I’ll be the first to admit my self care is non existent. In fact the words ‘self care’ grate on me. I just haven’t got time for it.
The thing is, that’s wrong. I have got time for self care. Sitting here writing this post with Keeping Up With The Kardashians on in the background, a hot coffee by my side, is my form of self care.
*Bear wakes up from his nap – typical*
Ok, in an ideal world I wouldn’t be working when I’m concentrating on self care, but my child free hours are minimal.
Writing focuses my mind and switches me off from the rest of my thoughts. I always feel a little less stressed after publishing a blog post. I suppose it’s like writing a diary. A form of release and reflection.
As I’m not so good with self care I’ve asked some fellow bloggers to share their top tips on looking after yourself as a parent. I’m hoping to take these tips on board myself and hopefully they will help you too.
Self Care As A Parent – Top Tips
- Try and do something small for yourself, even if it’s just for 5 mins, everyday as you’ll feel so much better! ~ Hellobeautifulbear.com
- Take time to do something you love, read a book, have a bubble bath, paint your toenails. If it means getting your partner/mum/a friend roped in to help then do it! Also, write it in your diary – it’s as important as any other appointment! ~ scrapbookblog.co.uk
- Try to go out for with friends (without the baby!) at least once per month. Even if it’s just for a lunch or a walk. ~ ponderingparenthood.com
- Take some time as a couple! Being happy in your relationship can have huge impacts on your as a person too! It helps self esteem, your mood, your productivity, everything! Try carve out a date night occasionally to just be the 2 of you and go out! even if its just an hour for lunch! And try not to talk about the kids! lol! ~ twoheartsoneroof.com
- Don’t give up what you love, read, bake, yoga. Accept help when offered. ~ mummyslittlepeeps.co.uk
- Mindfulness & bullet journalling. I also find guided meditation using the calm app amazing (which is good for children too!) Always helps me when I’m feeling overwhelmed with mummy hood. ~ mummyburgess.co.uk
- Take time as a couple to remember who you were before babies – it just might help you figure out who you are now. ~ hibabyblog.co.uk
- Dedicate time to yourself, even if its just 30 minutes a day, to do something you enjoy. It can be something simple like painting your nails or washing your hair. ~ thesmallestofthings.com
- Baths and cups of tea are surprisingly restorative. Couple dates are vital for your relationship. Write a list of things that make you happy, and try to do one of them every day. ~ freelancelifestyle.co.uk
- Remember that you need to put yourself first. You are the cornerstone of your family. You need to protect yourself. So treat yourself kindly. Make time to exercise and eat healthily. Also sleep. It isn’t always possible as a parent. So try to nap and sleep when you can. Everything else can wait. ~ mrshsfavouritethings.com
- Remember who you were before you became a parent and what was important and made you feel good. For example if your hair’s a straggly mess and it used to be glossy and styled, take time every now and then to do it and make yourself feel like you again. ~ heelsandhooves.co.uk
A brilliant post lovely. These are great tips. I need to follow Hannah’s advice too. I find it very hard to remember who I was before I was Mummy. Thanks for including my tip too. Hugs Lucy xxxx
Thanks hun! That’s one thing that has been getting me down recently and I need to think about what will make me feel like ‘me’ again. A shopping/lunch trip with friends will help but I’m utterly poor so that’s an issue. Thank you for taking part xxx