Couples with newborn babies often find very little time for themselves, resulting in an emotional and physical overdose. With long sleepless nights and having to pay continuous attention to the baby during the day, feeding, napping, changing, and playing with them, you might find very little time for yourself. While having a baby to watch over is a fun and fulfilling feeling, excess of anything can lead to burnout. So if you’re a new parent who is extremely worn out due to constantly taking care of your little bundle of joy, you need to take out time for yourself to indulge in self-care every now and then.
If you can relate to the situation, don’t worry. You are at just the right place. We are here with a list of self-care ideas specially for young parents who are struggling with this sudden change in their lives. So read on and try out these amazing ideas to be better equipped both mentally and physically, to take care of your little human!
1. Do regular movie nights at home
Remember the times when you would snuggle in your cozy bed and watch a feel-good movie with a big bowl of junk food too much at? Well, as simple as it may sound, it makes a big difference and allows you to take a break from being a parent. You need to allow yourself to be careless for a night and jump right back into your old early twenties skin when you were able to enjoy the little things in life without being stressed or guilty about it.
If your baby is too demanding, you can take turns with your partner for having your movie night, or request a family member to take care of your baby for a night.
There will be hundreds of new movies that you would be keeping a list of, but you never get the chance to stream them. Well, this is your time to pick the latest top movie on Netflix and enjoy it like it’s meant to be enjoyed. Just be sure to have a steady internet connection like Kinetic by Windstream that provides a lag-free streaming experience. The best part is that Windstream customer service is available 24/7, so if you face any streaming hiccups, you can always get in touch with them to solve the issues at the earliest.
2. Go for date nights at least once a month
Date nights call for getting your sanity back in place. Staying at home 24/7 attending to a little soul must be exhausting for your own soul. So take a night out with your partner. Reconnect with each other, and cherish the bond that you have developed after becoming parents. Enjoy their presence and give each other the attention you fail to give at home.
You can request your mother or your partner’s mother to take your baby in for the night or arrange for a nanny, so you can enjoy the date without any worry. You have worked hard day and night, you deserve a break for a night!
3. Seek out help from a therapist if needed
Accepting that you are unwell mentally is not a bad thing at all. If you feel burnt out and not in the right headspace to provide for your baby, you should seek out professional help as soon as possible. Post-natal depression is real, and while many mothers fight it on their own, it is very natural to seek help and talk to someone about your emotions and whatever is going on in your head. Talking to a friend or your partner may be sufficient for some, but not everyone can cope equally. So prioritize your health and do something about it actively.
4. Be compassionate with your partner
Your partner must be equally involved and dealing with the sudden change in their life after the baby. You need to communicate with them and talk to them about their feelings and emotions. Try to be there for them and give each other the support you need. No one else can understand them more than you. Since you’re in this together as partners, show them to love, support, and compassion that you would want for yourself.
5. Take special care of your diet
You are what you eat. And if you don’t eat, you’re angry, confused, anxious, cranky, and all things negative. While you’re focused on the well-being of your child, don’t forget that only you can take care of yourself. No one can feed you or make you eat at the proper times except yourself. And if you don’t take care of yourself, it will have a negative impact on your child. So be particular about keeping a healthy and balanced diet always.
Ending Note
Everyone needs self-care, but new parents need it the most. Since they use every inch of their body, mind, and soul in taking care of their baby, they often ignore their own needs. We hope our self-care tips were of help to you. Do practice them and prioritize yourself!
Iskra Banović is our seasoned Editor-in-Chief at Blufashion. She has been steering the website’s content and editorial direction since 2018. With a rich background in fashion design, Iskra’s expertise spans across fashion, interior design, beauty, lifestyle, travel, and culture.
