The best wellbeing must-haves for mums

well-being must-haves

by Hannah Carroll |
Updated on

We know that being a mum can be very stressful. Often managing all of the day-to-day chores and childcare falls onto the shoulders of mum. When you're still learning how to navigate through the world of parenting - it can be overwhelming. Taking time to prioritise your mental health will not only make you healthier and happier, but will improve your capabilities as a parent. A happy mum makes for a happy home. We are very passionate about promoting positive mental health, and that's why we have found the best wellbeing must-haves for mums.

What is well-being and why is it important?

As a society, we are getting better at promoting positive mental health - although we still have a way to go, especially regarding mothers. You may have heard phrases like 'wellbeing' and 'mindfulness'. But what does it mean? Wellbeing, also referred to as wellness, is your quality of life. The wellbeing of a person is what is ultimately good for a person.

When you are a parent, it can feel conflicting, your children may bring you immense happiness, but parenting day-to-day can also make you feel exhausted and burnout. That is why it's important to take care of your wellbeing to ensure you are mentally healthy. Just like you would if you had a broken arm, you need to rest and do things to make yourself feel better. The best health and wellness products will have you feeling better both mentally and physically.

Shop: Wellbeing must-haves for mums

So take some time to put yourself first and treat yourself to one of our wellbeing must-haves for mums.

Best de-stressing face mask

Take 15 minutes to unwind and relax with this face mask. Simple Kind to Skin De-Stress Sheet Mask is a mess-free way to brighten up your skin and mood. This Simple Face Mask contains no artificial perfume or colour, and no harsh chemicals.

One reviewer said: "I don’t like spending time in cleansing after coming from work! This sheet mask is the best solution. I just place it on my face and relax for 15 and it takes away all the impurities and gives freshness to my face. Totally in love with it."

Pros

  • Easy to use
  • Good for all budgets
  • Instant results
  • Hydrating

Cons

  • Can only be used once

Best Mist
Tisserand Aromatherapy Total De-Stress Moodfix MistBoots

Tisserand Aromatherapy Total De-Stress Moodfix Mist is a 100 per cent natural pure essential oil. The relaxing blend of Sweet Orange, balancing Geranium and warming Nutmeg helps to reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. Spraying this mist around you will bring a sense of calm.

Mother&Baby Parenting and Lifestyle Product writer, Hannah James said: " I love spraying this in my room before I go to bed. I also spray it in my children's rooms ' To ward off bad dreams'. I think the spray creates a soothing and relaxing atmosphere which helps the whole family fall asleep quicker."

Pros

  • Gorgeous scent
  • Creates a soothing atmosphere
  • Can be used in multiple rooms

Cons

  • Not everyone will like the scent

Best wellbeing journal
Intelligent Change: The Five Minute Journal
Price: £28.79
Alternative retailers
REVOLVE$29.00View offer

Taking just five minutes out of your day to reflect can have a positive effect on your mental wellbeing. The Five Minute Journal focuses on the good in your life: this can improve your mental wellbeing and help you feel better every day.

One reviewer said: "I absolutely love this journal. I’ve been using it everyday for a month now, and I can already see the changes in the way I think. Every morning and evening, not matter how bad the day was or I think it will be, I’m always writing down positive things."

Pros

  • Can be done every night
  • Daily prompts
  • Positive manifestation

Cons

  • Price

Best weighted blanket
https://www.johnlewis.com/john-lewis-partners-specialist-synthetic-weighted-blanket/p4117499?size=11.5kgJohn Lewis

This weighted blanket will fill you with happiness as it creates a reassuringly cosy feel. The blanket applies slight pressure across your body. You can wrap this blanket around your shoulders, across your lap or legs. This blanket creates the feeling of a long warm hug. Designed to help reduce restlessness and aid relaxation.

One reviewer said: "It is so comforting climbing underneath this blanket. The weight is perfect and encapsulates in a womb-like feeling. Nice and warm on its own as well but putting it on top of the duvet is just sublime."

Pros

  • Promotes better sleep
  • Warm
  • Different weight options
  • Grey colour

Cons

  • Limited colour options

Best luxury purchase

A few spritzes of Dream before bed has been clinically proven to help to settle you to sleep. The perfect sweet dreams but all backed by clinical data. Lifeboost Dream contains an active essence with the Dream Accord known to activate the reward pathway, providing a feeling of wellbeing that helps you to relax and dream.

Mother&Baby product writer, Hannah James said: " This bottle is stunning. I love spraying it on myself after my evening bath. It is a luxurious treat. You can instantly smell the high quality ingredients. I have noticed that I sleep better when I am wearing it."

Pros

  • Beautiful scent
  • Backed by science
  • Pretty bottle

Cons

  • Price

Best candle
SANDALWOOD TEMPLE SCENTED CANDLESana Jardin

Candlelight is a fantastic way of relaxing your body because of our positive associations. Our brain process the lovely smells which can soothe an anxious mind. The low light can give us a sense of calm. Sandalwood Temple will turn your home into a safe cosy sanctuary. The warm homely scents created by rich sandalwood are likely to make you feel relaxed. This scent is associated with spiritual cleansing and transcendence.

Mother&Baby product writer, Hannah James said: " My favourite thing to do after a long day of parenting is to run a hot bath and lit this candle. Instantly I feel more relaxed and at peace. The candle would make a fantastic gift and it smells amazing."

Pros

  • High quality candle
  • Beautiful scent
  • Great gift

Cons

  • Price

Best sleeping aid device
DODOW - Sleep Aid DeviceLiberty London
Price: £49
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When you are suffering from overwhelming feelings it can be difficult to sleep. Paired with the little person waking you up at all hours of the night, getting rest is virtually impossible. That said, sleep plays a vital part in your body's function. It allows your body to rest and repair. It also gives time for your brain to process information and memories.

The Dodow sleep aid device is popular with people who have trouble sleeping. Inspired by behavioural cognitive therapy, yoga and meditation, it's scientifically designed to quickly soothe your brain activity, slow your breathing and relax your body.

One Reviewer said: "Having tried various sleep aids I was curious how a little blue light could help me and my other half fall asleep (the dreaded blue light!). Amazingly this little device really helped slow breathing down and I feel like I have been sleeping better since (it was a Christmas present so we'll see how it deals with being back at work!)."

Pros

  • Aids sleep
  • Backed by science

Cons

  • Light is bright

Best reed diffuser for relaxation
Neom Organics London Complete Bliss Reed DiffuserJohn Lewis

The Neom Organics London Complete Bliss Reed Diffuser has been specially formulated with natural fragrance which not only smells glorious but also has a calming effect on the mind and body. As you inhale the relaxing fragrance try to take a moment to be calm and present at the moment.

One reviewer said: "I am so pleased with this Neom diffuser. It looks and smells absolutely beautiful - I've had lots of comments from guests on how nice it smells! It is a really calming scent so perfect for creating a relaxing environment in the home office / bedroom / living room. I've repurchased this a few times and I'd say they last about three months. They are refillable as well which is great!"

Pros

  • Well packaged
  • Look good in a room
  • 100 per cent natural

Cons

  • May not like the scent

Best book for helping to work through daily stresses
Calm: Working through life's daily stresses to find a peaceful centre
Price: £32.07

CALM is TV personality Ferne Cotton's mission to find the simple things that can help us enjoy the good stuff in life and relax our stresses. The mother of two started this book after suffering from her own stress. This book includes expert advice, conversations with friends and celebrities with easy ideas to try, and activities to complete. 

One reviewer said: "This book instantly makes you feel calm; to take a step from back life and to openly look at how to break down the stressful parts of your everyday life. I do not have children but for those that do, this book touches on balancing a busy work schedule with family life too. I still found it very helpful - easy to read. This is one of my places of ultimate CALM - Thanks Fearne."

Pros

  • Practical tips
  • Thought provoking
  • Can be re-read
  • Lovely illustrations

Cons

  • Middle section of this book a bit repetitive

Best calming tea

Is there anything more relaxing than putting up your feet and enjoying a hot cup of tea? The subtly sweet and spiced infusion is warm and comforting - it is perfect to rebalance at the end of a busy day. This tea has Vitamin B3, which contributes to normal psychological functions.

One reviewer said: "Lovely book, really makes me feel calmer with my busy mum life and has lots of tips and ideas for you to try. Loved it."

Pros

  • Great taste
  • Wonderful scent
  • Naturally caffeine free
  • Sugar free
  • Suitable for vegetarians

Cons

  • Not to all tastes

What to do if you are worried about your mental health

Mental health charity Mind states that approximately one in five people in the UK will experience a mental health problem each year. The NHS claim that postnatal depression affects between 10 to 15 in every 100 women having a baby.

So, as you can see, it's common - and nothing to be ashamed of. Although you may be feeling very alone and isolated, it is best to reach out to get help.

If you are struggling with your mental health, please contact a medical professional like your doctor as soon as possible.

If you fear you are a danger to yourself or others, contact emergency services on 999.

If you need any support or want more information about mental health visit:

Mind - One of the leading mental health charity.

SANE- Emotional support, information and guidance for people affected by mental illness, their families and carers.

Anxiety UK - Charity providing support if you have been diagnosed with an anxiety condition.

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How we write our articles and reviews
Mother & Baby is dedicated to ensuring our information is always valuable and trustworthy, which is why we only use reputable resources such as the NHS, reviewed medical papers, or the advice of a credible doctor, GP, midwife, psychotherapist, gynaecologist or other medical professionals. Where possible, our articles are medically reviewed or contain expert advice. Our writers are all kept up to date on the latest safety advice for all the products we recommend and follow strict reporting guidelines to ensure our content comes from credible sources. Remember to always consult a medical professional if you have any worries. Our articles are not intended to replace professional advice from your GP or midwife.