Self-care for new moms

Not taking care of ourselves inevitably leads to burnout. Burnout makes it really hard to be the parent you want to be. What do we need? Good old, “self-care.” But what does that mean? And HOW?

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Clearly, parents need more than the bare minimum of self-care activities to feel well. Whether or not something “counts” as a true, healing, emotionally-regulating, self-care activity is dependent on where you are now, and what your greatest unmet needs are. We all need our hair cut from time to time - but if you haven’t had the privilege recently, getting a haircut feels like self-care! So schedule it already!

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Here are some other low-cost ideas that might appeal to you at any level of parenting overwhelm. Follow @firstbehonest if they’re helpful ❤️

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Carve out 20-30 minutes once a week for something just a little indulgent. Add it to your calendar and honor it, even if you feel silly. Put your headphones on and listen to an audiobook, podcast, or your favorite album a few times through. Make art. Read People Magazine cover to cover. Paint your nails.

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Spend a night away from home. Doesn’t have to be a hotel. Could be at your BFF’s house, or your mom’s - but go without the kids. Trade nights with your partner or coparent. Enjoy a little time for tea or coffee in the morning before returning to the demands of your family.

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Call a friend. Maybe someone you’re losing touch with because of the rigors of parenting. Express love. Commiserate. Reconnect.

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Dance. Include your kids if you need to. Even if you’re not a music person! Even if you have no rhythm! Just pick a dance playlist and let yourself have fun and be free for a little while. Shake your booty, give up caring what you look like. Breathe. Enjoy just a few minutes of low-pressure movement.

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Good luck! I’m here to help if you want to talk it through ❤️ #parentalburnout #selfcarefirst #parentingsolutions #newfamily #postpartum #postpartumhealing #postpartumhealth #gentleparenting