Most people do not pay enough attention to their mental wellbeing. What’s more, discussing mental health is still largely taboo in most societies, which is why those with mental health issues mostly suffer in silence.

This is especially true for working mothers.

Moms in our society are considered nothing less than superhumans who are expected to handle the day-to-day running of the household without batting an eyelid.

So, when a mother falters in her duties because of mental health issues, she is often judged.

If you are a working mother battling stress, anxiety or depression, you must put yourself first for a change and do something constructive to overcome it.

Take comfort in knowing that when your children are adults, they won’t remember the messy home but how happy that home was.

Here are some simple ways to help you stay mentally healthy and happy.

Sleep

How many mothers can honestly say that they sleep for a straight seven to eight hours every night? Very few. However, sleep is crucial for sound mental health.

Have you noticed how irritable some people can be when they lack sleep? It’s because their body and mind are tired. You cannot expect your brain to function normally when it is deprived of well-deserved rest.

So, instead of staying awake all night getting your chores done and going about your day like a zombie, get ample.

If you struggle to fall asleep every night, try the following:

• Meditate.
• Use pillow sprays.
• Take a shower before going to bed.
• Stay away from electronic devices and instead read a book one hour before bedtime to relax your mind.

Stay active and exercise often

A sedentary lifestyle is the enemy of mental health. Regular physical activities such as jogging, walking or swimming can have a profound impact on your mental health.

If you find it difficult to make time for exercise, why not consider involving the children? don’t you make it family time? Go hiking with your kids or play football in the park.

It doesn’t have to be anything elaborate, just make a little time to stay active.

Eat healthily

Will your car run if you don’t put fuel in it? Also, how long do you think the machine will last if you use bad quality fuel?

Your body is the same. You have to eat healthy to keep your body fully functional.

How is it connected to mental health, you ask? If you feel tired all the time and can’t find the energy to cope with daily pressures, it will lead to stress and anxiety.

Hence you need to take care of what you eat to stay on top of your physical as well as mental health.

Addiction is not a solution

Addiction is never a solution to any mental health problem. If you consume too much alcohol or chain-smoke as a means to deal with pressing issues, you will end up with a much bigger problem.

Any kind of addiction is like a black hole that engulfs you, slowly but surely. You wouldn’t want your kids to watch you spiral down that path.

If your worries or fears are too big to handle yourself, seek professional help. But don’t drown your problems with alcohol or cigarettes.

Conclusion

The importance of mental health cannot be stressed enough. Many working mothers tend to put their needs last. But don’t get too caught up in taking care of others so much that you forget the most important person in your life – YOU.

Erika Peres is a social media influencer, entrepreneur and director of multiple companies. She is a mother of two boys and has a passion for sports, fitness and lifestyle. She can be reached on Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook.