Becoming a parent is one of the great joys of life, but that doesn’t mean that it can’t take its toll when you have a newborn or young child. It’s essential as a parent to care for your own wellbeing as well as that of your child.
It may sound impossible for you to relax as a busy parent with a hectic schedule, but it’s always possible when you actively take the right steps.
Tip 1: Prioritize Time to Yourself
This may seem odd as a parent — the idea of being alone away from your child. However, it’s still important you take a break for yourself. This doesn’t have to be a significant period. It may only be a few hours in the afternoon for you to be more mindful and focus more on yourself. Be sure to ask for help when you need a break. You could ask a partner, family member, or friend to watch your child for you if you need time to reconnect with yourself. There’s nothing wrong with taking a day off.
Tip 2: Make Time to Eat Well
What you eat and drink will differ in how you feel and how you care for yourself. Time-restricted parents may be tempted to whip up something quick (and perhaps unhealthy) for themselves, but it’s a good idea to take a step back and implement a healthy meal plan, packed full of goodness that will boost your mood.
Tip 3: Optimize Your Bedroom
It doesn’t matter whether you’re sharing your bedroom with your child or whether they have their own room; where you sleep always needs to be optimized for you specifically to get a good night’s rest.
If you’re struggling to find comfort or a restful night in your bedroom, try to make changes that you think will help. Weighted blankets, as shown by Parenting Pod at ParentingPod.com, have been known to significantly help in reducing stress and anxiety when trying to sleep, as well as making your bed more comfortable.
Be sure to fit your bedroom with blackout blinds or curtains if you wake up easily with the light, and think about other additions, such as softer lighting or scented candles — anything which can help you relax and sleep.
Tip 4: Upgrade What You Already Do
Try to put a more relaxing spin on anything you do.
If you’re going to take a shower, take a bath instead and try scented candles and essential oils.
If you’re going to curl up on the sofa, try more relaxing mood lighting and adding soft furnishings for extra coziness.
If you’re trying to fit in a workout routine around your parenting duties, plan more uplifting exercise routines, such as taking a long walk somewhere scenic with your child instead of trying to fit in a hurried home workout.
Remember: being a parent doesn’t mean that you give everything to your child. It means you give enough, while also caring for your own wellbeing, too. You can only be the best parent you can be if you’re looking after yourself, too.
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