As we embark on Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week, it’s crucial to shine a spotlight
on the often-overlooked aspect of motherhood; the well-being of mothers themselves.
Motherhood is a journey of profound joy and fulfilment, but it also comes with its own set of
challenges, worries anxieties and juggling everything that we often over look our own needs
and desires. You might now find yourself with a new role of being a mom or you may be a
mum for a while but sometimes we feel, or well I certainly did, that it meant I had to put
everything else first. It is important to emphasizes the importance of nurturing the individual
within the role of a mother.
In this blog post, we delve into the significance of self-care practices and the therapeutic
benefits of reflexology in promoting maternal mental health and well-being.
Motherhood is a selfless journey, where a mother’s focus often revolves entirely around her
child’s needs. However, amidst the nurturing and caretaking, it’s crucial for mothers to
prioritise their own well-being. Self-care isn’t selfish; it’s a necessary practice for
maintaining mental and emotional equilibrium. Taking time for oneself allows mothers to
recharge, rejuvenate, and ultimately be better equipped to care for their families.
Self-care encompasses a myriad of activities, from simple daily rituals like mindfulness
exercises and journaling to indulgent treats like a long bath or a day at the spa. It’s about
carving out moments in the day to honour oneself, even if it’s just for a few minutes. By
incorporating self-care into their routine, mothers can prevent burnout, alleviate stress, and
foster a deeper sense of self-awareness and acceptance. The hardest part is getting started and
staying consistent.
On my journey in motherhood, I felt and thought I had it all figured out, my first son was born in 2015, he was and is the best boy – he was healthy and happy and he slept. I really was oblivious when I look back now; in 2018 after a couple of early miscarriages I was delighted to be pregnant with my second son but this is when I woke up to the realisation that motherhood was not plain sailing for everyone just as I was about 20 weeks my little boy was born sleeping, I will spare the details of this, but this is when I became the anxious mum, the over-thinking mum, the stressed mum, I couldn’t sleep without having nightmares but also i was grieving but most people didn’t even know I was grieving. This is when I was introduced to reflexology and the terms self care and mindfulness.
I became so interested in this as I was blown away by how much it benefited me and my little family that I went on to study and haven’t stopped since and my mission is now to support people especial women to discover that even in the hardest of times we can still continue to bloosom and grow into something wonderful – its all about rediscovering you – rediscovering what brings you joy and lights you up! It might not be holistic therapies it could be DIY, Gardening or even painting.
My favourite at home self care tools are.
- Journaling
- Meditation
- Listening to uplifting motivation podcasts
- A foot soak with essential oils.
Among the various self-care practices, reflexology is a holistic therapy that offers numerous benefits for maternal health and well-being. Reflexology is based on the principle that specific points on the feet, hands, face, or ears correspond to different organs and systems within the body. By applying pressure to these points, reflexology aims to stimulate the body’s natural healing process and restore balance.
For mothers, reflexology provides a safe and non-invasive means of relaxation and stress relief. The gentle pressure applied during a reflexology session induces a state of deep relaxation, allowing tension to melt away and promoting a sense of calmness and tranquility. Moreover, reflexology can alleviate common issues faced by mothers, such as sleep disturbances, fatigue, and stress.
Beyond its physical benefits, reflexology also has profound psychological effects. By encouraging the release of endorphins and reducing cortisol levels, reflexology helps alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression, promoting overall mental well-being. Additionally, the nurturing touch involved in reflexology fosters a sense of connection and comfort, which is particularly beneficial for new mothers navigating the challenges of parenthood.
Incorporating Self-Care and Reflexology into Your Routine:
As we celebrate Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week, let me reiterate the importance of prioritizing self-care. Whether it’s setting aside time for a relaxing foot massage or indulging in a mindfulness practice, every effort towards self-care is a step towards rediscovering oneself amidst the demands of motherhood. Try to incorporate self-care and reflexology into your routine, consider the following tips:
1. Schedule the time: Set aside dedicated time each day for self-care activities, whether it’s in the morning before the day begins or in the evening before bedtime.- for me i would get up 30 minutes before everyone else and I would a little journaling, affirmations, some EFT or meditation and put on my essential oils and I was set for the day.
2. Explore reflexology techniques: Explore reflexology in your area and see if you would like to try it – if you aren’t sure on someone in your area please reach out to me via email, instagram or facebook and I would be a happy to point you in the right direction.
3. Try it! If your not sure if its your thing or not, just try it. I tried cold water swimming last year and now it is my outlet I love it,but i NEVER thought i would be dipping in a freezing cold lake in the summer not to mind the middle of winter.
Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week serves as a reminder for us that the well-being of mothers is paramount in nurturing healthy families and communities. By embracing self-care practices and exploring therapeutic modalities like reflexology, mothers can rediscover themselves amidst the beautiful chaos of motherhood. Let us prioritise our mental health, honour our individuality, and embark on a journey of self-discovery and self-care. After all, you cannot pour from an empty cup – if you are running on empty you are not going to be giving the best of you to your family – a happy and healthy mother is the cornerstone of a thriving family
I have attached an audio recording of a short 7 minute well being session, I hope you enjoy it. Click HERE
Wishing you wellness.
Sinead
*Images cited in good faith. Please inform us if incorrect or needs addition.
