Tag: Mum

7 Tips On How To Get Good Rest As A New Mom/Mum.

~ Eleanor Segall ~ Leave a comment

(image: Kelly Sikkema: Unsplash)

Being a mother, let alone a new mother, is no easy task. New moms might find themselves flustered with the idea of being a parent for the first time ever. No longer do they only have to care for themselves but also a little one, too, who depends on them. Frustration, stress, and lack of sleep are all common for new mothers. So, how can they fix this? Here are some tips.

  1. Sleep in the Same Room as Baby

Waking up every few hours in the night is no easy task. Having your sleep disrupted when in a groggy state is several times easier when your baby is close by to you.

Keep a crib or bassinet right next to your bed or at least a few feet away to reduce long walks throughout the house to tend to your baby in the night. This way, you can resume sleep as soon as possible.

  1. Prepare a Feeding & Changing Station Before Bed

Another way to ensure proper rest and sanity as a new mom is to keep a feeding and changing station stocked before going to bed for the night. Keep diapers, wipes, rash cream, baby powder, and a change of clothes nearby. Also keep clean bottles and formula (if applicable) within close reach.

  1. Don’t Skip the Bubble Baths

Good hygiene provides relaxation, which in turn, helps us feel more put together and well-rested. There’s nothing quite like soaking in a calming bubble bath to ease those tense muscles.

  1. Keep Your Mental Health in Check

After having a baby, your mental health is of utmost importance. When you’re in a bad mental health state, it’s difficult to get quality sleep at night. You may have problems falling asleep, staying asleep, or may be oversleeping. Either way, you find yourself feeling unrested.

If your mental health is suffering, it may be time to consider postpartum depression care in Orange County.

  1. Let the Household Duties Slide

Right now, your wellbeing and your baby’s well being matter most. A pile of dirty dishes? Leave it for tomorrow. Now is the time to prioritize your physical and mental state in the form of good rest. Unless there’s broken glass on the ground or a horrible stench in the house, the chores can be put off.

  1. Get Physical

Even simply going on a walk around the block can be a great way to get exercise in. This in itself can be a relaxing activity. And as everyone knows, getting exercise can also allow you to get a better night’s rest.

  1. Drinking Calming Teas

Turning to herbal teas like chamomile or lavender can be great ways to unwind after a hectic day as a new mom. Never underestimate the power of a hot beverage filled with calming herbs, especially before bedtime.

Conclusion

Being a new mother is going to be a challenge no matter how you look at it. However, what a mom can do differently to make things easier is to ensure she gets proper rest. With the latter tips, any overwhelmed, exhausted mom can get the rest and relaxation she needs to feel rejuvenated after a long day of parenting.

This article was written by a freelance writer.

8 Ways I Deal with Anxiety as a Mom (Mum) by Kara Reynolds.

~ Eleanor Segall ~ Leave a comment
(image: Pexels: Gustavo Fring)

Anxiety is hard to manage. When you have children, your stress levels can skyrocket. You have to get it under control to stay sane. 

Fortunately, you have plenty of holistic methods that help — often as much as medication or therapy. Here are eight ways I deal with anxiety as a mom. I hope these tips help you, too. 

1. I Maintain a Healthy Social Circle 

Loneliness can kill. A national cross-sectional survey found an association between patients who reported feeling isolated and increased mortality from all causes. 

I don’t know what I would do without my other mom friends. While it’s challenging for us to all coordinate our schedules to meet up as a group, I make a point to get together at least once a week with someone outside of my family for tea or a nice partner workout. It helps us both feel more connected and lets us shuffle off our mortal mom-coats for a minute and celebrate ourselves, not our roles in life. 

2. I Practice Breath Control 

Regulating your breath (like in childbirth) can help calm physiological processes. 

Focusing on your inhalations and exhalations alone helps you slow down your pace of breathing. Techniques such as 2-to-1 breathing, where you exhale for twice as long as you inhale, can further help to relax you. Navy SEALS use a method where they inhale for four, pause for as many beats, then exhale for the same count to calm their panic in crises. 

3. I Choose My Mental Battles Carefully 

As a mom, you see danger everywhere. I used to drive myself mad every time my kids strayed from my sight, but I learned to pick my mental battles more carefully as they got older. 

For example, I could lie awake tossing and turning all night, wondering if the parents at my child’s sleepover drink or take drugs in front of the kids. Conversely, I could simply meet with them before the big night and assuage my fears. 

4. I Check-in With My Body 

You know that you get irritable when you have a cold. However, minor aches and pains can sometimes leave you snapping at loved ones without realising the underlying cause. My back might groan after a day at my desk, but taking it out on my family only creates more problems. 

Therefore, I’ve learned to check in with my body regularly. I made mindful body scans a part of my routine meditation practice. These days, I do them anytime and anywhere, taking a few moments to breathe into tight areas and ease mild pain. 

5. I Move When I Don’t Feel Like It

Who hasn’t had those days where going to the gym seems like a chore? Yet, I’ve also discovered that pushing through often makes me feel better than remaining stationary. I trick myself into moving even when I don’t feel like it. 

How? I tell myself that I will work out for only five minutes. I give myself full permission to stop if I still feel lousy and sluggish after that time. However, I usually find the energy to keep going once my blood starts flowing. 

6. I Eat Healthfully — Most of the Time 

I used to go to diet extremes. Sometimes, I’d throw caution to the wind, declaring, “life’s short. Eat a donut.” Other times, I’d go on strict diets, eschewing everything that didn’t fit the meal plan until I went slightly crazy and binged. 

Now, I practice the 80/20 rule when it comes to eating. I eat foods that fall into my approved “healthy” categories 80% of the time. For the remaining 20%, I indulge in whatever I like. 

7. I Stay Away From Alcohol

A funny thing happened to me during pregnancy. Despite the increased pressure with a new life on the way, I felt less anxious. It didn’t take more than one or two postpartum cocktails to discern the reason. 

Alcohol messes with all kinds of neurotransmitters. While it initially decreases feelings of tension, it comes roaring back with a vengeance when you sober up and your brain tries to return to homeostasis. You could find yourself feeling even more tense and irritable — and craving another drink to take the edge off. 

For me, it’s simply easier to pass on the anxious feelings altogether. I found healthier ways to relax. 

8. I Meditate 

Although it may look like I’m doing nothing, my meditation time is the most critical part of my day. Without it, I wouldn’t function nearly as well in daily life. 

You don’t need anything except three to five minutes of quiet time each day to start. If you sit silently in mindfulness, you’ll amaze yourself with how long even that short span seems the first few times. If you struggle, guided meditations can help you find zen, and they’re available free on YouTube. 

Moms, How Do You Deal With Anxiety as a Parent?

The eight tips above help me deal with anxiety as a mom. I hope that this advice will likewise help you decrease your stress levels. 

This article was written by Kara Reynolds, editor of Momish