10 Self-Care Tips for a New Parent

 

Being a new parent is an exciting stage of your life’s journey. However, you can also feel overwhelmed as it comes with a lot of responsibility.

Parenting can take a toll on you physically and mentally. Therefore, it’s essential to make time for your self-care.

According to research, about 78% of mothers place their family’s well-being above theirs. Many father’s are of similar circumstances.

It can prove harmful to you in the long run if you don’t make your self-care a priority.

 

 

Here are a few self-care tips for your health and well-being as a new parent.

1. Don’t be too hard on yourself

One significant step for your self-care is remembering not to be too hard on yourself. You don’t have to be perfect to be a great parent.

As a new mom, your body will experience some changes. As well, you’ll have to adjust your daily routine. Dealing with this new stage can be challenging, especially if you have just given birth. However, you shouldn’t feel guilty or feel you’re not good enough. Instead, you could find out more about what causes these changes and how you can deal with them.

For instance, if you’re a breastfeeding mom, you can read more on the causes of cracked nipples. Arming yourself with information allows you to give the best care to yourself.

 

2. Build a support system

Surround yourself with people who can help. Having a solid support system will prove beneficial. Your support system can help in a myriad of ways including lending a listening and helping with the baby when you need to take time for chores or rest.

Many new parents often find it difficult to leave their children with others or to delegate tasks. However, it will benefit the entire family if baby is familiar with your friends, other family members, and other helpers. Doing this will help put you at ease when you have to leave your baby with them.

Additionally, joining communities such as those found on motherhood, fatherhood and parenting apps can be helpful. They help to remind you that you’re not alone, you learn from their stories, and they give you confidence to know that you’re doing just fine.

3. Don’t stop doing what you love

Being a new parent comes with many changes, but it doesn’t mean you should stop being yourself. You probably had some favorite activities before baby, and even if you may not have as much time to enjoy them like before, you can still try and make time for your hobbies.  Even if you only spend an hour or thirty minutes in the week, it can make a big difference.

If you love to write, you can spend a few moments when your baby is taking a nap to record the highlights of your day. Perhaps you want to write down how you’re feeling and the things you appreciate.

No matter how busy things may get, never forget who you are and what you love to do. #lifeadvice Click To Tweet.

 

4. Drink lots of water

This step may seem like a basic one but can go a long way in improving your well-being.

In the hustle and bustle of parenthood, you may forget to stay hydrated. This can negatively affect you in several ways. As well, if you are a nursing mother you need that water to properly produce breast milk and to replenish any fluids you may have lost.

You can also try other ways of staying hydrated, such as eating foods rich in water content such as tomatoes and cucumber.

1. 5. Pamper yourself with a new look

As a new parent, you may not have as much time to pay attention to your appearance as before. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t still feel great and be your beautiful natural self.

New parents may also benefit from a new shorter haircut. Low-maintenance hairstyles are convenient and can give you the time you need to attend to other activities. If you’re experiencing postpartum hair loss this can also be helpful. This will give you a fresh look, can be a confidence booster, and can help reduce the time you may have initially had to spend on your hair.

Additionally, you can try to dress up, even if you’re going to be home with the kids the whole day. You can swap your maternity clothes which may now look a bit baggy on you, to a simple pair of jeans and a comfy t-shirt which fit you perfectly.

6. Don’t be afraid to say no

As a new parent being assertive is vital, as you may not always have the time or energy for some things. If some friends want to visit but you’re extra tired or have a hectic day ahead, you shouldn’t feel bad for saying no or rescheduling it to another time.

If you also have a whole list of chores but can’t do everything before the day ends, it doesn’t make you any less of a great parent. Sometimes, you just have to step back and say no, even if it means sitting on your carpet or couch for a few minutes doing absolutely nothing. Knowing when to do so can liberate you and help you prioritize your mental and emotional well-being.

7. Take a shower

Sometimes, you may be so busy attending to your little one that you may even forget to take a shower. However, no matter how short, a warm shower or bath can do wonders for you. It can help make you feel calm. It really can, just ask Mr. Ho… he thinks that a shower solves all problems.

It has a way of making you feel you can conquer the rest of the tasks ahead of you as it invigorates you. After the spills, sweat, etc., a shower is a sweet necessity.

8. Get some sleep

As impossible as this may sound, it’s still essential to get quality sleep.. Doing this will yield great results for your health and make you feel less overwhelmed. To make this more achievable, you can run shifts with your partner so that you can sneak in some sleep. You can also take a nap while your baby is sleeping so you can feel rejuvenated during the day.

9. Take walks

You may not be able to exercise as much as you used to before, but it’s best to be active, even if it’s for a few minutes every day. One great way to do this is to take regular walks. It is super easy to pop baby in a stroller and get some fresh air for both of you. Your partner can also go along. It is a great time to catch up on how you both are coping with your new roles in life. Doing this for fifteen minutes can help relax you, put your day into perspective, and shed off a few calories in the process. It’s best to complement your efforts to stay active with a healthy diet and other exercises that you can easily fit into your busy schedule, such as yoga, dancing, etc.

10. Don’t compare yourself with other parents

Every parenthood journey is different. There are many milestones along the way. Therefore, it isn’t healthy to compare yourself to other parents. Instead, you should celebrate your uniqueness and note your baby’s little achievements.

These are priceless memories.

You can learn from other parents, but there’s a difference between that and comparing yourself to them. This can negatively affect your self-esteem and mental health.

 

There is no one size fits all strategy when it comes to #parenting. Click To Tweet

 

Prioritizing your self-care as a new parent isn’t selfish but rather vital. It will enable you to give your kids your best and parent burnout. Practicing the above-listed tips will help you to be your best.

It’s all about taking little steps each day, being willing to learn, and reminding yourself that you can do it.

 

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