Stay At Home Moms are often neglected and so is their wellness. Why do I say this? because I am myself a SAHM and I often neglect my own health and wellness and Usually shrug off when my body and body needs rest or attention. Well I did realize it quite late that it’s neither good for me nor my family for whom I am Ignoring my health. Every SAHM(including me) should say this Once in a Day “Yes, My family and their needs comes first for me but, not at the cost of my health”
While there are some women who choose to be a SAHM after kids, the number is more who opt for this because of no support at home, not able get a reliable domestic full time help or lack of trustable crèche where working couple can rely on for their babies. It is assumed by society at large that it is a woman’s moral obligation to balance work and family life along with kids. However, this expectation and burden of unpaid labor and home care take a toll on their mental and physical health. Women feel constant pressure to complete their household tasks and to do them well, take care of kids, feed them, raise them healthy and wise. There is a fear of being judged, and a feeling of guilt if she is unable to complete any of these tasks. Moreover, there is rarely appreciation for all her work – be it cooking, cleaning, or taking care of kids or older people in the house. All these leads to several problems and take a toll on women health.
Depression and anxiety
Being a homemaker literally means having to do even the most minimal tasks at all times. One is never really free. This could definitely also lead to a lack of social interaction which can add to feelings of loneliness and depression. Other than that, all the pressure of maintaining a household, managing finances, and caring for family members can lead to anxiety and eventually to Depression. Also PPD is quite common in New moms and often goes unaddressed.
Lack of sleep
There are hundreds of studies that denote how important sleep is for the body. However, for homemakers and SAHM, the stress of making sure that everyone in the house gets everything on time and all the work is done can be stressful. This can also lead them to not sleep well since the anxiety of not completing a task can take over their mind even when they go to sleep.
Burnout
Only a SAHM knows how much work there is to take care of the house right after one wakes. It definitely is exhausting. This can lead to burnout, which is characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment.
Low self-esteem
No matter how much work one puts into this job, society still looks down upon a SAHM. Society does not classify it as a real job and that can definitely hamper one’s self-esteem, especially if one puts their heart and soul into the work. This can also lead to feelings of low self-worth and self-doubt.
Some of these practices can make a lot of difference when it comes to the Wellbeing of SAHMs. Lets have a look at them.
Self-care
Exercise 6 days a week (I usually exercise for 5days a week but, for 30-45minutes) , for at least 20 minutes. Get at least 7-9 hours of sleep (I know it’s challenging with so much of work around but, it really helps). And eat a healthy and balanced diet (Including more and more fruits have been a lot of help for me).
Set healthy boundaries
It is important to be assertive and to be able to say no (I understand that it’s quite hard to say no) and know that there is nothing wrong in doing so. Others will respect you only if you respect your own self. Overworking and doing things that you don’t feel comfortable with can only ruin your health.
Communicate
Women are natural at communicating their thoughts and feelings. When feeling down and lonely, they should communicate to their partners how small things have been affecting their health. If that could not be done then talking to a friend can also be of great help.
Recreation
Every now and then is important to take a break and make time for your own self too. This will recharge you to take on the responsibilities positively and with renewed energy.
Meditate
Try to meditate, even if it’s just 10 mins before you start your day. This will give you the energy to carry on with the challenging day ahead and keep you centered.
SAHMs need to stop apologizing for staying at home and start prioritizing their wellbeing. Thinking about self-care isn’t selfish. It is important to schedule that time for yourself to maintain a good mind/body balance. Even if it’s for 20 minutes in a day, do something that recharges you.
This post is a part of Wellness Hour Bloghop by Rakhi Jayashankar and Swarnali Nath
This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla.
SAHMs indeed have a tough time. Kudos to you for sharing your views on this important subject.
This is such a detailed and informative post. And should be applied in everyday routine
Your post resonated perfectly with me. I see my mother-in-law’s ill health and her self-sacrificing nature and I feel so sorry for her that society has been very cruel to her and imposed so many responsibilities and burdens. Its sad that the mental well-being of a mother isn’t considered much. But I don’t want to be that person as I believe if I don’t have love or self-respect for myself I cannot give it to others. Filling my own cup before giving others. You have rightly pointed out the need of setting clear boundaries and giving space for own self. Wonderful post!
Stay-at-home moms often neglect their health at the expense of caring for others. And this is a group that needs to be healthy the most. Thanks for sharing useful doable tips for SAHMs. Very useful indeed.
SAHM moms are rarely appreciated. Now more than ever it is considered they are wasting their education. People should stop poking their nose where it doesn’t belong. It is not easy to work through these and prioritize self.
Everyone should be in good health. If a stay at home mom has to work at home for family then a working mom need to work at office and there she need to do her job and no other co-employee will be there to do her task. Many women manage their families while operating their own businesses or working from home. I concur with you on the ideas you made, and I believe that if they apply them to their own lives, life will be more fulfilling. Self-esteem can be gained through being mentally strong, and mental strength comes from being independent of other people. Thanks for the informative post.
can’t agree more people who stay home face all the issues you listed in detail in your post. Completely true and don’t are the tips you gave to manage stress.
Housewives are rarely appreciated. I was also a stay at home mom and it is important to keep ourselves busy. Army does that with its welfare activities.
You’ve beautifully highlighted the often overlooked challenges faced by stay-at-home moms and the importance of self-care. Your suggestions for setting boundaries, communication, and self-care are valuable reminders for all SAHMs to prioritize their well-being. Keep spreading this crucial message! 👏🌼💪
Wellness for SAHM is prime. I have seen my mom burnout and it leads to bad health and sadness. Mothers also need to develop a close circle of friends and keep time and space for themselves.
I love that your post sheds light on the importance of acknowledging their efforts and supporting the well-being of Stay At Home Moms.
So, dear stay-at-home moms, please remember to prioritize yourselves. Seek support when you need it, ask for help, and make time for activities that bring you joy. You are irreplaceable, and your well-being is paramount.
Thank you for everything you do, and may you always find the strength to take care of yourself, just as you take care of those you love.
The pointers you have mentioned here, are helpful for the stay at home moms because they’re like the gentle reminders to them for they need to focus on their health and wellness. Especially self care routinss are needed to take proper care of their health and boosting their well-being. Thank you for joining us and making this blog hop successful. I am grateful for your contribution and participation in the wellness hour blog hop. Means a lot. Gratitude.
Being a SAHM I relate a lot to this post. Personally all what you have shared is so relevant – self care, setting boundaries and communication.
I totally agree with you on your recommendations buddy and thanks a heap for this gentle reminder all of us needed.
As a SAHM myself I understand and agree with everything you’ve written here. It can be a lonely, tedious and draining life but we cannot let it ruin our physical and mental health. I love spending me time and have made it clear to my family that if I need some time off, its my choice and right. It must be respected.
Wellness is the need of the hour, more so for SAHM because of multiple activities they engage in throughout the day. Your tips are doable and useful too. Thank for sharing.
Yes, many stay at home moms goes through mental pressure and suffer from depression and anxiety. you have share great tips in this post that can help them a lot to improve their well being. self care is must for all and it act as a fuel to serve others well
Women and guilt trip go hand in hand. I don’t know why but try to find 1 women around you who doesn’t feel this way. If its the society or upbringing whatever may be the reason but Guilt always accompanies women.
I hope more and more women learn to live for themselves and believe that self love is not being selfish.
This blog post speaks of an important issue that often goes unnoticed – the well-being of Stay At Home Moms (SAHMs). As a SAHM myself, I resonate deeply with the challenges and pressures mentioned. It’s refreshing to see these struggles being addressed openly and compassionately. The post beautifully emphasizes the need for self-care and setting healthy boundaries, while also shedding light on the mental and emotional toll that can be experienced. The practical tips provided are not only valuable but also serve as a reminder that prioritizing one’s well-being is a vital aspect of being the strong and nurturing presence that families rely on. Kudos to the author for shedding light on this often-overlooked aspect of motherhood and offering valuable insights for SAHMs to embrace self-care without guilt.
Absolutely spot on! Your post resonates deeply with me. It’s so easy to get caught up in the hustle of taking care of our families that we forget to prioritize our own well-being. For me working from home adds another layer of stress, making it even more essential for us to recognize the importance of self-care. Thank you for shedding light on this often-overlooked aspect of motherhood.
Your candid exploration of the challenges faced by stay-at-home moms resonates deeply. Your emphasis on self-care, setting boundaries, communication, and the importance of prioritizing well-being is truly insightful. Your words offer solace and guidance to fellow SAHMs, reminding them that their health matters too. Keep sharing your valuable perspective!
Communication is expremely important. I have only realized HOW important recently. I would always think and think and not say it out loud but expect my loved one to understand. I realize now that just like me, my loved one was also thinking something else. Lol!
Though most of the issues are common to both stay at home and working mothers, the lack of self esteem is the most prominent in SAHM, because of which the other triggers come out manifold
This article came at such a crucial time in my life! I have been a WFH mom since 2017 and that is equal to being a SAHM..I am so burnt out! I am the primary caregiver of 5 people in my household and I am just exhausted. Not being to work for myself diligently depressed me the most because my dedication to household is never appreciated either!
I am single so find it difficult to comment on moms as a whole, but my mother is a SAHM. And she surely doesn’t comunicate her needs in a concise manner. Even at the age of 73, she keeps looking at our comfort, which of course isn’t correct, from my point of view. I feel SAHMs need to also give into their interests and hobbies. That way they are happier and lead a more balanced life.
Wellness is important for all and not only for the SAHM. If a stay at home mom needs to work at home for family then a working mom need to work at office and there she need to do her job and no other co-employee will be there to do her work. SAHM … 90% take the service of a maid for household work ( not saying all work but a king size portion) … but a working mom dont get that at office. Risk of losing job or work and peer pressure is there with working mom and not with SAHM as there financial backbone remains the husband. Getting some me time what I feel is there with a SAHM especially when kids are at school and husband at office. to me there is no difference between homemakers and SAHM… both are same. Better to be placed as homemaker/SAHM and WFHM (work from home mom). There are many women who are running their business or working from home and managing family. I agree with you on the points you shared and if they incorporate them in their lives, life will be more meaningful. Self esteem can be earned when you are strong mentally and strength comes when u are not dependent on others. Pooja you are an inspiration for many SAHM… who knows how to create her own place and identity. Proud to know you through your blog. Let wellness get new meaning for SAHMs through your inspirational and informative post. excellent post
Such a heart touching post. I completely agree with you. I think women need to prioritize his or her health. Self care and self love is important. You have highlighted the right points
Wellness is important for all and not only for the SAHM. If a stay at home mom needs to work at home for family then a working mom need to work at office and there she need to do her job and no other co-employee will be there to do her work. SAHM … 90% take the service of a maid for household work ( not saying all work but a king size portion) … but a working mom dont get that at office. Risk of losing job or work and peer pressure is there with working mom and not with SAHM as there financial backbone remains the husband. Getting some me time what I feel is there with a SAHM especially when kids are at school and husband at office. to me there is no difference between homemakers and SAHM… both are same. Better to be placed as homemaker/SAHM and WFHM (work from home mom). There are many women who are running their business or working from home and managing family. I agree with you on the points you shared and if they incorporate them in their lives, life will be more meaningful. Self esteem can be earned when you are strong mentally and strength comes when u are not dependent on others. Pooja you are an inspiration for many SAHM… who knows how to create her own place and identity. Proud to know you through your blog. Let wellness get new meaning for SAHMs through your inspirational and informative post.
Wellness is important for all and not only for the SAHM. If a stay at home mom needs to work at home for family then a working mom need to work at office and there she need to do her job and no other co-employee will be there to do her work. SAHM … 90% take the service of a maid for household work ( not saying all work but a king size portion) … but a working mom dont get that at office. Risk of losing job or work and peer pressure is there with working mom and not with SAHM as there financial backbone remains the husband. Getting some me time what I feel is there with a SAHM especially when kids are at school and husband at office. to me there is no difference between homemakers and SAHM… both are same. Better to be placed as homemaker/SAHM and WFHM (work from home mom). There are many women who are running their business or working from home and managing family. I agree with you on the points you shared and if they incorporate them in their lives, life will be more meaningful. Self esteem can be earned when you are strong mentally and strength comes when u are not dependent on others. Pooja you are an inspiration for many SAHM… who knows how to create her own place and identity. Proud to know you through your blog. Let wellness get new meaning for SAHMs through your inspirational and informative post.