If you’re a mum, there’s every chance that you devote a lot of time and effort to making sure your children are happy and healthy. Being a parent involves making sacrifices, but looking after your kids should never mean that your health and wellbeing are on the back-burner. Just as it’s vital to look out for your little ones, it’s essential to prioritise your health too. If you’ve been putting others first, here are some simple rules to bear in mind.
Know your limits
Parenting is a full-time job, which can be both physically and mentally draining. This is a role that is often hugely enjoyable and rewarding, but it’s ok to admit that you need a break from time to time or to admit defeat when it comes to trying to carry toddlers around when you’ve got a bad back. You may feel like you’ve got superhuman powers, but every parent has limits. If you’re struggling to juggle work and parenthood, you could do with some help looking after your children, or you’re in pain, don’t hesitate to reach out. Make use of the circle of people around you, seek medical advice and don’t feel guilty if you need a night off. If you’re struggling to find a balance, this article may prove helpful https://www.theguardian.com/careers/2016/nov/25/survival-guide-working-parents-balance-family-and-career.
Get enough rest
It’s rare to meet mums who are able to boast about the amount of sleep they get on a nightly basis. Being a parent brings sleepless nights, but it’s so important to try and ensure that you get enough rest. After the newborn phase, you should find it easier to get more sleep, but this isn’t always the case. There are many reasons why parents find it difficult to sleep, from stress and anxiety to having to share the bed with children or contend with unexpected disruptions in the early hours. If you find it difficult to sleep even when your children sleep through the night, it’s worth trying to pinpoint possible causes. If you’re prone to back pain and this is preventing you from sleeping, see your doctor and look into options like replacing an old mattress. If you could do with a new bed, you can get info from Mattress-Guides.net. If you’re stressed out and you can’t switch off, try meditating, exercise on a regular basis and take half an hour to chill out before you try and go to sleep. If you’ve tried self-help techniques and you still can’t sleep, visit your doctor.
Be as kind to yourself as you are to others
Many mums go through periods of time when they lack confidence. Whether you feel unhappy about the way you look or you’re anxious about how well you’re performing the role of a parent, it’s always beneficial to be as kind to yourself as you are to others. Every parent has concerns and moments of panic. Don’t worry, stay calm, and take comfort in the fact that you’re doing all you can and every other mum out there is in the same boat.
As a mum, you probably put your children first. This is a requirement of parenting, but it shouldn’t mean that you lose focus on your health and wellbeing. You can do the best for your kids and yourself at the same time.