My experience of being a mother and taking care of my mental health

Is becoming a mother and taking care of yourself possible? Becoming a mother is the biggest life changing event for any woman, and so it was for me. From one day to the next, life stops evolving around you and it is completely focused on another human being. From your everyday smallest choices such as when you wake up, how you plan your day, what and when you cook, to what car and house you buy or what friendships you make...all this is determined by these little humans' and their needs. And yes it's hard and exhausting...but also so rewarding and fulfilling, isn't it? However, when it comes to our mental wellbeing, according to various studies including NHS advice, doing something for yourself on regular basis - whether its relaxing or a hobby- is one of the key factors to ones mental wellbeing and happiness. As a mother of one and expecting a second, I have many times neglected this aspect. It's so easy to prioritize everything else but yourself. And yes its often impossible to get any "me time" as not everyone has a family around the corner to help out with children or a husband available to help around. But just by setting that intention and making it a priority to create time for yourself and your passions can make a big difference- you will then seek opportunities to have a slot of time for yourself, I have personally gone jogging at 10pm in the evening when little one was asleep or arranged childcare just so that I can have that hour of yoga class during the day (of course @yogaonthelane the most amazing yoga studio in London and probably in the world! They currently do wonderful online classes too). When there is an intention, I have no doubt that things become aligned with it.

See some useful tips on how to improve you wellbeing here: https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/top-tips-to-improve-your-mental-wellbeing/