Being a mom is a full-time job—and when you add work, family, and the stress of the world around us, it’s easy to forget about your own well-being. Actress Kalki Koechlin knows this all too well. In a recent interview with Hindustan Times, she opened up about her journey into motherhood and how she’s learned to sneak in self-care during her busy days. Here are some of her simple but effective tips.
Let Go of Perfection
After Kalki gave birth to her daughter Sappho, life completely changed. The first seven months were spent mostly indoors because of the COVID-19 lockdown. “There was no pressure to bounce back to my tiny body because no one was really seeing me,” she shared. Like many new moms, she didn’t have time for strict workouts or routines. “I was just focused on sleeping whenever I could,” she said.
Kalki encourages moms to let go of unrealistic expectations and give their bodies and minds the rest they need. Things won’t be perfect—and that’s okay.
Use Creativity to Create ‘Me-Time’
Getting alone time wasn’t easy, especially when working from home. Kalki’s daughter found it hard to understand why her mom wasn’t always available. That’s when Kalki and her partner, Guy Hershberg, got creative. They used fun activities like drawing to keep their daughter entertained while mom got a break.
“It took some creative thinking as parents,” Kalki said. Now, her daughter understands when “Mama has to work,” and accepts it better.
Put the Phone Away
One habit that helps Kalki feel more present is staying away from her phone when she doesn’t need it. “We’re all glued to our phones,” she admits. But she made a rule: no phone in the bedroom at night. Instead, she uses a traditional alarm clock. “It helps me focus on my morning routine without distractions.”
Even while on set, she hands her phone to someone on the crew and asks them not to return it until she’s done. This helps her stay focused and enjoy the moment.
Therapy Is Important
More than anything, Kalki says therapy has been a big help. “Parental anxiety is real, and anxiety in general,” she said. Talking to a therapist has helped her manage her feelings and understand that she can’t solve everything.
But she’s also found ways to make a difference in her own way—by helping people around her, supporting her staff, and staying in touch with a local animal rescue center. “Even small steps can create change,” she says.
