Here we are all together standing in front of a shiny brand new year, but moreover a whole new dedcade! So of course now is the time to talk New Year Resolutions. Except I’m not going to start waffling on about weight loss, or being more organised, or any of that malarkey. Instead, let’s talk about real New Year Resolutions every mum should make. What are those? I hear you ask. Well, they go something like this:
Be kinder to yourself
You, yes you mama! No more belittling of yourself, feeling you are not mum enough, or negative self talk. Put all of that and chuck it in a big old virtual cardboard box marked “archive”. This is the year we all need to be kinder to ourselves, make space for self love and recognise that we are all doing the best we can. How would you talk to your best friend? That’s how we should all be talking to ourselves. Exactly as we would our best friend.
Take five minutes to yourself
OK, maybe this might seem difficult but even if it means sitting down and enjoying that cup of coffee in the morning before you get on with doing a bajillion things, or going to bed an extra five minutes early and doing some deep breathing there then do it. Here are some other ways you can take five minutes to yourself.
Say ‘no’ more
It’s not that I am a ‘no’ person, hell I like saying yes, but sometimes we can just keep saying yes to the detriment of our wellbeing. So make this the year of not saying ‘yes’, but being realistic about what you can do and take on, and not being afraid to say ‘no’! Because the reality is, sometimes we need to say no in order to protect ourselves and our wellbeing.
F*** it! Do what you love
Remember that pre-mum self of yours? Come on, sure you do. Remember all the things she used to love doing when she had that elusive thing you now know called spare time? Well bring back a little bit of her. Remember the thing that you loved to do and make a little corner in your world this year to start doing what you love again. Because you deserve it.
Love thy body
Let this be the year when we finally come to embrace our post baby bodies – folds, flaps, sags and all. Our bodies did something amazing, and nobody should ever make us feel ashamed of that. Let’s celebrate our bodies and all the amazing things they are capable of.
Exercise for the right reasons
Yes, exercise has a tonne of physical benefits, but for me its really about the mental benefits. For me, I really see the difference in the days I don’t exercise in my mental state. Put simply, exercise improves your mood and helps reduce your stress levels during the day, and most importantly helps you sleep and regenerate at night. Now for me, that’s the best motivation there is.
Get more sleep more
I know this is a tough one to pull of when we are surrounded by sleep thieves but seriously, sleep is so important to wellbeing. If you’re still having broken nights and early wake ups then PLEASE, fill in the sleep gaps by going to bed that little bit earlier and having a reverse lie in. Your entire mind and body will thank you for it.
Treat yourself
You, yes YOU! You have put in a lot of hard work in this mum life so whatever it is that you fancy a bit of – those red boots in Zara, a new coat, hell…..a new blender. Whatever you are hankering for you only live once so go on and treat yourself and don’t you dare go feeling guilty about it because you have more than earned it!
Breathe more
You know, because we forget to on a daily basis. Let’s all make a pact to slow down, be more present, and try to weave in more mindful moments into our daily lives. And while we’re on the subject of breathing, kicking off a small three minute daily meditation practice is one of the best things you can do for yourself this year.
Distance yourself from anyone who makes you feel bad
Haters will be haters, and it’s a sad fact there are a lot of negative, miserable, energy-sucking people out there. Put them all in a virtual trash can and surround yourself with people who make you feel good only. Go forth and release the negative!
Let go of the mum guilt
Sick of suffering with mum guilt! Me too? Feeling guilty and beating ourselves all of the time sucks – there’s no doubt about this. Make this the year you finally kick that mum guilt to the curb.
So there you go, my real New Year Resolutions for mums everywhere across the land. I think you’ll agree they are quite refreshing compared to the usual bum fluff that gets plastered around the internet at this time of year. Could you live by them this year? Do share a comment below and here’s hoping this year is everything we want it to be.
I’m not a resolution type of of girl but I love these. Especially distancing yourself from people who make you feel like a turd! In my case it’s harder as I’m related to them but I’m going to try. Happy New Year. xx
I love these resolutions! I think it is so important not to forget about ourselves and to give our own guilt and bad feelings a break! Plus our bodies are amazing and aren’t meant to be Hollywood Pert until we are 90. Love it how it is x
Great new year advice and self care. Taking 5 minutes is something I need to do more. It sounds silly but just dont seem to get the time everything is go go go x
I have given up making resolution S, as I never manage to keep to them!
This is so relatable! Mothers don’t realize how amazing they are, and are always so hard on themselves, trying to do best by their kids x
Even without kids I can agree to these. Do the things you enjoy and don’t worry about being a bit selfish from time to time as you have to look after yourself x
I am going to be kinder to myself this year and going forward. I need to be.
I need to print these off and stick them up next to my computer, bed, fridge etc etc.
Every one of these new year resolutions are awesome. I’m totally signing up to these for 2018
I couldn’t agree with you more about these new year resolutions. Our wellbeing is so important and not difficult to achieve once we put our minds to it.
Oh well said lovely!! I recently wrote a 40 before 40 list and a lot of it was about me. For a change and its really inspired me to take more time out. I love all of these especially the last – life is too short xx
Yes, totally agree with all of these! Definitely something all mummies should read. I think we are better parents when we take a little time to put us first #coolmumclub
Nodded my way through all of this, I am definitely being kinder to myself this year as for too long I’ve been a right old bitch to myself and that needs to stop. Great resolutions hun xx -#coolmimclub
I’m terrible at keeping resolutions, but I think I could/should manage a few of these! A bit of balance and R&R is key to remaining sane! #CoolMumClub
The “do what you love” and “treat yourself” points are the best for me. Everybody should do this. Life is too short #coolmumclub
All very important and this post is a good reminder! We should all do them. #coolmumclub
Brilliant, positive and helpful resolutions! I’ve already said my first ‘no’ where usually I would have said yes and given myself a load of stress – it’s a life changer! I’m also trying to make more time to do things I enjoy while the kids are at school instead of feeling guilty about having a little bit of me-time in peace. Happy New Year Talya xx #coolmumclub
Totally agree with all of these. I always feel guilty for treating myself but I’ve promised to let that go this year! Go me! 😉
#coolmumclub
I can definitely get on board with these! 2018 needs a bit more self care, I think.
As women we are natural givers, great reminder to focus on ourselves, too. Thanks 🙂
#coolmumclub
Katelynn, hampersandhiccups.com
Great resolutions, Talya! Good luck with these. #coolmumclub
Now these are my kind of resolutions! I definitely plan to tune in to my own passions a little more in 2018…but first I just need to remember what they were 😉
Can’t wait to hang out with you IRL hopefully in 2018 hun! #CoolMumClub face time!
Love these resolutions. #coolmumclub
Ooh I will try my best! Being kind to ourselves is so important and often gets forgotten #coolmumclub
I am sure all the parents are nodding with you on each of these goals, I know my mum could do with saying no a lot more.
This is such an awesome reminder! I kinda figured this out last year when I was suffering post natal anxiety. I distanced myself from social media, and the people who made me feel like crap. Even if it was all in my head! I have bookmarked this and will read it when I’m feeling rubbish 😉 Happy 2020!
I really need to work on taking a few minutes for myself. It’s not always easy especially when you have 3 children but makes a difference to your sanity that’s for sure!
I think these are far better than any normal resolution. Goals that we should all strive towards x
This year I want more me time and time with hubby! Definitely to treat myself more too! I need it after adapting to three kids in 2019!!
I’m on a mission to get more sleep. I’m working closely with my fitbit to iron out my obvious sleeping issues … it’s determined to get me to sleep 7 good hours each night (and not 3.5 which I seem to be racking up at present – and I don’t know why!)
Amen to this mama! Fab advice all round lovely x
I’m not a mother. But I think these New Year’s resolutions apply fro any woman out there. real thought about a real life! Love it xx
Definitely agree with most of these resolutions… Fantastic advice… 🙂
I couldn’t agree more, we all put far too much pressure on each other and ourselves these days
Oh yes I could totally get behind some of these intentions for 2020! I’m trying to make a point of getting more sleep this year.
This year I want to take more time for me. I definitely didn’t do it enough last year.
Gosh this post was awesome, so worth a read and I’m feeling much better about life now. These are so relatable, I definitely need to slow down and breathe more, love myself and look after myself abut more.