5 Tips for New Moms to Start Feeling Like Yourself Again
Hey new mom! I want to start by saying, YOU ARE A ROCKSTAR! You are doing great with that new baby! Just know, there is no roadmap to being a mom, so you aren’t alone in thinking that you don’t know what you are doing! You will get the hang of it, and it will come naturally. Just hang in there.
I want to give you 5 tips that helped me feel like myself again after bringing my baby (now babies) home. Getting back to feeling like myself helped my mental health tremendously during this BIG transition.
Take a shower
As small as it sounds, taking a shower and feeling clean, goes a long long way with your mental health. It gives you some alone time and helps you to get clean and feel better. As a new mom, you probably have spit up, poop, pee, etc. on you most of the day. It doesn’t feel good to smell or even have wet clothes all day. So washing your hair, your body, and being in a fresh set of clothes will make you feel so much better and ready to tackle the day.
Put some structure to your day
Having structure in your day is SO helpful. Have some type of routine or flexible schedule in your day. This can be as simple as scheduling a drive, a walk, or even a meet-up with a friend or family member. Remember, this doesn’t need to be a strict schedule or even a schedule that fills every minute of your day. Just add in some small activities to your day to help break it up, so you feel good about each day.
Take some time for YOU
You just had a baby who needs you almost constantly. I get it. However, you can’t be the best mom possible for that baby if you aren’t also taking care of you. Take some time for yourself at least once a day. Even if it is only 5-10 minutes, anything will help. This can be sitting on your back porch with a cup of coffee for a few minutes. This can be reading a chapter in a book. Make sure you aren’t forgetting about yourself during this process. Take care of you, so you can take care of that precious baby!
Drink plenty of water
Being extra hydrated is important for your physical and mental health! Find a cute water bottle or jug that you can keep with you at all times. Sometimes a cute water bottle can make it easier (and more fun) to drink water and have it with you.
Soak in the baby phase
I know this phase is extra challenging, trust me! And the saying “the days are long but the years are short” is so hard to hear. But it is true. I promise you that your baby will sleep eventually. In this moment, it seems like your baby will never sleep again, but he/she will. In my own experience with having two babies, I have learned to soak up the baby phase more the second time around, and I have enjoyed it so much more. Snuggle your baby. Love on your baby.
Most importantly, remember this: THERE IS NO BETTER MOMMA ON THIS PLANET FOR YOUR BABY THAN YOU!
Written by Taylor Cordell, MA, LMFT-Associate, CST-Candidate
Disclaimer: This is not meant to act as or replace therapy in any way.
If you have any further questions about this topic or to schedule a session with one of our clinicians, please CONTACT US.
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