As a Board Certified Holistic Health Practitioner and a black single mom of three young children, I understand firsthand the unique challenges that motherhood can bring to one's mental health. It can be overwhelming to balance the demands of caring for little ones with taking care of oneself. However, over the years, I have learned some tips that have helped me maintain good mental health while raising my children. Here are some tips that I hope will be helpful to other moms out there:
1. Prioritize self-care: It's easy to get caught up in the day-to-day responsibilities of caring for children, but it's important to prioritize self-care. Whether it's taking a bubble bath, reading a good book, or going for a walk, make sure to take time for yourself each day.
2. Connect with other moms: Motherhood can be isolating, so it's important to connect with other moms who can relate to your experiences. Join a mom's group, attend play dates or mom and baby classes, or connect with other moms online. Having a support system can make all the difference.
3. Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness practices, such as meditation or deep breathing, can help reduce stress and improve mental health. Find a few minutes each day to practice mindfulness, even if it's just a few deep breaths while you're rocking your baby to sleep.
4. Get enough sleep: Lack of sleep can have a significant impact on mental health. While it can be difficult to get enough sleep with young children, try to establish a bedtime routine for yourself and your children to promote healthy sleep habits.
5. Seek professional help: If you're struggling with your mental health, don't hesitate to seek professional help. A therapist, counselor, or other mental health practitioner can provide support and guidance to help you manage your mental health.
6. Practice gratitude: It can be easy to focus on the challenges of motherhood, but practicing gratitude can help shift your mindset to a more positive one. Take time each day to reflect on what you're thankful for, even if it's just something small.
7. Set boundaries: As a mom, it can be easy to put everyone else's needs before your own. However, it's important to set boundaries to protect your own mental health. Learn to say no when you need to, and prioritize activities and relationships that bring you joy and fulfillment.
8. Stay active: Exercise is not only good for your physical health, but it can also have a positive impact on your mental health. Find an activity that you enjoy, whether it's yoga, jogging, or dancing, and make time for it each week.
9. Practice self-compassion: Motherhood can be challenging, and it's important to be gentle with yourself when things don't go as planned. Practice self-compassion by speaking kindly to yourself and acknowledging that you're doing the best you can.
10. Find joy in the small moments: While motherhood can be challenging, it's also full of small moments of joy and wonder. Take time to appreciate these moments, whether it's your baby's first smile or your toddler's silly dance moves.
In conclusion, as a black single mom of three young children who is also a Board Certified Holistic Health Practitioner, I understand the unique challenges that motherhood can bring to one's mental health. However, by prioritizing self-care, seeking support, practicing mindfulness, and staying active, among other things, mothers can take steps to maintain good mental health while raising their children. Remember that it's important to be gentle with yourself and to seek help when you need it. With these tips, I hope that other moms out there can find ways to prioritize their mental health and enjoy the many pleasures of motherhood.
Hey Momma!
What if I told you that managing time is impossible? We cannot make time or manage time but we can steward time. As a single Mompreneur of three young children, I know firsthand the struggle of managing the demands of motherhood, building a business, and trying to find time for myself. When I left an abusive marriage with little to no income of my own, I was forced to become a master of time stewardship.
Through trial and error, I implemented my Freedom Framework from my book, “It’s All in Me! - My Journey to Freedom & Living Abundantly”, as it pertains to stewarding time, which consists of five key pillars: Faith, Fellowship, Forgiveness, Feeding Your Being, and Fun.
1. Faith
As a child of Elohim, my faith is the foundation for everything I do. It reminds me that I am not alone and that there is a higher power guiding me through life's challenges. Whether it's spending time in prayer or reading His Word, making time for my faith has been essential in helping me stay grounded and focused on what's truly important.
Reflection question: How can I incorporate my faith into my daily routine?
2. Fellowship
As a mom, it's easy to get caught up in the day-to-day responsibilities of raising children and managing a household. However, it's important to remember that we are not meant to go through life alone. Building relationships with other moms and supportive friends has been crucial in helping me navigate the ups and downs of motherhood and entrepreneurship.
Reflection question: Who are the people in my life who support and encourage me, and how can I prioritize time with them?
3. Forgiveness
As a single mom, it's easy to fall into the trap of feeling guilty about not being able to do everything perfectly. However, I've learned that forgiveness, both for myself and for others, is key to moving forward and creating a positive mindset. This means letting go of past mistakes, forgiving those who have hurt me, and focusing on the present moment.
Reflection question: What past mistakes or hurts am I holding onto that I need to let go of in order to move forward?
4. Feeding Your Being
As moms, it's easy to put our own needs and desires on the back burner. However, I've found that taking care of myself mentally, physically, and emotionally is essential in order to be the best mom and entrepreneur I can be. This means prioritizing self-care activities like exercise, meditation, and spending time in nature.
Reflection question: What self-care activities can I incorporate into my daily routine to nourish my mind, body, and spirit?
5. Fun
Finally, it's important to remember to have fun! As a busy mom and entrepreneur, it's easy to get caught up in the grind and forget to enjoy life. However, taking time to do things that bring me joy, whether it's dancing, listening to music, or spending time with my kids, is essential in maintaining a positive mindset and avoiding burnout.
Reflection question: What activities bring me joy, and how can I prioritize them in my daily routine?
Stewardship of time is about using time wisely and being good stewards of the time given to us by God. It involves making the most of every opportunity and using time in a way that aligns with God's will and purposes. The Bible emphasizes the importance of being intentional and deliberate in how we use our time, and using it to serve and build up others rather than being self-centered or wasting time on frivolous pursuits.
The examples of Yahuah and the apostle Paul in the Bible demonstrate how to be good stewards of time by prioritizing ministry, relationships, and spreading the gospel. As Children of Elohim, we are called to follow their example and use our time to reflect our commitment to Elohim and serving others. Stewardship of time means recognizing that time is a precious and finite resource and using it in a way that honors Elohim and serves others, fulfilling our calling as faithful stewards of Elohim’s gifts.
In conclusion, as a single mom of three young children, I know firsthand the importance of time stewardship. By developing my Freedom Framework, which consists of Faith, Fellowship, Forgiveness, Feeding Your Being, and Fun, I've been able to find the balance I need to be present for my kids, build my business, and enjoy life. I encourage you to take some time to reflect on these pillars and how you can incorporate them into your own life. Remember, when you prioritize your time, you can create the freedom you need to live your best life!
If you’d like to go deeper into the Freedom Framework and uplevel how you steward your time in a community of other mom’s, join me in She’s Ready Society! The waitlist is open!
I’m launching "She's Ready Society", a membership community designed for single moms to level-up spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and financially. Doesn’t this sound like the community for you??? Yes!
I invite you to join the waitlist now to get first access to the founding members price and be a part of a supportive community of like-minded women. Let's create a space where we can all thrive together! Link below... I’m excited to connect with and support you in our community.
