terri Kue -
Let's state it as it is: being a mum is tiring. You're in charge of your kids' lives, which means that you are bound to be losing sleep, losing you-time, and maybe losing a bit of your sanity.
Self-care is an important part of any mum's life. It allows them to get some rest and prioritise themselves. It allows them to be themselves and not feel restricted to the title of a "mother".
Below, seven mums from our #MumStory series share how self-care looks like now that they have less time for themselves.
Now, self-care is when I can have my proper meal without interruption. Or when I'm able to bathe without the kids calling my name (or maybe my husband calling my name!).
For now, I guess I still have the time to watch some TV after the kids sleep. But hopefully, as they grow older, I will have more time to myself!
- Shireen Ho, product development for The Weekly, mum of three
Read Shireen's #MumStory here.
I think I actually make a little more effort than I used to. I make it a point to prioritise self-care so that I do not feel that I have sacrificed so much of my life to the point that I have no time for myself at all. I do take the time for facials, massages, hair appointments, and eyelash extensions; with the stress and physical demands of being a mother, age can really catch up with you!
- Caryn Lim, 36, chief operating officer of a urology clinic, mum of three
Read Caryn's #MumStory here.
Self-care to me is having moments of time to do the things I love and nourish myself with experiences that I find joy in - like eating delicious food and enjoying Netflix shows. But one thing that I really enjoy is creating with my eldest child - whether it is using play dough or drawing using paints.
That itself is a form of self-care as these are things that I truly enjoy doing. Being in the flow of play and creativity with him also helps me to connect to him and his world.
Caring for myself is also about having compassion for myself on rough days in motherhood, and lowering my expectations while protecting my energy with gentleness on these days.
- Ava Gao, parenting coach, mum of tw0
Read Ava's #MumStory here.
Self-care is a luxury for me now. I really appreciate all the me-time I have. It can be something as simple as a nice cup of coffee alone, a drama/movie time, or a KTV session with friends and family. A good facial or massage is always a great idea too, and lastly, a good night's sleep is always appreciated, of course!
- Jocelyn Shu, co-founder of Metier Planner Pte Ltd, mum of one
Read Jocelyn's #MumStory here.
As a mum, self-care is still important, but it definitely looks a little different than it did before. Instead of a spa day or a night out with friends, self-care for me now means stealing a few moments to myself during my daughter’s nap time to catch up on drama series like Grey’s Anatomy or Criminal Minds, or some quiet time to do calligraphy. It may not be as glamorous as it used to be, but it's still crucial for my mental and emotional well-being, and I cherish those moments of self-care.
- Jasmine Tay, 36, secondary school teacher, mum of one
Read Jasmine's #MumStory here.
Exercising is my form of self-care! It makes me so much more confident when I feel strong and fit. I can bring my children out alone, carry the bags and stroller, run after them, and carry them. Parenting is physically demanding and knowing I can keep up with my toddler gives me confidence!
I also do love my massages and facials! Having time to watch Netflix for an hour after the children go to bed and listening to podcasts and audiobooks while driving or working out is also a form of entertainment for me.
- Deborah Wong, co-owner of Breathe Pilates, mum of two
Read Deborah's #MumStory here.
One of the things I like to do is to have a monthly “indulge/overhaul day”. I'd go do my hair, nails, get a facial, or go for a massage. I go either alone or with a girlfriend and it’s very therapeutic for me.
These moments are obviously relaxing breaks for me, but they also do wonders for me from the inside because I feel better about myself because I'm taking care of myself.
- Angie Hermann, working in the media industry, mum of one
Read Angie's #MumStory here.