Being a new mum is a wonderful blessing, but it can also be daunting and overwhelming. You can be as prepared as possible but still not be for what life is about to throw at you. That is why it is incredibly important to take care of yourself as well as your little one. Not only for your own wellbeing but also for your new baby – you can’t take the best care of someone else without taking care of yourself.
Mental wellbeing is essential to self-care, it is not all about taking long bubble baths and doing a face mask (as fun as that is). Self-care is about making sure you are doing things that serve your mental health. We’ve put together a list of our top self-care tips–but remember, self-care is personal, and you should do what feels good to you.
1. Use Nap Time to Your Advantage
One of the first tips you will be told as a new mum is to sleep when your baby sleeps – however, we know that isn’t always practical and you may want to spend this time doing something else beneficial. Therefore, we would recommend using nap time however you please – whether that means grabbing a coffee and reading a book, doing an at-home workout or simply chilling out on the sofa.
2. Get Fresh Air
Getting outdoors daily is wonderful for mental wellbeing, not only does help you to get out of the house but the fresh air is great for improving your mood. It’s also a good activity for you and your little one to do together if you wish.
3. Socialise
Making time to see family and friends can really help to boost your mood. Not only is it great to have company, but it is an opportunity to talk about how you are feeling and get things off your chest. We would also recommend meeting up with other new mums; either friends you already have or joining a local group. It can help to share experiences, tips and stories.
4. Prioritise Your Favourite Things
As a new mum it can quickly feel like you have no time for the things you used to enjoy. But it is important to make sure you prioritise the things you love – this will help to keep your spirits high. Whether that be watching your favourite show, going on a run or listening to your favourite podcast.
5. Write Down Your Thoughts
Sometimes you might feel like you don’t want to express your feelings to others, but it can really take the edge off to write your feelings down. It will also enable you to look back over time and see your feelings and thoughts as you continue your parenting journey.
However, you like to partake in self-care, as long as it is something you enjoy and an opportunity for you to take a break – then go for it! As a new mum we know it can be hard to put yourself first, but you won’t regret it.
