Self-care is a great way for caregivers to ensure that their own needs are being met. Since self-care and mental health are related, neglecting one can have a negative impact on the other. Sometimes, parents' stress or exhaustion can become severe enough that you can't overcome them on your own. Our feelings, thoughts, and behaviors are all connected.
That means that adopting healthy behaviors can, in turn, begin to change your emotions and beliefs. So take a shower or go for a walk (even if staying in sweatpants seems like the only desirable option). You might end up feeling a little happier. Those good feelings can lead to healthier behavior.
Think of it as a feel-good feedback loop. Taking care of your spiritual, physical, psychological and social needs will help you feel better so that you can be the best parent you can be. It's important to spend a little time on self-care, even when you feel like you don't have a second to devote to yourself. While there are many different self-care strategies for parents, it's important to experiment with them to determine what strategies work best for you.
Not only did I feel better because of the exercise, but I also felt better because I took care of myself every morning. The good news is that the more time you spend taking care of yourself and recharging your own batteries, the more positive energy you have to give to your child. In fact, parents who practice self-care show that there are healthy ways to manage life's bumps and bruises. In addition, as your child grows and goes from being a baby to a toddler and more, it may be difficult for him to refocus on caring for himself.
Whether classical music relaxes you or you prefer to dance to some 80s tunes, listening to music can be a great way to take care of yourself. Keep in mind that the times when you think you don't have time to take care of yourself are probably the times when you most need to practice self-care. You are also important in this equation and deserve to take care of yourself and your children. Now, taking care of yourself won't magically make parenting easier, but it will make it easier to cope with the ups and downs.
If you schedule a future social activity for yourself, you'll have something to look forward to (which can be a good self-care strategy in and of itself). Giving yourself permission to do an activity that reduces stress provides teens with a positive example of how they, too, can take care of themselves. So, take good care of yourself and know that every moment of self-care could be the best thing you can do for your child throughout the day. A good way to take care of yourself is to turn your bedroom into a haven you want to enter.
