Life as a parent can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also be overwhelming. Juggling the demands of parenting with a full-time job or running your own business, managing finances, shopping, cooking meals, and keeping up with household chores is no easy feat! So it’s no wonder parents often forget to prioritize their needs – otherwise known as practicing a little self care.
What is Self Care?
Self care is essentially any activity that helps you look after your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. This involves taking time out from all the demands placed on us as parents so that we can focus on ourselves first.
Sound alien? It is! And yet, self care activities like positive parenting strategies are vital for parents as it enables them to provide better care for their kids. In addition, investing in self care activities that make you feel good gives you more energy, patience, and optimism - all of which are essential elements of good parenting.
5 Parenting Tips for Scheduling Self Care:
- Identify the activities that make you feel relaxed, energized, or fulfilled.
- Put yourself first – don’t feel guilty about it; it’s a necessary parenting requirement.
- Create a realistic plan – figure out how much time you can realistically commit to your self-care routine.
- Schedule self care like any other important task or appointment – no cancellations allowed!
- Make it a priority – carve out at least 10 minutes each day or week to do something just for yourself without any guilt!
- Ask for help! Enlist the services of a family member, friend, or babysitter so you can get some much-deserved me-time.
Some Great Self Care Activities for Parents Include:
- Yoga
- Meditation
- Journaling
- Exercising
- Getting outside in nature (hiking, walking, running)
- Taking a warm bath
Self care focused activities can help reduce stress levels, boost energy and make you feel relaxed and centred.
For example, yoga is especially beneficial because it helps to stretch tight muscles while calming the mind with slow breathing techniques. Exercise can also be great for relieving stress and improving focus and relaxation.
Other self care activities that parents can benefit from include spending time with friends, reading a book in a quiet spot, or going for a massage or sauna session. Participating in creative activities such as cooking or painting is another way to fuel your creativity and express yourself.
Benefits of Self Care for Parents
Self care has many benefits for parents - not just physical but emotional and mental health benefits too. Here are four top benefits of self care for parents:
Improved Physical Health
Self care can help reduce stress, improve sleep and energy levels, and strengthen your immune system.
Increased Emotional Well-being
Taking time out from the demands of parenting to focus on yourself helps boost your mood, reduce anxiety and depression, and make you feel more in control.
More Effective Parenting Strategies
When you prioritize self care, your mental clarity improves, allowing you to think calmly and make better parenting decisions. It’s actually our top parenting tip!
Stronger Relationships With Your Baby, Toddler, or Teen
Self-care activities create a positive environment that helps you connect with your children on a deeper level.
Final Thoughts
Self care is an essential part of good parenting. Taking time out for self care not only helps you to feel more present and in control but also allows you to be a better parent and enjoy parenting your children!
