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It can be so easy to leave yourself and your own self-care as a parent at the very end of your ‘to-do’ list. It’s even easier to spend money on everyone else but you.
‘Self-care takes time’, you say to yourself and you just don’t have time anymore as a new parent. I totally get that because that’s exactly how I felt.
However, if you can implement even one small act of daily self-care, it will help to dramatically transform the way you feel and approach your day.
When I became a mum, I noticed how I didn’t make time for myself anymore. I was stuck in that cycle of changing nappies, getting baby down for a nap, having a nap, feeding baby, tidying up and repeat.
Self-care can make you feel restored and that’s why I have quickly become a massive advocate for it. At first I would think of things such as booking a massage where they come to your home or going to get my hair done. However these acts were too big and therefore so hard to keep going, not to mention costly when you’re on maternity leave. I needed things I could easily implement daily, acts I could do that wouldn’t cost the earth but would still bring me a lot of joy. The following five things have become my ‘go to’:
1. Walking is still self care
It doesn’t sound exciting, and you are probably doing a lot of it already to get your little one to nap (we’ve all been there!) but let’s not knock it. Walking is a great way to connect with nature, to feel more energised and motivated plus it is a form of exercise too so no need to hit the gym – hurrah!
You can spice things up by choosing a different route each week: discover a new park, meet up with other parents for walks or simply combine it with things you need to get done such as the shopping. The cost is free (unless you’re like me and make a detour to a coffee shop for some yummy cake) but the feeling is priceless as cheesy as it sounds and your little one will love it too.
2. Light a candle and watch your favourite show
Oh my do I love a good candle. We are all about scents in my house, and so there’s plenty of candles around. Now in those early days you’ll no doubt be sleeping when baby is sleeping to catch up but as they get older a good way to enjoy the evening once they’ve fallen asleep is to simply take one hour, light your favourite candle and turn on a series.
Candles also go well with books, bubble baths, or even cooking! I just find a series works well for me right now to completely switch off.
3. Give yourself the VIP spa treatment with a fancy shower gel or essential oil
I love this one I must say as it’s something you can do every day. Splurge a little on a gorgeous smelling shower gel so that every time you lather up, you’ll feel amazing. Alternatively, you can get that sense of relaxation by using an essential oil and dropping a few drops when showering to take in that aroma.
Got a bit more time? Pop on a face mask or eye mask. I’ve even used those feet mask socks.
4. Tune into your playlist, favourite podcast or audio book
Whilst you’re doing number 1 on this list, feel free to put your headphones on and listen to some music or a podcast. I really enjoyed doing this when my little one would fall asleep. I’d be laughing away as I did laps of our local park. It’s a great way to also relax, learn or be entertained on the go.
Other chances to listen to things: on a drive, in the shower or when cooking.
5. Meditate
I need to get into more of a groove with this one but when I do I absolutely feel ready for anything. I have the Calm app and use their daily meditations to set me up for the day or to help me unwind at night. You can easily find meditations on podcasts or YouTube.
Got more time? How about some yoga. I enjoyed doing yoga whilst pregnant and can’t wait to start back again. There are some fantastic dedicated post-pregnancy YouTube videos that will make you feel strong and euphoric. My favourite is Pregnancy and Postpartum TV.
If you’re a new parent, what have you been doing to take care of yourself?
Olivia says
Thank you for sharing!
Olivia says
Thank you for sharing! I take care of myself by not doing anything that I don’t want to do during nap time!
Tanya says
I love that. And yes I heard someone say don’t do anything in nap time that you can do when they are awake….something kind of in that!