After you have kids, life does a complete 180. It’s like anything that can change will, and suddenly you’re adapting to a whole new way of life. Although motherhood brings many joys, it also throws a lot of punches, and it’s easy to let those punches beat you down. You know, the ones like not fitting in your pre-baby jeans, not showering for three days straight, and putting off a haircut so long your hairdresser thinks you moved overseas. Not to mention struggling with feeling desirable, making intimacy with your partner difficult. Plus, piling on the mom-guilt for every little thing that doesn’t go as planned as you navigate this whole mom thing. 

‍

While taking time for yourself tends to go against the mom code, it should really be the main mantra. You’ve likely heard it before, but it bears repeating; you can’t really take care of anyone else if you don’t take care of yourself. But, as moms, we have so much trouble doing anything for ourselves. However, giving yourself the gift of your own time, showing yourself some love, and telling yourself “you’re worth it” are critical factors in being the best mom you can be. 

That’s why in honor of National Self-Esteem Month (yep, it’s a thing), it’s time to focus on you. 

When you have a healthy self-esteem, you’re more apt to forgive yourself more, face challenges with enthusiasm, and avoid unhealthy traps, like comparing yourself to Pinterest moms. The result? A happier you, which means happier kids.

So, if you need a little push in the right direction, check out these 10 quick ways to boost your self-esteem, so you can be the amazing mom that you were meant to be!

• Write down your accomplishments in a journal. When you’re feeling low, whip out your journal and read through the pages. 
• Participate in charity or volunteer work. You get to help others while feeling better yourself; it’s a win-win.
• Schedule a haircut (seriously, like right now. You’ve put it off long enough). Taking the time to do things like this helps you reconnect with yourself and also boosts your confidence.
• Surround yourself with positive people. Debbie-Downers need not apply. 
• Don’t fall into the comparison trap. Facebook and Pinterest are not reality; they are ideas and illusions of a perfect mom life that does NOT exist. 
• Reconnect with your spouse or partner. Schedule a date night, talk with each other, share your feelings, and remember what it was like when you were first together.
• Take a break from the sweats every now and then and wear an outfit that you love.
• It’s an oldie but a goodie -- eat healthy foods and make exercise a priority. Need a helping hand in this department? Check out the Mindpower Session 'Prioritize Wellness’.
• Be realistic about what you can do and achieve within a certain amount of time. Setting impossible expectations for yourself sets you up for failure. Sure, we all want to reach for the stars, but that doesn’t mean you have to catch one every time.
• Ditch the Self-Doubt and breathe, momma. When you face challenges, prepare as best you can and meet them with a smile and fierce resilience. You’ve got this. 
  
  

Are you ready for more? MamaZen is loaded with all sorts of ways for you to amp up your self-esteem, boost confidence, and ditch negative feelings like guilt and resentment. It’s the ultimate way to shift your mindset, so you can feel good about loving yourself.