From Burnout to Balance: The Importance of Self-Care in Parenting

Parenting may be hard even in the best of circumstances, but mothers and fathers of children with developmental and mental health issues sometimes face additional pressure. Caring for an infant may become a full-time job — and a daunting one at that — if you do not have appropriate assistance. Parents who do not get enough assistance may have career burnout, which has a detrimental impact on everyone.

Why is self care important for new parents?

Self-care refers to any activity you do to promote your health and well-being. It may involve physical activities such as eating properly, exercising, getting adequate sleep, and maintaining good cleanliness. It may also involve psychological tasks such as stress management, creating boundaries, expressing emotions, and getting assistance when necessary. Emotional actions such as appreciation, mindfulness, compassion, and forgiveness are all elements of self-care. Don't forget about spiritual practices like meditating, praying, or connecting with nature.

Self-care is neither selfish nor indulgent. It is not about avoiding your obligations or abandoning your children. It's about looking out for yourself so you can better care for others. It's about filling your own cup so you have something to pour from.

How self-care helps you and your children:

Self-care provides several advantages to both you and your child. Here are a few examples:

Self-care may help you regain energy, attention, and happiness. When you take time to relax and recharge, you will be more present and attentive to your children.

Self-care may help you deal with stress. Parenting may be difficult at times, and if not handled properly, it can have a negative impact on your emotions, health, and relationships. Self-care may help you lower your stress hormones, relax your body, and clear your thoughts.

Self-care may help you avoid burnout. Burnout is a condition of physical, emotional, and mental depletion produced by prolonged stress. It may cause melancholy, anxiety, impatience, and poor self-esteem. Self-care may help you prevent burnout by balancing your responsibilities and resources.

Self-care may help you instill healthy behaviours in your children. Children learn by seeing their parents' behaviour and attitudes. If kids see you caring for yourself, they will be inspired to do the same. They will learn to respect both your and their own demands and limits.

How to practice self-care as a parent?

Practicing self-care as a parent may seem difficult at first, but it does not have to be hard or time consuming. Expensive spa treatments and exotic holidays are unnecessary (though they are enjoyable). You just need a few easy tactics that work for you and fit into your everyday schedule.

Here are some ways to practice self-care as a parent:

Start small: You don't have to completely change your lifestyle overnight. Begin with one small modification that works for you and stay with it until it becomes a habit. For example, you may drink extra water, go for a 10-minute walk every day, or list three things that make you happy every night before bed.

Schedule it: If you wait until you have spare time to practice self-care, you may not get around to it. Instead, prioritise it by adding it to your calendar like any other appointment. For example, you may set out 30 minutes each morning for yoga or meditation, an hour every week for reading or hobbies, and a monthly date night with your spouse or friends.

Involve Others: You do not have to practice self-care alone. You may include those who support you, making it more enjoyable and meaningful. You may, for instance, join in a local or online parent support group, attend a workshop or class online with other parents, or engage in enjoyable family activities like cooking, watching films, or playing games.

Eat well: A good diet keeps you energised and improves your mood. Consume enough of protein, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids while limiting your sugar intake. This is particularly important if you're nursing because your body needs more nutrition. Try to keep caffeine to the early half of the day. Before the baby arrives, stock up on healthy snacks and freeze your favourite nutritious dishes. After that, take advantage of all available delivery possibilities.

Baby blues or postpartum depression? In the days after the birth of your child, your emotions may fluctuate dramatically. You may be unable to stop sobbing or have difficulty eating or sleeping. All of that is typical, and it normally resolves itself within a few days. However, if you feel so horrible that you can't function or can't shake it after a few weeks, see your doctor.

When to seek help?

Postpartum depression affects one out of every nine women, and new fathers might also get unhappy. Consult your doctor if you:

Feel unhappy, concerned, or furious for longer than a few weeks
Have no interest in the infant and feel useless or hopeless
Consider injuring yourself or the baby

Postpartum depression is curable, so don't delay seeking treatment.

Remember, you deserve to take care of yourself just as much as everyone else in your family. You will enhance your personal well-being and that of your children by engaging in regular self-care.

Medically approved by Dr. Priyanka Kapoor, Clinical Psychologist & Psychotherapist, Life Coach and NLP Practioner, Mumbai.

FAQs on The Importance of Self-Care for Parents:

Why is self-care essential for new parents?
It involves knowing your own needs and taking action to address them. It is about developing your mind, body, and spirit so that you can be the greatest parent possible for your child.
Why is support so important for new parents?
New parents are prone to exhaustion and a lack of sleep, and they may feel as if they are losing control of their own lives, neglecting their own needs while caring for their baby. Given the obstacles of being a new parent, parental support networks are critical.