26 Apr 4 Ways for Overwhelmed New Parents to Work Self-Care into Their Routine
If you’ve ever been on an airplane, you know that you need to put your own oxygen mask on before helping someone else — you can’t properly care for others without caring for yourself. Providing the best care for your new baby also means taking some time to take proper care of yourself. But where can you find the extra time when your life revolves around diaper changes and regular feedings? You can start by using these helpful self-care tips.
Clear Clutter and Stress Out of Your Bedroom
Being a new mum or dad is tough enough without a cluttered home making you feel more stressed. That may sound like an exaggeration, but multiple studies have shown that living in a cluttered home can lead to increased feelings of stress and anxiety. That’s the last thing you need as a new parent. So, before your little bundle arrives, take some time to clean up your home. You can lower your stress levels by getting rid of all that clutter, and also reduce your risk for falling while caring for your new infant. It’s also a good idea to create a state of calm in your bedroom so that the little sleep you do get will be of good quality. Organizing your home is a simple self-care step you can take care of before your baby even arrives.
Even Little Tasks and Self-Care Moves Can Help
You can find more time for self-care by taking care of other chores around your home with less time and effort. For example, you can do laundry in a snap when you sort your clothes beforehand and toss a towel into the dryer to get clothes finished quicker. Also, think about making some easily reheated snacks and meals ahead of time so you can spend less time preparing them when your little one arrives. When you make shorter work of household chores, you will have more time to try other simple self-care tricks that can soothe your new stress and pains. Something as simple as an Epsom salt soak can bring welcome relief to new mums and help reduce any stress related to pain and discomfort.
Take Friends Up on Those Offers to Help You Out
When you are expecting a new little one, chances are your friends and family will offer to help in any way they can. So take them up on those offers! What can they help with? They can use a meal planning site to rally your friends to prep some healthy meals for your new family (eating healthy is a form of self-care). Those who don’t want to cook can offer gift cards for delivery options that will help keep hungry new mums and dads fed. Aside from bringing you a meal, just coming over and keeping you and the little one company can help too. Friendships can reduce stresses, even if you only get to chat with your friends for a little while.
Hiring Extra Help Is Worth Having Extra Time for Self-Care
Relying solely on the people close to you still may not give you the time you need to care for your emotional and physical health. If you could still use some time to work out or prep some healthy meals, consider hiring an in-home childcare helper. You may be reluctant to hire help, but know that needing a little help with your new child is not a sign of weakness. It takes guts to admit you need the time for self-care or work, and hiring a nanny may be the best move for you to make. Not into hiring a nanny? Think about looking for hired help with other household tasks, like cleaning your home, to give you a break from the stress and pressure.
Life as a new parent may be the busiest time of your life. It’s likely to be one of the most stressful as well. So, before you brush off your own self-care needs, think about how simple self-care can leave you in better shape to care for your little one. It’s the only way to sustain yourself and prepare for the lifetime job of being a parent.
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About the Author
Lisa is passionate about educating people about what it’s like to move to Australia. She enjoys spreading safety and wellness advice to Aussies and those visiting Australia.
Website: http://aussiewell.net/
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