Any mother would agree that no matter how rewarding raising a child can be, parenting challenges can contribute to chronic stress. According to a population study conducted by the American Psychological Association (APA), parents of children under 18 are more likely to experience high levels of stress than others. Meanwhile, in 2023, one-third (33%) of parents rated their stress as high compared to just 20% of the rest of the population.

Since chronic stress can lead to fatigue and burnout, it’s crucial for moms like you to set aside time for self-care and manage their stress levels. To start, a previous post recommends ways to destress after a stressful week and reset your mind and body on a Sunday, such as decluttering your space, doing meal prep, and building a self-care routine.

In addition to the tips mentioned in the article, you can also take better care of yourself and invest in your growth both as a mom and as an individual by listening to audiobooks that tackle self-care and holistic wellness.

Why Choose Audiobooks?

An annual survey reveals a significant increase in audiobook listeners, with more than half (52%) of US adults listening to an audiobook in 2023, compared to 45% in 2022. Audiobook consumption also translates into impressive revenue, as the audiobook industry reported a total of $1.8 billion in sales, increasing by 10% from the previous year.

This growth can be attributed to the format’s convenience for consuming books across genres like fiction, humor, and self-help. Since you can listen to audiobooks while cleaning, exercising, or going about your day-to-day responsibilities, they’re easier for multitasking, whether you’re a mom who stays at home or participates in the workforce.

Moreover, the digital library at Everand makes various wellness audiobooks accessible via a monthly subscription. Trending titles like From Strength to Strength by Arthur Brooks can help you deal with daily stressors, while new releases like It Starts With Self-Compassion by Celeste Headlee can guide you in your journey toward self-care. Through the platform’s user-friendly features like previews and offline listening, you can also easily incorporate the following audiobook recommendations into your daily routine and live a happier, healthier lifestyle as a full-time mom.

Which Audiobooks to Add to Your Self-Care List

Set Boundaries, Find Peace by Nedra Glover Tawwab

One of the leading causes of stress among moms is the lack of boundaries with their partner, children, and other family members, thus making it difficult to prioritize their own needs. Thus, the New York Times bestseller Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself provides powerful ways to express your needs and create and maintain boundaries with other people. Written and narrated by licensed therapist Nedra Glover Tawwab, the work is grounded in research and principles of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for healthier boundary-setting and a better understanding of the root causes of stress, depression, anxiety, and burnout.

Good Energy by Casey Means

Being busy due to work, parenthood, and other responsibilities can take a toll on your physical health, which can then exacerbate stress and prevent you from fulfilling your role. Thus, it can be helpful to listen to Good Energy: The Surprising Connection Between Metabolism and Limitless Health, which sheds light on your metabolic function and creates a four-week plan for improving your diet, activity, and circadian rhythm for disease prevention. Its author, Casey Means, MD, has also co-founded a metabolic health tracking device to monitor key metrics for aspects like nutrition, movement, and sleep and ensure optimal wellness.

What No One Tells You by Alexandra Sacks and Catherine Birndorf

Lastly, What No One Tells You: A Guide to Your Emotions from Pregnancy to Motherhood can aid you in processing and working through the stressful and transformative emotions that come with motherhood. By listening to this eight-hour audiobook narrated by Cynthia Farrell, you can gain insights from two of America’s top reproductive psychiatrists, Alexandra Sacks and Catherine Birndorf, better navigate emotional ups and downs, and emerge as a mother with less guilt and more self-esteem.

As you listen to these audiobooks, remember that self-care is a journey, not a one-and-done thing. Be patient with yourself as you make lifestyle changes that prioritize your needs and make you feel better and healthier.