Congratulations on becoming a mom! There are many joys that you have to look forward to in the moments, days and years to come. Right now you may feel like if you could just get a nap or a shower you might feel a little more excited about life. Today we are going to give you five of the best tips there are to help you overcome exhaustion.
To start, you need to be realistic with yourself. I say this as a mom, who has been there. You don't want to let anyone down and you strive to meet the needs of everyone around you often sacrificing of your own needs. Even a couple of years out of being a new mom I still struggle with making sure that I take care of my needs. But here are five fabulous tips that are sure to help you; I know that they helped me,
Tip One: Pace yourself. It can not be denied that we live in an incredible fast paced world, where even one hour photo is too long. Guess what, babies don't move at that pace, and new parent shouldn't either. It is okay to move on your new baby's time.
Focus on just getting just one thing done at a time and don't keep massive lists of things to do. The clear priorities as a new mom are just you and your baby.
Tip Two: Sleep every chance you get. I lived by the philosophy to sleep whenever my baby slept I would sleep. Enjoy naps and take advantage of them whenever you can.
Don't worry what still needs to get done, rest is not a waste or time, it is essential to your livelihood. New moms often see their baby's sleep time as a chance to catch up on household chores. Let the house slide a little. Focus on only top priorities.
Tip Three: Take care of yourself. I know that may seem impossible, but you are putting out so much energy that taking 20 to 30 minutes each day to recharge yourself is vital. If you don't make an effort to have that time, no one else is going to make sure that you have it.
Read a few pages of your favorite book, pick up the phone and call a friend, take bubble bath, sit outside and enjoy the fresh air. Make a list of two to three things that you can do in 30 to 60 minutes and think of them as critical to your mental and emotional health.
Tips Four: Make friend with other new moms. There are usually social groups at the local YMCA for babies and new moms. This will allow you time to make connections with others that are going through the same things you are and perhaps build relationships where you can take turns caring for each others' baby long enough for you to rest.
The simple act of connecting with other mom and knowing that you are not alone in your exhaustion is often enough to make a new mom feel a little better. Connecting with other new moms will also provide a fountain of different ideas and sometimes be a great source of resources.
Tip Five: Eat well. Eating lots of processed foods or foods high in fats and sugars can often make a new mom feel more tired because of the added strain on the system and organs. The best way to support the body during times when it is under stress and strain is by filling it with high quality fuel.
Try to eat as much fresh produce as possible and stick with natural fats (e.g. avocados, nuts) and sugars (e.g. fruit). If you really need to splash out and eat something naughty, don't beat yourself up about it. Just resolve not to make it a habit.
When you simply ignore exhaustion, then this can have a massive impact on your overall health and wellbeing for years to come. Manage your exhaustion and don't allow it to reach dangerous levels. Looking after yourself and keeping your expectations realistic, will definitely help you on the road to recovery.
Sleepless nights, crying baby, can't remember the last time you showered or had a moment to yourself! I know, but take heart in the fact that you are not alone. There is not a mom out there that hasn't felt this way.
With that being said, you want to know how to give the happiness factor an incredible kick in the pants. Here are five tips that will help support your happiness as a new mom:
Tip One: Acknowledge that things are a little tough, but then remind yourself that this is only a very small window of time that you have while you baby is small.
Everyone agrees in hindsight that the early days, weeks and months fly past. One day they are waking up 10 times a night, and then next thing you know you will be dragging them out of bed because they just want to sleep forever!
Tip Two: Think about what small gestures you could include in your life that would bring you peace and happiness. Make a list and keep it somewhere handy. Is it that you need ten minutes to yourself, or help around the house, time alone with your spouse, time with your friends, improved self esteem? What ever it is write it down.
Plan to implement something from this list at least once a day. Use this list to keep you focused and give you things to look forward to.
Tip Three: Accepting things exactly as they are and not as you think they should be is an enormous step towards greater happiness. So regardless of what is happening to you and your baby, you can definitely change your outlook simply by asking yourself the question 'do I accept things as they are, or am I wishing for them to be different?'
Tip Four: Sleep, sleep is essential to happiness. We all need time to replenish our mind and our bodies, and sleep is just what Mother Nature orders. Just like your new baby needs a certain amount of sleep each day in order to grow, you need a certain amount of sleep to be healthy, sane and happy.
Everyone hears the old saying 'sleep when your baby sleeps', but it is not always that easy. This is especially true if you have other chores and responsibilities to attend to. But I know that no matter how much you have on your plate, life will become overwhelming and unmanageable unless you strike a balance.
So for example, if you know your baby is going to sleep for 2 hours, then at least sleep for the first hour of this and use the second hour to do your chores. Whatever you do, don't leave sleep as the last priority.
Tip Five: While there are so many tough challenges to face, there is also no doubt that cuddling and watching this beautiful bundle you are caring for is a gift. Cherish those moments that are perfect, that do make you happy.
I encourage you to get a notebook and write down everything that makes you happy, every moment that has happened in your day as a new mom that brought a smile to your face. Then every time you start to feel unhappy, get out that notebook and look at the things you have written in there.
Your life is filled with happiness, cherish it.
Until next time, I truly wish you fulfillment in your journey of motherhood.
Salena Kulkarni has sinced written about articles on various topics from Lose Weight, Fitness and Pregnancy and Family Planning. Salena Kulkarni is the creator of the 'Secrets of Extraordinary New Moms' program, which helps new moms feel energized, get back in shape, eliminate emotional overwhelm, and experience fulfillment in 30 days or less! Visit. Salena Kulkarni's top article generates over 49500 views. to your Favourites.