You’re an excellent parent. You’ve really nailed the finer points of taking care of your child. They are healthy. They are happy.
Every day they are learning new things and growing.
But how about you, how are you doing?
It’s so easy when we’re parents to forget to take care of ourselves. Self-care somehow always seems to be on the bottom of the list, somewhere after laundry and running errands. Time for ourselves becomes something of a joke.
But there are things even a busy parent can do in order to practice self-care. Consider these things:
Take Five Minutes to Breathe
As parents who has time to breathe? As it turns out, you do. Stopping in your tracks for a few deep breaths is an incredibly calming experience. This is especially useful when your day has been extraordinarily stressful. Even a few minutes of deep breaths can do wonders to improve your mood.
Go Green
Numerous studies have been done to prove just how much nature matters. Green spaces have a way of recharging us which positively affects our cognition, our stress levels, and even our physical health. With this in mind, try to get outside when you can. If you can’t, consider creating an indoor garden to enjoy year-round.
Read
It might seem laughable for a parent to have time to read a book. At the same time, you’d be amazed how quickly you can get through a story by reading a page here and there whenever you have a free moment. Reading engages the mind and gives you a much-needed respite. for bonus points, join a book club. Talking about something you’ve read with other adults is some of the best self-care there is.
Create an Oasis
We all need a space apart which belongs entirely to us. This can be hard when you’re a parent. Try to carve out a cozy nook somewhere which is entirely yours. Maintain the space with knickknacks and delights of your choosing. No toys or children’s paraphernalia allowed.
Take Some Alone Time
Grab a few minutes for yourself while the children are napping or at school. Use this for an indulgence designed just to pamper you. Enjoy a bubble bath. Visit a friend. If your children are particularly young, you might want to consider hiring a sitter. Even if you stay at home, having someone else watch the kids so you can have a few minutes to yourself will do wonders for your mood.
Whatever you do, the point is to take time for yourself in a way which helps you to recharge. This is crucial, as your children really need a parent who is calm and relaxed and ready to take up the challenges of child rearing again.