There’s no denying that becoming a mother is often an experience that’s filled with joy. At the same time, it can be tricky to soak in all the good moments when you’re also feeling stressed and exhausted. Many new moms are sleep deprived, busy trying to resolve items on a never-ending to-do list, stressed, and dragged down in a quest for perfection. If that sounds familiar, we have eight tips to help you bring more happiness into your life as a new mom.
Savor the peaceful moments.
Whether it’s an evening bath, an afternoon with a friend, or heading outside for a walk at lunch, it’s important to take some time to yourself and also to appreciate the quiet and peaceful moments in your day. Use these small moments to ease stress and rejuvenate for the remainder of your day.
Treat yourself to something nice.
Every once in a while, a small splurge may be exactly what you need. This could be as simple as some new make-up or a book or magazine to flip through when the baby is asleep.
Discover the wonder of audiobooks.
As a new mom, it’s normal to feel like you’re constantly busy with no free time to indulge in any leisurely hobbies and activities. One way to reclaim some time for leisure is to download an audiobook onto your phone for easy listening while you breastfeed or take a stroller walk. A local library is a great way to access audiobooks free of charge, or you can try an app like Audible. Not into audiobooks? Feel free to swap out for a guided meditation!
Try a jogging stroller.
It’s hard to fit workouts into your daily routine when you have a baby at home. But if you’re a runner (or have been thinking about getting into running) you likely won’t regret getting a jogging stroller. Along with the benefits of the workout itself, this is also a great way to treat you and your baby to some fresh air.
Bake or cook a meal you love.
Cooking and baking are both a great way to relieve stress. Even better, you’ll end up with something delicious to eat for a meal or snack on when you’re done.
Have a dance party with your little one.
Music can turn any bad mood around, right? If you’re feeling tired, antsy, or simply in a bad mood, throw on a favorite song (better yet, make a whole playlist) and have a dance party with your baby right at home.
Try meditation or yoga.
If you’re feeling tense, stressed, and irritable, it may be time to start a yoga or meditation practice. This doesn’t need to be a crazy or daunting endeavor—start small by devoting just a bit of time out of each day, and you can always work your way up. There are many yoga classes and meditations available on YouTube, or you can try an app like Insight Timer, Calm, or Headspace.
Stop putting so much pressure on yourself.
It’s completely natural to want to get everything right and do everything you can for your family, but many moms can seriously benefit from reducing the amount of pressure they put on themselves each day. Try to loosen your expectations, remember that you’re doing enough, and know that no one expects you to be perfect.
If you would like to meet with a knowledgeable doctor, consider contacting Women’s Health Arizona. As Arizona’s largest ObGyn group, we’re trained and solely dedicated to delivering the best ObGyn experience in convenient and comfortable settings around Phoenix.
