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When you feel stressed out and overwhelmed it makes it tougher to be an empathetic and patient parent. Your self-care is just as important for your children as it is for you. It’s important to set aside time or set up supports for self-care even if you feel like you don’t have a moment to devote to yourself. Remember you can start small. Begin with one small change that makes a difference for you. Be sure to schedule it, because if you wait until you have free time to practice self-care, you may never get around to it. You can also involve others. You don’t have to practice self-care alone. Ask for help with making arrangements for you to enjoy activities that refill your cup. Below are some ideas on how self-care can look.
Turn Your Bedroom into a Retreat.
A cozy, uncluttered bedroom to relax in can be a retreat from the high-activity home that many parents navigate. Turn your bedroom into a retreat that you look forward to entering. Having a comfortable place to unwind at the end of the day can improve your sleep and general mood.
Plan Ahead for High-Stress Times of Day
Think about what makes certain times of day difficult and plan for ways to make them easier. For instance, if mornings are chaotic, try picking out clothes the night before. If the crankies start before dinner prep, take the children for a walk and have a small snack prepped to tie them over until dinner is ready.
Schedule Time With Friends or Family
It can be difficult to find time to see friends and family, especially if the activities don’t involve children – but maintaining social connections is vital to positive mental health. Scheduling social activities for yourself gives you something to look forward to, which can be a good self-care strategy in itself. Invite friends over for a movie night if you prefer to stay home but want some social time, or plan a dinner party where everyone helps with the food prep and cooking.
Hire a Helper for a Day
Care.com has options for you to hire housekeeping assistance for a deep clean or a regular help. They will also connect you with a personal assistant to help with yard work, home organization or errands. They also have caregivers that will come to your home to assist with before-and-after school care, cover appointments so you can visit the dentist child free, or help out at home while you catch up on sleep or whatever you need to refill your cup.
Get out of the House and Go for a Walk
Exercise can be just as good for your mind as it is for your body. You might not always feel like you have time to hit the gym or do a workout but fortunately a brisk walk can be an excellent self-care strategy. Whether you’re pushing a stroller or you’re walking by yourself, if you get your body moving for 20 minutes it can help you feel energized for the rest of the day.
Use Music to Lighten your Mood and Improve Energy
Whether you prefer slow country music or dancing to 90s tunes, listening to music can be a great way to take care of yourself. Turn it on and sing along while you’re feeding your little one or do a three minute dance party while getting ready for the day. Music is a simple tool that can go a long way toward boosting your mood and adding fun to everyday activities.
Make the Most of Quiet Time
For many parents, quiet time is precious. Instead of talking to friends on the phone while folding laundry or having the TV on while making dinner, try doing simple tasks in silence, especially when your mind feels cluttered. Scheduling some quiet time to reflect on things that are weighing on you can help you come up with creative solutions.
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