Motherhood isn’t easy, especially in the first few months at home with your baby. To be the best mother you can be, you need to take time for yourself and focus on reducing your stress levels. If you’re feeling tired, stressed out, or overwhelmed, the tips below can help.
Focus on Comfort
For yourself, focus on items that are easy to get into and out of. An oversized button-down shirt and loose lounge pants may be all you need. Keep your perineal care products close and rely on those friends who extended offers of help when you need a rest or a shower!
There are many adorable baby and children’s garments in the stores and you probably own many charming pieces! Ignore them while you’re home. Once your little one is past the swaddling stage, they may be happy in a diaper on a hot day or in their pajamas if it’s cold out.
Toddlers can also thrive in a pair of shorts on a hot day. If you’re going to be home all day, keep your little ones, and yourself, in garments that simply suit the weather.
Sleep When Your Little Ones Sleep
You may plan to clean or reach out to friends when the baby sleeps. Rest instead. Close the curtains, lock the door, and let your friends and family know that you’ll call them if you need something.
If you find you can’t sleep, try some meditating. Light a candle and set the timer on your phone for 6 minutes. Sit comfortably and watch the candle. When a worrying thought enters your mind, breathe in and send the thought away. Focus on the light and warmth of the candle.
When the timer goes off, blow out the candle. Make a list of the tasks that troubled you during your meditation. Not only may you find your body more rested, but your mind will be calmer and you’ll be able to ignore worries that don’t deserve your attention.
Rely on Your Friends
If you have a friend who is handy, ask them over and put them to work! Your crib may be all put together, but it might be time to open up all those packages from the shower and put things away. You may really want to clean your kitchen cabinets but lack the energy.
You may have an older family member who just wants to hold the baby. Let them. If you’re nursing and they’re willing to handle the burping process, hand over the baby. Once they’re settled, you can shower, cook, clean, or whatever you most want to do.
Your friends may have created a casserole exchange for you so you don’t have to cook. If you’ve got someone available to hold the baby, now is the time to meal plan. You can order some bagged salads or fresh fruit to go with each casserole and relax, knowing that dinners for the week are planned out.
If you are getting enough rest and eating well, you’ll be surprised at how quickly your body heals from the rigors of childbirth. As your children get older, they may sleep through the night but still require a great deal of your energy. Keep your time at home casual. Meditate to clear your mind when you need to regain energy.
