When you become a parent you’re no longer the main character in your life- everything you do is now all about your child. It’s an incredible thing having someone to love to such an extent that you’d do anything for them, however this does mean that it’s so easy to neglect yourself. Especially when your kids are very small and need so much from you, you might completely forget to take care of yourself too. To be the best parent you can be, you of course need to be feeling as physically and mentally well as you can, so take some time to consider what you need. Here are some self care ideas to incorporate into your routine.
Diet and exercise
Self care can be as simple as eating well and increasing the amount of physical activity you’re doing. Living well doesnt mean you need to be perfect with what you do, just do what you can and be more mindful of your choices. Walks with the pram when your baby is small gets you out of the house and gets some steps in. Incorporating more fruit and veg into your diet can be simple to do without a huge amount of planning and will give you more energy when you need it most. Being a parent is busy work and even if your diet is more ‘grab and go’ than you’d like, making the effort to eat a piece of fruit with breakfast, add some salad to your lunch or incorporate a few veggies into your dinner (even if they’re simple microwave from frozen bags) is something that will make a difference.
Healthcare
Chances are your kids never miss a health appointment as you know how important these are. So why would you miss your own? Regular doctors visits for checkups or adjustments with medication, dentists and opticians are all still things you should be attending yourself. If you have a particular condition that needs to be managed, for example a chiropractor for a bad back, then make sure you’re still attending these. The time and any costs are worth it if your appointments allow you to stay happy and healthy for yourself and for your kids.
Relaxation and Mental Wellbeing
Finally, relaxation and young kids isnt really something that go together! Life can be busy and chaotic on a daily basis, depending on your own tolerance levels and personality this can become overwhelming. Depending on the age of your kids, incorporating ‘quiet time’ into your day can be beneficial for you all- this is particularly useful if they’re still young but are no longer napping during the day. Quiet time can definitely be 45 minutes of screen time if this is something you’re happy to incorporate! If you have a partner or help from family or friends, a regular slot in the week where someone else can take over and you can have an hour or two to work on a hobby, read a book, have a nap or just lie down and relax can be so beneficial for your mental health.
