Six Things Moms Need for Mental Health

Let’s be real—motherhood is beautiful, but it’s also exhausting. From sunup to way past sundown, moms are constantly giving—to our kids, our partners, our jobs, our homes. But when was the last time you gave something to yourself?

Mental health isn’t a luxury for moms—it’s a necessity. And while bubble baths and spa days are nice, they’re not the foundation. The truth is, our well-being depends on a few core habits that often get pushed to the bottom of the to-do list (if they even make the list at all).

If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, anxious, tired, or disconnected—you’re not alone. And you’re not broken. You might just be missing some of the basic building blocks that keep your body and mind steady.

Let’s talk about six simple but powerful things every mom needs to protect her mental health—not one more unrealistic task, but six things that actually work and help you feel like you again.

7-9 hours. Don’t come to me saying you are fine with 4-5 hours. Science disagrees. Without enough sleep, our mental health suffers, our immunity is weakened, stress hormones build up & can trigger anxiety & weight gain, & a lack of sleep can even cause early aging & wrinkles. Sleep is a mom’s secret weapon to look & feel great.

6 big glasses daily. Dehydration not only puts our internal organs at risk but can also increase our risk of anxiety & depression. Staying hydrated helps our bodies function correctly. It also increases our energy, improves our skin, & helps us concentrate.

The research is clear: exercise not only boosts your physical health but also helps protect your mental & emotional health. Exercise can ease symptoms of anxiety & depression. Movement should be something you enjoy—whatever makes you happy. You get to decide what works for you. Just get your booty moving for 20 minutes a day.

Have a daily quiet time for at least 5 minutes. Read a devotional, pray, worship, practice gratitude, sit quietly—whatever works for you. 

We need friendships with other women. If our main relationships are only with people in our home, we miss out on the rich texture that friends add to our lives. Our favorite friends help us cope with stress, encourage us, love us, & make us happy. Connect with a friend daily—a call, a text thread, a coffee date...

 

The practice of setting aside a few minutes to do simple deep breathing exercises is surprisingly powerful. Studies show that breathwork reduces stress, boosts the immune systsem, & helps increase self-awareness. Taking a few deep breaths helps to regulate your system & gets you out of the stressful fight-or-flight mode. Often, when we’re not taking care of ourselves, we’re not connected to our bodies or our emotions until we are overwhelmed by them.