Self Care

 

Parenting is a tough job! It requires long hours, lots of emotional and physical energy, much wisdom and at times it seems like there are few rewards. Add to that the huge impact your parenting has on your child and it is easy to feel overwhelmed. Just as the steward on the airplane instructs you to put your oxygen mask on BEFORE putting on your child’s - I am suggesting that you take care of yourself so you are best able to care for your child!

Parenting is a physically, emotionally, spiritually and relationally demanding task. You need to be in good shape! Take care of yourself!

• Physically:
• Eat healthily (don’t skip meals, eat a well balanced breakfast and lunch with lots of protein to give you energy for the day).
• Exercise- depending on the age of your child, you may need to get creative here, find a Y or gym with child care; get outside and actively play with your child, take walks with them or do a home exercise DVD. Exercise will increase your energy and improve your mood.
• Get a good night sleep- I know this can seem impossible, especially with newborns. Do the best you can, forget about those extra tasks and go to bed early. It is okay to take a nap when your child naps.
• Emotionally:
• See above; if you are eating right, exercising and sleeping you will be healthier emotionally.
• Do things you enjoy- make a list of your favorite things (i.e. reading, music, bubble baths, sports, hobbies, sleeping…) now try to spend a little time each day doing something you enjoy.
• Relationally:
• Keep connected with people you enjoy. Make time to connect with those who encourage you and bring you joy- in person if possible, but there’s always email, Facebook and phone. When our children were young I found being with friends who also had young children to be a lifeline. The kids enjoyed being together and I had adult conversation!
• Spiritually:
• Read (for me, it’s the Bible)
• Meditate & Pray
• Get together with others of your faith

 

These areas overlap with each other, it is really impossible to separate them completely. This is just one way of looking at your life and making sure you are caring for all areas of your life. Put your oxygen mask on first- make sure you are strong and healthy then you will be prepared to parent well!