With Maternal Mental Health Month upon us – and Mother’s Day fast approaching – it’s time to prioritise self-care and mental health. Countless mothers struggle with depression, anxiety and a number of other chronic conditions in silence. Here are 5 simple ways to let a load off.

Up to 1 in 5 expecting and new mums and 1 in 10 expecting and new dads experience anxiety or depression, and we also know that perinatal anxiety and depression afflicts 100, 000 families in Australia – and these rates are only growing. Despite the seriousness and urgency of these conditions, maternal mental health continues to get swept under the rug. This Mother’s Day, it’s time to put mental health first. Whether you’re a mum or you’re celebrating a mother in your life, there are a few things you can do to put self-care on the map. Taking care of maternal mental health is just as important as taking care of physical health. Here are 5 ways mums can look after their mental health through self-care.

Prioritise sleep

Lack of sleep can have a significant impact on mental health – in fact, the knock-on effects can range from low mood and fatigue to sugar cravings. Sleep deprivation can lead to increased stress and even disorders like anxiety and depression. As a mum, it can be challenging to get a full night's sleep, but prioritising sleep is essential. Try to create a consistent bedtime routine and limit screen time before bed. Consider delegating tasks and responsibilities to others, like your partner or family, to help you get some extra rest.

Practice mindfulness

Practicing mindfulness can help reduce stress, improve mood, and increase your sense of well-being. Mindfulness is about being present in the moment and accepting your thoughts and feelings without judgment. Consider taking a few minutes each day to meditate, practice deep breathing exercises, or simply sit quietly and focus on your breath.

Connect with others

Motherhood can be isolating at times, especially during the early stages when you may be spending a lot of time at home with your baby. It's essential to connect with others, whether it's through joining a mum's group, meeting with friends, or even chatting with other parents online. Connecting with others can help reduce feelings of loneliness and provide a sense of community and support.

Exercise

Exercise is an effective way to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. It can also increase energy levels and improve overall mood. As a mum, it can be challenging to find time to exercise, but even short bursts of activity can be beneficial. Consider going for a walk with your baby, doing a quick yoga session, or taking a dance class.

Prioritise time for yourself

It's easy to get caught up in the demands of motherhood and neglect your own needs. However, it's essential to take that but of time for yourself, even if it's just to enjoy simple activities like reading a book, taking a bubble bath, or engaging in a hobby. Taking time for yourself can help reduce stress and increase feelings of happiness and fulfilment – it also makes the hectic times that little bit more bearable.

Looking for something to treat yourself with or get for that special mum in your life? You can enjoy up to a whopping 70% offas a part of our Mother’s Day Promotion! This includes cookbooks and our range of eco-friendly household and lifestyle products. 

Quitting sugar is another great way to help manage stress and reduce our risk for developing mental health conditions. But we know it’s not always easy, especially if you’re hooked on the sweet stuff. That’s what we’re here for. Join us for the 8-Week Program and we’ll help you change the way you look at food – and that doesn’t mean you have to follow restrictive diets or miss out on your favourite foods; we believe you can still enjoy delicious food without jeopardising your health. You might even consider gifting your mum with the program! With celebrity chef Sarah Glover on our panel of experts, you’ll have an array of fun recipes at your fingertips, along with our own exclusive armoury of simple, tasty and healthy recipes for everything from daily meals to impressive entertaining. We know it can be hard to stick to your health goals – especially when you’re trying to manage it alone. When you sign up with us, you’ll have access to clear-cut meal plans, community support and exclusive access to our sugar-free content. Here’s what’s on offer:

1. 8 weeks of meal plans and shopping lists.
2. 90+ member-only recipes.
3. Community forums to share your journey.
4. Support and guidance from the I Quit Sugar team.
5. Exclusive content from our panel of experts.

So, if you’re ready to ditch sugar and the host of maladies that come with it, it’s not too late to join. We’d love to help you get started on your health journey. Sign up HERE today!