Practical Self-Care for the Young Nigerian Mom: You’re Worth It
Let’s be real; being a mum in today’s world can sometimes feel like carrying the weight of the entire house on your shoulders. You wake up before everyone, make sure breakfast is ready, rush to get the kids dressed, clean up, maybe work a full day, come home; and still find yourself doing bedtime routines half-asleep.
And somewhere between those hours cooking, cleaning, hustling, praying; you slowly disappear.
You still smile, still show up, still give your best. But deep down, you’re tired. Your body aches, your mind races, and your spirit feels stretched thin.
If that sounds familiar, this is your reminder: you are not just a mum; you are a woman too.
A daughter of God. A person with dreams, emotions, and needs. You deserve to be cared for, not just by others, but by yourself.
Self-Care Isn’t Selfish It’s Survival
Many of us grew up watching our mothers pour everything into their families while neglecting themselves. It became the “normal” definition of being a good mother to sacrifice endlessly.
But God never designed motherhood to drain you dry. He designed it to refine you and that happens best when you’re nourished in body, mind, and spirit.
Even Jesus took time to rest. After healing and teaching crowds, He withdrew to quiet places to pray and refresh Himself (Luke 5:16). If the Son of God needed rest, so do you.
Self-care doesn’t mean ignoring your family. It means strengthening yourself so you can love them better.
Simple, Real-Life Self-Care Ideas for Busy Mums
You don’t need fancy spa days or luxury getaways (though those are lovely if you can afford them). True self-care is about intentional pauses little ways you refill your cup every day.
Here are some ideas that fit into real Nigerian mum life:
- Morning gratitude moments: Before picking up your phone, whisper; “Thank You, Lord, for another day.” Breathe deeply.
- Five-minute devotion: Read one verse, reflect, and pray. Don’t underestimate short, consistent prayers.
- Listen to an uplifting music or a podcast. While cooking or doing chores, play worship songs or something inspiring.
- Say “no” without guilt: You don’t have to attend every event or say yes to every request. Protect your peace.
- Treat your body with kindness: Drink water. Stretch. Take a short walk. You’re not a machine.
- Connect with friends who refill you: Have tea, chat online, laugh freely. Surround yourself with people who remind you of joy.
- Plan small solo moments: Maybe 15 minutes before bed with a book, journaling, or even sitting in silence.
Remember, it’s not about doing everything; it’s about doing something consistently that restores you.
Breaking the Guilt Cycle
One major struggle many mums face is guilt.
The moment you decide to rest or do something for yourself; a voice whispers, “You’re being selfish”. But that’s a lie. Taking care of yourself isn’t neglect; it’s preparation.
When you rest, you think clearer, love deeper, and respond to your children with more grace.
If you’ve ever snapped at your kids or spouse out of exhaustion; you’ve already seen what burnout does. A tired mum can’t pour from an empty spirit. So, the next time you sit down to relax, remember this: you’re doing it for them too.
Faith, Femininity, and Filling Your Spirit
Beyond physical rest, spiritual self-care is the most powerful kind.
Open your Bible, even if it’s one verse. Whisper a prayer. Attend that women’s fellowship you’ve been postponing. Let God refill the parts of you that no nap can reach.
There’s something beautiful about a woman whose peace comes from God. It reflects in her tone, her eyes and her home. Your children might not understand it now, but they’ll grow up knowing what strength and grace looks like because they saw it in you.
Final Thoughts
Dear mum, don’t wait until you break down before you slow down. Your family doesn’t just need a strong mum; they need a whole one.
So, rest when you can. Laugh when you should. Pray every day. And remember: you’re not being lazy, weak, or selfish ; you’re being wise.
You’re worth every minute of peace, joy, and care you give yourself.
