Good Parenting Starts with Self-Care

You probably have your own understanding of "self-care," because it looks a little different for everyone. Some self-care activities could include an hour or two curled up with a riveting novel, or watching a favorite show on Netflix. It might also mean a yoga practice, a long walk through nature, or even a nap!

If you're a mom, self-care becomes thatmuch more important – because you can only be the amazing parent you want to be if you're patient, relaxed, and happy, all of which come from a place of being well-rested. In order to take care of your loved ones, you have to take care of yourself.

To reap the benefits of self-care, it's important to target your health in multiple areas: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual.

Need some self-care ideas? Simply make a list of activities you enjoy, and use any one of them as a self-care practice! Be sure to include skills or hobbies that interest you, social activities with people you love, and stress-relieving practices (i.e. meditation, prayer, or hiking).

Here are a few options to get you started:

1. Journaling, or any type of creative writing;

2. Enjoying a long walk while listening to music;

3. Calling a friend to catch up;

4. Completing a guided mindfulness exercise on YouTube;

5. Indulging in a blissful warm bath.

Developing some sort of self-care plan, or consciously setting a self-care routine, will do wonders for your energy. You'll feel better equipped to handle the highs and lows of being a mama when you make time for yourself!

Often, it might feel nearly impossible to snag some "ME" time. Being a new parent, or having a new child, can be as draining as it is wonderful. The moments you have to yourself may be few and far between, which is why it's so important to have a support system. Whether it's your partner, a parent, or a trusted friend, learn to lean on someonein your life who can babysit for just an hour a day. This will make self-care feel far more possible.

It can be easy to fall into your own guilt trips when you need to take time away from your child. A gentle reminder: you're a person, too.You have basic needs for care, sleep, good food, and "play," just like your baby does! Don't fall into the trap that so many new moms do of believing that you're selfish for taking time for yourself. You're only human, and you can't give 100% if you're running at 50% capacity.

If you're energized feeling in control, learn to embrace the fact that no parenting style – and no one– is perfect, or can create the perfect circumstances. Things will go wrong as you embark on your parenthood journey, and that's OK! Your child doesn't need you to be perfect – they need you to be present.

One effective way to live in the moment is by allowing yourself some "ME" time. Odds are, if you're not practicing self-care, you're more prone to racing thoughts and a distracted mind, making you less likely to appreciate time with your child.

Enjoy your baby, and enjoy your life. There is no need to sacrifice self-care in order to be the best parent you can be. Ultimately, the two go hand-in-hand.