Once you become a mum (and I’m sure it’s the same for dads) you are no longer the most important person in your world. As mums, your child will always be the priority. Having said that, it’s important to avoid the pitfall of overlooking your own health. After all, healthy mums are better mums.
Taking better care of your health ensures that you have the energy and positivity to play an active role. Moreover, your increased knowledge of health offers extra guidance for keeping your son or daughter healthy. As your little angel grows older, leading from example will encourage them to develop better habits too.
Follow these steps and you won’t go far wrong…
Eat well and exercise
Good nutrition and regular exercise are essential ingredients in the recipe for a healthy life. Sadly, it’s very easy for new parents to fall into the trap of ignoring these key factors. Regain control of the situation ASAP to unlock noticeable upgrades for your physical and mental well-being.
Regular exercise can take many forms, including long walks with the pram, which can also help your child sleep. Meanwhile, back to fitness classes and schemes for new mums are an ideal way to get active without any body conscious vibes. Home workouts are another option worth your consideration.
Nutrition can be a little more complex, especially when juggling time, budgets, and intolerances. Whatever your individual circumstances might be, staying well hydrated will be top of the agenda. You will look and feel better as a result, allowing you to master mum life like a pro.
Treat minor conditions
Even as a mum, you’re not going to overlook major health concerns. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for many minor issues. While they might not put your life at risk, they can certainly harm the quality of it. Consequently, then, it could affect your impact to be the best mum you can be.
Skin irritations are very common, especially as post-pregnancy can play havoc with your hormones. From over-the-counter products like scabies cream to prescription medications, the benefits are huge. They can restore your health, comfort, and confidence. Protecting yourself from the sun or wind is vital too.
Other physical health complaints can include muscle injuries and postural issues. In these cases, rehab exercises and supportive attire are particularly important features. Likewise, you must not ignore the flu. Aside from the fact treating it will speed up your recovery, it reduces the chance of passing it on.
Let yourself rest
Mum life is incredibly rewarding, but it’s also exhausting. Your child needs you for virtually everything during their infancy. Moreover, unless your parents are able to help out, you probably won’t get a rest day either. As such, you need to capitalise on every recuperation opportunity available.
The busy day ahead feels far less daunting when you have enjoyed a good night’s sleep. In the early months, you’ll want to sleep whenever you get a chance. Once your child is into a better bedtime routine, you must focus on your own. Getting your full 40 winks can make all the difference.
If it means sacrificing your favourite TV show or an hour of Facebook browsing each night, then so be it. The enhanced parenting experiences are far more rewarding. The fact you’ll feel more like yourself is a massive incentive too. While you want to cram everything into your life, priorities are vital.
Remember your mental health
Keeping yourself healthy as a new mum isn’t solely about the physical elements. You also need to consider your emotional health. First and foremost, looking good makes you feel good. As such, you should get into the habit of getting up and getting dressed even when staying at home. It adds structure.
Meanwhile, you must not ignore the need for adult company. Home date nights are great for remembering that you’re more than just parents. However, you should also arrange time to visit friends, including those that do not have kids. Even a monthly day out can be the break you need.
Most importantly, you must not ignore any signs or symptoms of depression or anxiety. Postnatal mental health conditions are very common. However, the sooner you respond to them, the sooner you can get your mental health back on track. It’s the least that you (and your baby) deserve.
Do something for you
Your baby means everything to you, and parenthood will define your life. However, you must avoid the threat of dedicating every moment to parenting. It’s important to do something for yourself on a daily basis. It can feel a little self-centred at first, but the physical and mental health benefits are huge.
Setting aside time for reading, gaming, or catching up on Netflix can have a telling impact. Once your baby sleeps at night, daytime naps are the perfect opportunity for you to do this. Alternatively, home cooking is a great idea, especially if you prepare batches of food to save time during the week.
Feeling as though you are more than just a mum can have a telling impact on your health and happiness. It’s something that your child will pick up on. Even if parents take it in turns to enjoy something for themselves, rather than doing things together, it’s worthwhile.
Take it easier (where possible)
As already mentioned, mum life is hectic and exhausting. Still, there are several aspects of your life where it may be possible to make things a little easier on yourself. Learning to grab hold of those opportunities is an important piece of the puzzle. And now is the time to make it happen.
While regular exercise is important, you don’t need to punish yourself with hours on the treadmill or free weights. Meanwhile, you can forget about creating the perfect home. Focus on keeping it clean and safe rather than worrying about the latest tech facilities and design features. Enjoy the home.
Adopt a smarter approach to parenting and you will see benefits for your physical and mental health. In turn, this will help you provide your son or daughter with the best possible start in life. Quite frankly, this is the greatest reward of all.
Feature image credit: Bingngu93 / Pixabay
