Motherhood is an incredible journey, but it’s no secret that it comes with challenges—especially when it comes to taking care of yourself. Between managing a newborn, keeping up with household duties, and juggling other responsibilities, self-care often takes a back seat. But here’s the truth: taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of your family. When you feel good, you’re able to be your best self for your loved ones.
Hey there, I’m Barkha Agarwal!
If you’re new here, let me introduce myself. I’m Barkha Agarwal, an engineer and MBA who followed my passion and turned it into a successful career as a maternity and newborn photographer in Gurugram. I’m also a mom to a vibrant and energetic three-year-old daughter, so I understand firsthand the challenges of balancing motherhood and self-care.
Today, we’re diving into one of the most important topics for moms: How to Take Care of Yourself. Whether you’re a new mom or you’ve been in this game for a while, these tips are for you. In this blog, I’ll share 5 actionable steps that I’ve found truly helpful in my journey to rediscovering self-love and care amidst the chaos of motherhood.
1. Know Your Worth
Whether you’re working or staying at home, breastfeeding or not, looking glamorous or not—you are important. Being a mom doesn’t mean you stop being YOU. When I became a mom, I realized how easy it is to lose yourself in caring for everyone else. But here’s a simple exercise that helped me reconnect with myself: every morning, look into the mirror and say, “I love you” to yourself. It may sound silly, but you’ll be amazed at how it can boost your self-esteem over time. Remember, self-love starts with knowing your worth.
2. Schedule Self-Care Activities
I used to be the mom who went months without a proper haircut, let alone a manicure. Sound familiar? Once my baby was born, self-care seemed like an impossible luxury. But here’s the key: even one self-care activity a week can make a huge difference. It could be a pedicure, a body massage, or simply a peaceful walk—whatever relaxes and rejuvenates you. During that time, make sure you have a trusted caregiver for your child, whether it’s your partner, a family member, or a friend. Most importantly, disconnect from mom mode for those few hours. Trust me, a little self-care goes a long way in helping you feel refreshed and recharged.
3. Think Before You Think
Your thoughts are more powerful than you realize. Every thought you have shapes your world and affects your child. As a mom, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and stressed, but focusing on positive thoughts can bring a sense of calm. Surround yourself with positivity, whether through books, podcasts, or the people you engage with. And yes, you can find the time to do this—even if it’s just 10 minutes while your baby naps. Those few minutes can shift your mindset and help you stay grounded throughout the day.
4. Express How You Feel
During motherhood, there are a lot of emotions—hormonal changes, stress, joy, anxiety—all at once. And it’s okay to feel overwhelmed. But instead of bottling it up, talk about your feelings. Whether it’s with your partner, a friend, or a family member, expressing your emotions can help you find solutions before small issues turn into big problems. Sometimes, just talking can make you feel lighter and more at peace.
5. Plan and Execute
Being a mom is chaotic, and it’s easy to feel like you have no time for anything else. But with a bit of planning, you can get things done! Take one big task and break it down into smaller chunks. For instance, I’ve been wanting to redecorate my home for a while, but it always felt like an overwhelming project. So, I divided it into manageable tasks and assigned time slots for each. Now, instead of feeling frustrated, I’m excited to see the progress bit by bit.
Whether it’s redecorating your home, starting a new hobby, or pursuing a passion—plan it out in small steps and see how manageable it becomes. This approach applies to both your personal and professional life.
Final Thoughts: Take Care of You
Motherhood is a beautiful journey, but don’t forget the most important person on this planet—you. When you take care of yourself, you’re better equipped to take care of everyone else. Remember, it’s not selfish to focus on your well-being—it’s essential.
Thank you for joining me in this conversation! I’d love to hear your thoughts, struggles, and victories in the comments below. Together, we can support each other through this amazing (yet challenging) journey of motherhood.
Lots of Love,
Barkha Agarwal
