5 Reasons Why Anxious Moms Need To Prioritize Alone Time
Motherhood is a beautiful journey filled with love, joy, and precious moments. However, it's also a role that demands constant attention, leaving moms with little time for themselves. As a mom, it's essential to recognize the importance of taking time alone to recharge and nurture your own well-being. By taking time alone, away from kids and partners, moms can start to remember and sense into who they are as a person, not just as a mom.
Anxious Moms & the Challenge of Taking Time for Yourself
While the benefits of taking time for yourself are clear, as a mom, you may encounter several challenges that make it difficult to prioritize self-care. Understanding these challenges can help you navigate them more effectively and find practical solutions to carve out much-needed alone time. Here are the top challenges moms face when trying to find time for themselves:
Guilt and Self-imposed Pressure
One of the biggest hurdles that moms face when it comes to taking time for themselves is the overwhelming sense of guilt. The societal expectation that moms should be selfless and constantly focused on their children can create internal pressure to prioritize their needs above everything else. This guilt can be intensified by the fear of being judged by others. Or feeling like you're not living up to the standards of an "ideal mom."
To overcome this challenge, it's important to recognize that self-care is not a luxury but a necessity. Taking time for yourself allows you to recharge and show up as the best version of yourself for your family. Embrace the fact that you deserve and are entitled to moments of rest, rejuvenation, and personal fulfillment. Remember that by prioritizing your well-being, you're setting a positive example for your children and teaching them the importance of listening to their bodies.
Lack of Support and Resources for Anxious Moms
Another common challenge for moms is the lack of support and available resources. Many moms find themselves juggling multiple responsibilities with limited help. Whether that is due to a lack of family support, a demanding work schedule, or other commitments. This can make it difficult to find the time and resources to dedicate to alone time and add to the burden of feeling anxious and resentful as a mom.
To address this challenge, it's important to reach out for support. Lean on your partner, family members, or trusted friends to help with childcare or household responsibilities, even if it's for a short period. Consider exploring community resources, such as parenting groups, babysitting co-ops, or local support networks that can provide assistance and opportunities for shared childcare. Additionally, explore creative solutions like scheduling dedicated "me-time" during nap times or after bedtime.
Unrealistic Expectations and Perfectionism
As a mom, you may feel the pressure to meet unrealistic expectations and strive for perfection in all areas of your life. This constant drive to do it all can make it challenging to justify taking time for yourself. Which will leave you feeling overwhelmed and angry that things are going this way. The fear of falling short or being perceived as selfish can hinder your ability to prioritize your well-being and maternal mental health.
It's essential to challenge these unrealistic expectations and embrace self-compassion. Recognize that perfection is unattainable and that taking care of yourself is not selfish but a necessary part of being a healthy and fulfilled mom. Let go of the need to be everything to everyone (because it’s impossible!!) and allow yourself to prioritize your well-being without guilt.
Time Management and Prioritization
Time management is a common struggle for moms that I see at my therapy practice in Ohio. Finding the time for self-care can feel like an added challenge. With the constant demands of parenting, household responsibilities, and potentially work obligations, it can be challenging to carve out dedicated alone time.
To overcome this challenge, it's important to prioritize and make self-care a non-negotiable part of your routine. Evaluate your daily schedule and identify pockets of time that can be dedicated to yourself, even if it's in small increments. It may require setting boundaries, saying no to certain commitments, and delegating tasks to create the space you need. Remember that self-care doesn't always have to be lengthy. Even short moments of intentional self-care can make a significant difference.
How Anxious Moms Can Overcome the Challenges and Embrace Self-Care
Taking time for yourself as a mom may present its challenges, but they are not insurmountable. By addressing guilt, seeking support, challenging unrealistic expectations, and managing your time effectively, you can create a foundation for prioritizing self-care. Remember that alone time is not a luxury but a vital component of your overall well-being. When you nurture yourself, you have more to give to your family, and you become a role model for your children. If you’re looking to decrease your worry, anxiety, resentment and self doubt that comes with being a burned out mom, alone time is a practical thing you can do for yourself to start seeing a change.
So anxious moms here are 5 reasons, from an Ohio therapist for moms, to prioritize taking time to yourself, today:
1. Time to Complete a Task Without Interruption
As a mom, your days are often filled with never-ending to-do lists. From household chores to caring for your little ones, finding uninterrupted time to complete a task can feel like an impossible dream. This is where carving out alone time becomes crucial. By dedicating a specific period solely for yourself, you can focus on tackling that project or chore without any interruptions. It allows you to be more productive and efficient. And it ultimately reduces the stress associated with unfinished tasks.
2. Rest for Your Body and Mind
Motherhood can be physically and mentally demanding, leaving you feeling exhausted and drained. Taking time alone provides an opportunity for much-needed rest and rejuvenation. Whether it's a few moments of quiet relaxation, self-soothing, or a guilt-free nap, giving your body and mind the rest they deserve is vital for your overall well-being. Embrace this time as a chance to recharge your energy levels, reduce stress, and enhance your overall mood.
3. Engage in Activities Just for Yourself
Remember those things you used to enjoy before becoming a mom? It's time to reconnect with your passions and prioritize activities just for yourself! Carving out alone time enables you to engage in hobbies, indulge in your favorite pastimes, or explore new interests. Whether it's reading a book, taking a long bath, pursuing a creative endeavor, or engaging in physical exercise, dedicate time to activities that bring you joy. This allows you to nourish your soul and regain a sense of individuality.
4. Attend to Your Physical and Mental Health
As a mom, it's easy to put your physical and mental health on the back burner while prioritizing the needs of your family. However, neglecting your well-being can lead to burnout and diminished overall functioning. Allocating alone time provides an opportunity to attend to your physical and mental health needs. Use this time to schedule those long-overdue doctor's appointments, take care of necessary health check-ups, or attend therapy for anxious moms if needed. Remember, taking care of yourself is not selfish but rather a powerful act of self-love that benefits both you and your family.
5. Connect with Friends or Make New Ones
Social connections play a significant role in our happiness and overall well-being. However, as a busy mom, it's common to feel isolated and disconnected from the outside world. Carving out alone time allows you to nurture your social connections. Use this time to connect with friends. Whether it's meeting up for a coffee date, having a phone call, or joining a virtual hangout. It's also an opportunity to meet new like-minded moms, attend local meetups, or join online communities that provide support and understanding. Building and fostering relationships not only combat feelings of loneliness but also provide a sense of belonging and support.
Embrace Solitude for a Happier, Healthier You
In the whirlwind of motherhood, it's easy to overlook the importance of carving out alone time. However, prioritizing time for yourself is not selfish—it's an essential aspect of self-care that positively impacts your overall well-being.
By recognizing the power of solitude, you can create a harmonious balance between your responsibilities as a mom and nurturing your own needs. Remember, you deserve moments of rest, rejuvenation, and personal growth. Embrace solitude, recharge your batteries, and show yourself the love and care you truly deserve.
Prioritize Your Well-Being with Therapy for Overwhelmed Moms in Youngstown, Ohio
We all know that motherhood can be demanding and exhausting. It leaves little time for self-care. If you find yourself overwhelmed by the constant demands and mental load of being a mom, it's time to prioritize your well-being. At my online counseling practice in Ohio, I help moms like you find balance and regain a sense of self.
You deserve moments of rest and rejuvenation. Let’s work together to help you embrace solitude and nurture your own needs. Take the first step towards a healthier and happier you:
Start meeting with a trained therapist for anxious moms
Feel supported as you prioritize your alone time and self-care
About the Author, a Therapist for Mothers in Youngstown & Virtually Throughout Ohio
Allie Kidd is a licensed therapist, crafter, and mom based in Ohio. She is an EMDR-trained therapist with addtional intensive training in DBT. She earned her MSW from Columbia University School of Social Work in 2012. Allie specializes in helping moms regain their power and find their voice. She does this by addressing how past experiences manifest as anxiety, anger, and self-doubt.
Originally from California, Allie has lived in New York and now calls Ohio home. She enjoys audiobooks, board games, and crafting in her free time. Clinically practicing in both New York and Ohio, Allie integrates EMDR in her therapy sessions to promote authentic living. Her personal and professional experiences make her a compassionate and effective guide for moms seeking relief and support.
Other Online Therapy Services I Offer in Ohio
As a female therapist I also provide EMDR intensives for a variety of concerns such as codependency, past trauma, anxiety, and stress. This also includes support after birth trauma and grief counseling.
