The new year offers a chance to reset and set meaningful goals for yourself as a parent/caregiver. You may often put yourself last but caring for your own well-being strengthens your ability to care for others. Parenting demands constant emotional and physical energy. When you’re exhausted or overwhelmed, it becomes harder to be patient, calm and engaged. Taking care of yourself replenishes your energy so you can show up as the parent you want to be.
Here are a few practical, realistic ways to help prioritize your emotional and physical well-being as you care for your family AND yourself:
Prioritize Small Moments of Rest
Take short breathers throughout the day, even if it is only five minutes. Stay consistent with routines, like bedtime. Also, don’t hesitate to ask for help sharing household duties from your partner and/or children.
Set Realistic and Compassionate Boundaries
Say “no” to commitments that overload your schedule. Limit work duties after a certain hour to protect you and your family’s personal time.
Move Your Body
Take daily walks, pull out the stroller and take the little ones with you, do quick at-home simple easy.
Stay Connected With Supportive People
Schedule regular check-ins with friends and family or join parent groups for shared understanding and community. These groups can be found online or places like your local library or neighborhood church. Keep an eye on 4C for Children’s social media and emails for Parent Cafés where you can connect and learn with other parents.
Check-in on Your Emotional Health
Journal daily about stressors and wins. You can even find journals with prompts that can help you get started. Consider therapy if you are feeling overwhelmed.
Eat Well
Nourish yourself with meals and snacks that are healthy and drink plenty of water.
Be Kind to Yourself
Let go of perfectionism. Acknowledge that parenting can be hard.
Use the new year as a time to set a goal to not only take care of your family’s needs and yourself. Taking care of yourself mentally, physically and emotionally can help you be a better parent, role model and person. After all, you are worth it!
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