Being a parental figure can be extremely rewarding, but there are times when it can be overbearing, demanding, and you just want to break down. Being fully responsible for a human being is scary and can be difficult at times. As a parent, you may even feel guilty for wanting your own self-care.
 The problem lies that without self-care, we become burnt out and are unable to accomplish important tasks. Self-care helps with overall health and wellness. To be there for your child and take care of them, we must first take care of ourselves.
Self-care can help us as parental figures to stay healthy in order to take care of our families. Self-care not only helps you, but your children as well. Self-care as a parent shows our children the importance of self-care and that they should incorporate it into their life as well.
Tips for parent self-care:
- Get a proper amount of sleep
Sleep can greatly diminish our mental and physical health and well-being. It may be difficult, but try to get more sleep, seven hours a night is a key target.
- Try a new form of self-care daily
If you find it hard to know what self-care will be best for you, work towards something new each day. Maybe a walk, reading a book, going to the gym, or taking a yoga class.
- Take time to reengage your senses
When we become overwhelmed with all of the to-do’s, it is not uncommon to ignore our senses. You can reengage your senses by listening to light music, taking a bath, or doing meditation.
A gratitude journal can help remind us all that we have and are grateful for. Take five minutes a day to write down what you are grateful for.
- Take time to be alone
This can be hard, but have a spouse, family member, or friend watch your child so that you can get alone time. This can even be done while they nap or getting up fifteen minutes earlier to have that quiet time. Even ten minutes can give your mind rest to then accomplish the day.
- Take time to spend with your spouse or family
If you have a spouse, remember that you are not only parents, but a couple as well that needs time away to be a couple. If you do not have a spouse, remember to spend time with family or even friends away from your child every now and then.
Parental self-care can help:
- Make sure you are addressing your own needs
- Becoming physically and mentally healthy
- Show an example for your children
- Reduce anxiety & stress
- Reduce burnout
- Maintain gratitude and mindfulness
Self-care can seem like a daunting task as a parental figure. Between school pick-up, sports, grocery shopping, making food, and possibly even a job, how is there any time for self-care? Know that even though it may seem like you have no time, it is important to make time for yourself. Self-care can mean the difference between good and bad physical and mental health and well-being.
If you need to, ask a friend, loved one, or family member for help so that you can get in some self-care. Without self-care you are most likely going to experience burnout and decrease your mental health. Self-care can help reduce stress, reduce depression, increase energy, and increase motivation and drive.
If you are struggling as a parent, know that you are not alone and that it is okay to not be okay. If you need help, reach out to a friend, loved one, or therapist for help. Therapy is a great tool for parents to help manage their stressful schedules and incorporate more self-care.Â
