This January, don't feel too pressured by the annual 'self-improvement' narrative. You’ve been through way too much over the last year to have to contend with that. Instead, how about a kinder, gentler approach for 2021? We’re talking about self-care. 

For mothers everywhere, ‘self’ tends to take a back seat as soon as you have a little one to take care of. But as the saying goes, “You can’t pour from an empty cup.” That is, if you’re tired, stressed and run-down, you won’t have the reserves to take care of others. So, make self-care your watch word for January and you’ll be better able to take the challenges of motherhood in your stride.  

Here are 10 self-care tips to help you get started...

Minimise the Covid noise: We’ve entered 2021 with rising COVID-19 numbers and the daily news reports can be stressful. Do yourself a favour, turn off talk radio and limit your news to once a day. Even then, just the headlines can be enough. If you’re on social, avoid falling down the rabbit hole of Twitter and Facebook and aim for lighter content on the likes of Instagram and Pinterest.  

Get your daily Vitamin D: At this time of year, Vitamin D is in short supply so topping up with a supplement is helpful. This helps you to avoid becoming run-down or suffering from the ‘January blues’. Try and get out for a little while when the sun shows its face, even if its chilly. Just remember to wrap up well. Foods rich in Vitamin D include oily fish, red meat, liver, cheese, eggs and foods fortified with Vitamin D such as cereals and orange juice.  

Folic Acid: For all those Mamas to be make sure to keep taking your folic acid. It’s so important for protecting your baby from neural tube defects such as Spina Bifida and Anacephaly. It can also guard against pre-eclampsia and premature labour. If you are considering having another baby, taking Folic Acid is a great habit to get into.  

Blow off the cobwebs:  It’s very easy to spend a January in lockdown on the couch with Netflix for company. A daily dose of exercise can boost your wellbeing and help you throw off that post-Christmas sluggish feeling. A short walk, yoga session or workout can do wonders for how you feel. Check out YouTube and your favourite App store for fitness ideas.  

Hydrate! They say water is life, so to feel a bit livelier, one of the easiest ways is to simply drink more water. Try starting the day with a cup of hot water with lemon. It’s a great cleanser and helps to wake up the body. Keep a bottle nearby throughout the day and sip from it as you go. It’s a great habit to get into and will give your skin a clearer, healthier glow.  

Give yourself a Boost: We’re all being asked to stay at home and with that in mind, it’s very easy to slip into the habit of wearing your favourite top and leggings and no make-up from day to day. Give yourself a boost once a week by wearing an outfit you really like, even if you’re not going anywhere. Add a dash of lippy and you’ll feel a million dollars.  

Treat yourself: All non-essential shops, salons and beauticians may be closed but that doesn’t mean you can’t pamper yourself for a quick boost. Dig out that gift set you got for Christmas and smooth on some body lotion for silkier skin. Give your hair a deep conditioning treatment or make up a home face mask. A little pampering goes a long way.  

S-T-R-E-T-C-H:  We often see family pets, and even our little ones, enjoying a good stretch. It’s an ideal way to loosen up if you’re working from home and sitting at your desk/kitchen table for long periods. Take a few minutes every so often to get up, stretch yourself and loosen up those stiffened muscles. Your body will thank you! 

Check yourself: One of the most important aspects of self-care is keeping an eye on your health. It’s very easy to put things on the long finger, especially now, when people are reluctant to visit their GP due to Covid-19 risks. Things like cervical swabs, dental checks and other health screenings should not be put off. Make and keep those appointments. Check your breasts regularly for any abnormalities and if you feel something is amiss, don’t ignore it. 

Keep talking: One of the toughest things about Covid is not being able to hang out with friends and family as normal. Take the time to phone a friend or family member for a chat or meet them for a socially distanced walk. A good gossip can really lift the spirits.  

Do you have any self-care tips you’d like to share? We’d love to hear!