There’s no doubt about it. Being a new mom is most definitely one of the most exciting times in any woman’s life. However, being a newborn child who requires a lot of love, time, and attention around the clock, for many mothers, it can be one of the most exhausting seasons as well. And, when the mom is worn out, it can be hard for the baby to get all that she needs. That’s why, if you are a new mom, we wanted to provide a few tips on how you can recharge yourself. That way, you can feel refreshed, and your baby can get the absolute best that you have to offer.

5 Activities to Help New Moms Recharge

Take a warm bath.

Although you might not have the time or money to have a spa day, you can create a similar feeling at home with a warm bath. However, don’t just fill the tub up with water. Add some Epsom salt for aching muscles and joints and a couple of drops of lavender oil to soothe your senses. As an added bonus, thanks to websites like Kitchen Crafts and More, Natural Mother’s Network, and Slowly Natural, you can also make your bubble bath from items you already have at home. Just go to the sites and put “homemade bubble bath recipe” in the search field to see a variety to choose from.

Taking a warm bath can be a wonderful way for a new mom to recharge and rejuvenate.

Here’s how:

1. Physical relaxation: A warm bath helps to relax tired muscles and release tension in the body. The warm water can provide relief from postpartum discomfort, aches, and pains, allowing the body to unwind and recharge.
2. Stress relief: Being a new mom can be overwhelming and stressful. A warm bath offers a tranquil escape from the demands of motherhood. The solitude and quietness of the bath provide a peaceful environment where a mom can take a break from the constant busyness and focus on herself.
3. Mental rejuvenation: The warm water and serene atmosphere of a bath can have a soothing effect on the mind. It provides an opportunity for mindfulness and self-reflection, allowing a mom to let go of worries and clear her mind. This mental break can help restore mental energy and promote emotional well-being.
4. Hormonal balance: Warm water can stimulate the release of oxytocin, often referred to as the “love hormone.” Oxytocin promotes feelings of relaxation, happiness, and bonding. Taking a warm bath can boost oxytocin levels, helping to regulate mood and enhance the overall sense of well-being.
5. Quality time for self-care: Taking a bath provides a dedicated time for self-care, where a new mom can focus on herself and her needs. It’s a chance to indulge in aromatherapy by adding soothing scents like lavender or chamomile to the bathwater, creating a sensory experience that promotes relaxation.

Overall, a warm bath offers a brief respite from the challenges of new motherhood, allowing a mom to recharge physically, mentally, and emotionally. It’s a simple yet effective way to prioritize self-care and nurture oneself, leading to increased energy, reduced stress, and a renewed sense of well-being.

Make a smoothie.

Especially if you’re breastfeeding, you already know that it’s essential that you get plenty of nutrients because whatever you eat, your baby will be digesting as well.

But, if you would like something that will boost energy while your baby is sleeping, why not make a smoothie?

Smoothies made with bananas, berries, honey, and yogurt are always a great pick-me-up.

Making a smoothie can be a refreshing and nourishing way for a new mom to recharge.

Here’s how it can help:

1. Quick and convenient nutrition: As a new mom, finding time to prepare healthy meals can be a challenge. Smoothies offer a convenient solution, as they can be prepared quickly and easily. Packed with fruits, vegetables, and other nutritious ingredients, they provide an instant boost of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, replenishing the body with essential nutrients.
2. Energy boost: Sleep deprivation is a common struggle for new moms. Smoothies can serve as a natural energy booster, especially when incorporating ingredients like leafy greens, berries, and nuts. These ingredients are rich in nutrients that support energy production and help combat fatigue, giving a much-needed vitality lift.
3. Hydration support: Breastfeeding and caring for a newborn can leave moms feeling dehydrated. Smoothies can be an excellent source of hydration, especially when using a base of water, coconut water, or unsweetened plant-based milk. Adding juicy fruits like watermelon or cucumber can further contribute to hydration levels.
4. Mood enhancement: Hormonal changes and sleep deprivation can impact a new mom’s mood. Smoothies can be tailored to include ingredients known for their mood-boosting properties, such as bananas, avocados, dark chocolate, and nuts. These ingredients contain nutrients that support brain health and the production of feel-good neurotransmitters like serotonin, promoting a more positive outlook.
5. Self-care and creativity: Making a smoothie allows new moms to engage in a form of self-care and creativity. It can be an opportunity to experiment with different flavors and combinations, adding a sense of enjoyment and personal satisfaction. The act of preparing something nutritious for oneself can also help foster a sense of self-nurturing and self-worth.

By making a smoothie, new moms can easily incorporate a nutrient-dense and delicious meal or snack into their busy routines. It provides a quick and efficient way to nourish the body, boost energy levels, enhance mood, and prioritize self-care—all essential components for recharging and maintaining overall well-being during the demanding phase of early motherhood.

Push the stroller.

A lot of mothers like to stay pretty close to home during the first few months of their baby’s life; however, sitting inside all day can definitely cause a bit of cabin fever. Whether in your neighborhood or at a nearby park, pick a time of the day when there probably won’t be many people out (like very early in the morning or around 1-2 pm) and take your baby for a stroll. You can even take your iPod along with you to listen to some of your favorite tunes while you’re walking.

Pushing a stroller can be a wonderful way for a new mom to recharge and experience multiple benefits.

Here’s how:

1. Fresh air and nature: Taking a stroll with the baby in a stroller allows a new mom to step outside, breathe in fresh air, and connect with nature. Spending time outdoors has been shown to reduce stress levels, increase feelings of well-being, and improve mood. The change of scenery and exposure to natural elements can be rejuvenating and invigorating.
2. Physical activity: Pushing a stroller provides an opportunity for gentle exercise. Walking is a low-impact activity that helps increase circulation, boost energy levels, and improve cardiovascular health. The movement of pushing the stroller engages muscles in the arms, legs, and core, offering a light workout that can contribute to overall physical fitness.
3. Bonding time with the baby: Pushing a stroller allows for quality bonding time with the baby. It provides an opportunity for conversation, eye contact, and interaction, which are essential for the emotional well-being of both mom and baby. The soothing motion and gentle vibrations of the stroller can also help calm the baby, creating a sense of peace and contentment.
4. Social connection: Strolling with a baby can be a social experience. It offers opportunities for new moms to meet and connect with other parents in the community, fostering a sense of belonging and support. Engaging in conversations and sharing experiences with fellow moms can provide a much-needed sense of camaraderie and understanding.
5. Mental and emotional recharge: The act of pushing a stroller allows a new mom to take a break from the demands of daily life. It provides a space for solitude and reflection, allowing thoughts to flow freely and giving the mind a chance to unwind. This mental break can lead to increased clarity, reduced stress, and a refreshed perspective.
6. Self-care and personal time: Strolling with a baby in a stroller can be considered self-care. It gives a new mom the opportunity to prioritize her well-being and take time for herself. It’s a moment to step away from household chores and responsibilities, focus on self-nurturing, and reconnect with her own needs and desires.

By pushing a stroller, a new mom can enjoy the benefits of fresh air, physical activity, bonding with her baby, social connection, mental relaxation, and self-care. It provides a multifaceted approach to recharging, contributing to physical health, emotional well-being, and overall rejuvenation during the beautiful journey of motherhood.

Pace yourself.

Contrary to popular belief, no one (including women) can do more than two things simultaneously. So, if you’ve been putting unnecessary pressure on yourself to get as much done each day as you did before your baby was born, do yourself a favor and let yourself off the hook a bit. As you’re adjusting to your “new normal,” decide that as long as you get 2-3 things on your list done each day, you are doing great. (Because you are.)

Pacing yourself is a crucial strategy for a new mom to recharge and maintain her well-being.

Here’s how it can help:

Schedule a day to focus just on you.

If your baby is getting close to the six-month mark and you can’t remember the last time you had a day of pampering, it’s high time that you got it. Whether it’s by your spouse watching the baby on the weekends or having a girlfriend help you out, make sure to schedule a time to get a mani/Pedi or that you go to a spa, like Bella Sante, or wherever it is that you live. Two hours at a spa or a salon can feel like a two-week vacation to a new mom with a little baby. And you know what?  You’re worth it.

Scheduling a day to focus just on yourself can be a powerful way for a new mom to recharge and prioritize self-care.

Here’s how it can help:

1. Time for self-reflection: Taking a dedicated day allows you to step back and reflect on your needs, desires, and aspirations. It’s an opportunity to reconnect with your identity beyond motherhood and gain clarity on what brings you joy and fulfillment. This self-reflection can help you realign your priorities and recharge with a renewed sense of purpose.
2. Rest and rejuvenation: A day focused solely on yourself gives you the chance to rest and recharge your physical and mental energy. You can indulge in activities that help you relax and unwind, such as getting a massage, taking a long bath, or enjoying a leisurely walk in nature. This intentional rest promotes physical well-being and allows you to replenish your energy reserves.
3. Pursuing personal interests: As a new mom, it’s easy to put your own interests on the back burner. Scheduling a day for yourself enables you to engage in activities that you enjoy and are passionate about. Whether it’s reading a book, practicing a hobby, or pursuing creative endeavors, dedicating time to your personal interests nourishes your soul and fosters a sense of fulfillment.
4. Reconnecting with friends or loved ones: Use this day to reach out to friends or loved ones and plan meaningful social interactions. Connect with people who uplift and support you. Spending quality time with loved ones can provide emotional nourishment, boost your mood, and strengthen your support network.
5. Seeking professional help: Consider using this day to seek professional support, such as therapy or counseling. Motherhood can come with its own challenges and emotional adjustments. Seeking guidance from a professional can help you process your experiences, manage stress, and enhance your overall well-being.
6. Unplugging from responsibilities: Give yourself permission to unplug from your regular responsibilities, including childcare and household tasks, for this designated day. If possible, ask for support from a partner, family member, or trusted caregiver to ensure uninterrupted personal time. By temporarily relieving yourself of these duties, you can fully immerse yourself in self-care and recharge without distractions.

Final Thoughts:

Remember, scheduling a day for yourself doesn’t mean neglecting your baby’s needs. It’s about recognizing the importance of self-care and carving out dedicated time to nurture yourself. By making self-care a priority and intentionally scheduling time for yourself, you can recharge, rediscover your own identity, and approach motherhood with renewed energy and fulfillment.

Engaging in activities to help new moms recharge is vital for their overall well-being and ability to navigate the demands of motherhood. By prioritizing self-care and taking intentional breaks, new moms can replenish their physical, mental, and emotional energy.

Some key takeaways include:

1. Self-care is essential: New moms should prioritize self-care as a non-negotiable part of their routine. Engaging in activities that promote relaxation, rest, and personal fulfillment allows moms to recharge and maintain their own well-being.
2. Find a balance: Balancing the needs of the baby with self-care activities is crucial. New moms should aim to strike a healthy balance between caring for their child and dedicating time to their own needs and interests. This balance supports their ability to be present and nurturing for their baby.
3. Seek support: New moms should not hesitate to ask for help and seek support from their partners, family members, friends, or professional resources. Having a strong support system in place allows moms to take breaks and engage in activities that recharge them.
4. Customize activities: Every new mom is unique, so finding activities that resonate with personal preferences and interests is important. Whether it’s going for walks, reading, practicing mindfulness, or engaging in hobbies, finding activities that bring joy and relaxation is key.
5. Be flexible: New motherhood comes with unpredictable schedules and demands. It’s important for moms to be flexible with their self-care activities and adapt them to fit the circumstances. Embracing flexibility helps ensure that self-care remains a consistent part of their lives, even during busy or challenging times.

Ultimately, activities to help new moms recharge should be individualized, adaptable, and nourishing. By making self-care a priority, new moms can cultivate their own well-being, restore their energy, and approach motherhood with greater resilience, joy, and fulfillment.