Busy Mums: 10 Ways to Stay Rejuvenated in the New Year

Chiomah Momah

Motherhood is a tough job that can leave you drained on many levels. When one throws in the extra hassles of life, it can become a nightmare. For any household to run smoothly, it’s important that every mum feels fresh and rejuvenated, because as everyone knows, a stressed mum can make an unhappy mum and the children will feel the brunt. That’s where rejuvenation comes in. Try out these tips for a happier, more youthful and new you in the New Year.

1. Rest
Sleep is nature’s way of making sure we stay refreshed. Every adult needs at least 7 hours of sleep everyday. Anything below this leaves you sleep deprived. The effect of this is fatigue, low concentration, impaired memory, reduced immunity which can make you susceptible to infections, among others. If you are not getting enough rest due to a busy schedule or some other reason, then try taking power naps during the day. You’d be shocked what a 30-minute nap during lunch break would do for you, as studies have shown that such naps increase your memory by as much as 20 percent!

2. Create the right atmosphere
Your bedroom should have an ambience of warmth and rest. Having your laptop, TV and other appliances in your bedroom creates the wrong atmosphere. Similarly, a disorganized room with clothes and books strewn all over make your bedroom a chaotic outlook and atmosphere. Instead, make sure your bedroom is your haven of rest by designing it with warm and soft colours and ensuring it’s always tidy. Once you enter a bedroom that is organized and has the right ambience, your brain knows it’s time to rest.

3. Eat right
Remember the saying, “You are what you eat?” Well, it’s very true. To feel truly rejuvenated slow down on heavy starchy foods and eat clean! Avoid dairy products that make your stomach bloat, if you are lactose intolerant. For breakfast, a fruit smoothie will give you a kick to start your day feeling energized!  Try eating healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables and cut down on processed or starchy foods. As a rule, make sure you don’t eat for up to 2 or 3 hours before you go to bed and you’d be amazed how light and energized you’ll feel.

4. Hot bath
Taking a hot bath before you go to bed can be incredibly relaxing. This is partly because when you take a hot bath your body temperature drops when you get out of the water and this helps you fall asleep fast. Adding essential oils such as lavender to your bath water will further help your tensed muscles relax, thereby reducing stress.

READ ALSO: Overwhelmed Mums: 8 Tips To Staying Sane & Keeping Your Cool

5. Exercise Regime
It could be something as simple as starting a dance routine or climbing the stairs at least three times a week. The right type of exercises will help combat fatigue and stress and kick start your day. Also, if you’re overweight, losing those extra pounds will definitely you feel instantly rejuvenated!

6. Get more organized
One of the biggest stress factors is being disorganized. As a mum, when your days are structured and organized, it will help you feel less clustered. End each day writing out what you plan to do the next day so that you have clearly set goals when you wake up each day!

7. Get a makeover
Retail therapy can rejuvenate any mum! There’s nothing as refreshing as getting a new outfit or getting that haircut you have always wanted. You will feel and look great!

8. Take a Vacation (without the kids!)
For many the thought of going anywhere without your kids is impossible but if you plan it out well it’s doable. You may have to go to an exotic place for a week, even a weekend or night away will do you a world of good. You can try checking into a nice hotel close by, that way, you will still feel close to the children. If there is absolutely no way you can get a night away, then when your children are at school or grandma is visiting, use the opportunity to go to the spa or somewhere you can relax. Take a break from being a mum even if it’s just for a few hours. You will feel better and your kids will love you for it.

9. Feed your Soul
True rejuvenation starts from within. Try listening to inspirational music and reading motivational books. These will relax your soul and inspire you afresh!

10. Spa
Visit a spa! This is one treat that is sure to rejuvenate even the weariest soul! Most of our major cities are full of spas that now offer full body massages and body treatments that are extremely relaxing!

So, remember the three Rs – Rest, Relax, and you will surely feel Rejuvenated!