It’s not selfish to take some ‘you’-time

Being a mom is a full-time commitment. We know how much energy goes into raising your little one. Self-care is essential; not just for mom, but for baby as well. Being a mom doesn’t mean your physical and mental health should take a backseat. On the contrary, we want you to be your healthiest self while being the supermom that you are.

1) Take time to be active and follow a healthy diet.

We know it’s difficult to stay active and eat well when you have a little one, but it’s not impossible. You deserve to have the killer mom-body you always wanted, because looking good helps you feel good. Take that extra 20 minutes to do a yoga class while the baby is asleep or do whatever physical activity works for you.

As a mom, we know cooking might be the last thing on your mind. We found these easy, freezer-friendly recipes to help you eat well while taking care of the baby.

PESTO RAVIOLI BAKE 
freezer-to-oven meal
serves 6

INGREDIENTS
450g fresh cheese ravioli pasta (or other pre-cooked pasta)
2 jars alfredo sauce
2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken (optional for vegetarian)
1/2 cup basil pesto
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese
33 x 23cm metal or foil baking pan, or two 20 x 20cm baking pans

1. In a large bowl combine pasta, alfredo sauce, chicken (if using), pesto, and mozzarella cheese.
2. Pour into baking dish. Top with shredded parmesan cheese. To make it a freezer meal, cover with plastic wrap for another day.
3. Cover with foil and bake at 190 degrees for 30 minutes if fresh and 50 minutes if frozen. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until golden brown.

THAI PEANUT CHICKEN SATAY 
gluten-free, dairy-free, pressure cooker meal, easy freezer meal
serves 6-8

INGREDIENTS
900g boneless skinless chicken thighs, trimmed
1 can (400ml) coconut milk
1/2 cup smooth peanut butter
3 tbsp lime juice
1 tbsp ginger, grated
2 tbsp tamari or soy sauce
3 tbsp honey
1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
2 tsp minced garlic
2 tsp curry powder yellow
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp garam masala
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes

1. In a medium bowl combine coconut milk, peanut butter, lime juice, ginger, tamari, honey, sesame oil, garlic, curry powder, cumin, garam masala and red pepper flakes. Whisk all together until smooth.
2. Add chicken. To make it a freezer meal, transfer the chicken and sauce into a freezer bag.
3. When cooking from freshly made, transfer chicken and sauce to your pressure cooker. Cook for 12 minutes at high pressure. Allow natural release of pressure for 10 minutes.

When cooking from frozen, add ¼ cup water or chicken stock. Cook for 15 minutes at high pressure. Allow natural release of pressure for 10 minutes.

2) Get some sleep

Being a mom is hard enough. Without getting the appropriate amount of rest, you are not doing your baby any favors. Getting enough sleep is important for moms, not just for physical health, but for mental health as well.

3) Take time for yourself

It’s easy for moms to lose themselves in the day-to-day routines of family life: car pools, laundry, preparing meals, paying bills, cleaning, etc. Before you know it, a couple of years have gone by and you're a shell of your former self. As moms, we have an enormous opportunity to set a great example for our children on how to be kind to ourselves, and in turn, how to be kind to others. As the saying goes, we can't pour from an empty cup. Take the time to do something you enjoy once in a while, such as reading a book, exercising or just watching a movie.

Making time for yourself may be difficult, but every supermom needs self-care to thrive. We’re here to make motherhood easier for you! Browse Mommies Best Mall for essential items to help you free up some time for self-care.

Would love to hear what you do to relax and take some me time, comment under.

My favorite activity when I am able to take some me time is sleeping, what is yours?