New parents and self-care don’t always come together naturally, but it’s important for moms and dads to make the most of those moments when the baby doesn’t need anything. Taking care of your body and mind will allow you to recharge so you can be the best parent you can be, and it will also prevent exhaustion and mental health issues from creeping in. You don’t have to spend a fortune to feel and look better, and it doesn’t have to be a time-consuming process. There are lots of little things you can do to practice self-care daily and get a little mood boost.
Make comfort a priority
Being a new parent is often a physically uncomfortable process for both mom and dad, as it comes with a lack of quality sleep and a host of aches and pains related to holding the baby for feedings several hours a day. Make comfort a priority by investing in a quality nursing pillow and looking for soft, breathable pajamas and nightgowns that will allow you to rest well when you’re able to close your eyes for an hour or two. To make life easier, you can even purchase a nursing nightgown that will make those 3 a.m. feedings a breeze. Having comfortable clothing at hand is an easy way to combat fatigue and keep you going during those long days and nights when your baby is a newborn.
Change your environment
Sometimes your comfort level comes from your environment, which is why it’s so important to make sure your surroundings are conducive to your physical and mental health. You’ve likely already “nested” to create a safe and comfortable area for the baby; why not do the same for yourself? You don’t have to renovate your bedroom or living room, as even small changes can make a big difference. Getting rid of clutter around the house (especially if you have small spaces), dusting, utilizing natural light, and adding houseplants can go a long way toward boosting your overall wellness so you can focus on the baby.
Get organized
While decluttering and cleaning can be a major help, it’s also a good idea to get organized in various aspects of your life. Part of self-care is reducing stress and anxiety, and organization is an easy way to do this. You might start by planning out healthy meals that can be frozen, utilizing bins in the pantry to keep snacks accessible for older kids, updating your calendar, or using organizational tools in the nursery to make diaper changes and after-bath time easier. Write down a few organizational goals and keep them small and realistic. Crossing items off your list will give you a sense of accomplishment while banishing feelings of stress.
Get outside
Once you’ve accomplished one goal for the day, get outside and enjoy some sunshine. Taking the baby on a stroll through the park is a great way to get some physical activity. Having a new baby can be isolating for many reasons, especially if you’re also working or have other children, so taking the time to get out of the house is an easy way to feel refreshed and connect with your favorite people. Not only that, getting outdoors can elevate your mood and help you (and baby!) sleep better.
Having a newborn is a huge job, and it can feel overwhelming at times. Look for resources and support online that will help you get through the most trying moments, and remember not to push yourself too hard toward your goals. Taking it one step at a time will keep stress at bay and allow you to enjoy this time with your baby.
