4 ways to make time for yourself as a new mom 

Having a baby and keeping the rest of your life together can be challenging. Try these four tips on how to make time for yourself amidst the chaos.

1

Don’t be afraid to ask for help

It is true when they say it takes a village to raise a child. According to postpartum doula Debra Woods, it is difficult for many first-time moms to reach out for help. “They assume they should be able to do it all and do it all well,” she explains. Those unrealistic expectations can often leave you feeling stressed and overwhelmed.   

Identify your support system. More hands-on deck will free up time and take the pressure off you. Be specific about what you need from your support system. One person can help with cooking, another with washing the laundry, and someone else can run errands when you don’t have time to leave the house. Your partner and loved ones will come running once you send out that SOS. 

Don’t know how to ask for help? Follow these tips. 

2

Book time for yourself in your diary

Plan with your partner or a trusted loved one to watch your baby. Schedule the agreed time in your calendar to hold yourself accountable to do it when the time comes. It can be as little as 20 minutes or during baby’s nap time. When that notification pops up, take that online yoga class, go on a quick coffee date with your bestie or catch up on your favourite TV show mom-guilt-free. 

3

Make a checklist

Put pen to paper about what you want and need to be done. A list will help you organise your tasks and commitments throughout the day. Keep it realistic and cut yourself slack if you don’t get to everything that day. Don’t forget to put yourself at the top of that list. Want to nap for 30 minutes or get to read a chapter of a novel? Put it on your list too. 

4

Multitask

Transform must-do tasks into me-time by multitasking. How, you ask? Well, by tweaking in-between moments during your day, you also make time for yourself which you otherwise could not have done. Listen to your favourite true crime podcast on your drive home from work. If you don’t have time to catch up with a friend, make a grocery shopping date – you get to see your best friend and stock up on household essentials.  

This choca-mocha pick-me-up face mask is a winner to get rid of dull skin while you are busy with your household chores.