Sophie Okolo, MPH

Whether you are a stay-at-home mummy or daddy or juggling work and taking care of your children, parenting can be a lot of work! Of course, you love your children, but taking good care of them can be pretty exhausting, and sometimes, you need a break. While this may make you feel guilty, taking some time off to take care of yourself is very important and goes a long way in helping you be that good parent you want to be to your children. If you do not know what self-care activities you can indulge in, here are few ideas you can try.

1. Reconnect with your partner

While taking care of your children, it is also expected that you and your partner get to spend little time together. Well, a great way to take care of yourselves as parents is to find time to reconnect with each other. Set a movie night, go on dates, or spend time together doing activities you both enjoy. You can also drop the kids at a trusted family member or friend’s house to enjoy some much-needed intimate time together at home or on a weekend getaway. If needed, get adrenal fatigue treatments to keep the energy and fun going during your romantic and intimate nights together. 

2. Get in touch with friends

Sometimes, moms need to catch up with their girls, and dads need to spend some time with their buds. And that’s okay. Connecting with your friends is beneficial to both your emotional and mental wellbeing. Therefore, take the time to plan a coffee or dinner date with your friends – you can even double date. You can also simply stay in touch through phone calls and video calls talking about your day, a new book, and so on. Doing this helps you feel involved and reduces the stresses that come with being a busy parent. 

3. Exercise and meditate regularly

Exercising comes with so many health benefits to both your body and mind. Regular exercise keeps your body healthy as it boosts your immune system, strengthens your heart from cardiovascular diseases, and helps you shed unhealthy fat, which leads to obesity. Also, exercising helps the body release endorphins, which are chemicals that trigger happiness and reduces stress. Incorporate a few workout routines in your everyday life to take care of yourself. Meditation is also an essential self-care practice for parents. It reduces stress, depression, and anxiety, amongst other benefits.

4. Be organized

Usually, the hectic ups and downs and great confusion make parenting take a negative toll on you and your partner. This is why attempting to keep things in order is a great way to practice self-care. Try keeping a to-do list for the activities you and your children need to do in a day. This helps you stay in line and not stress over the various things you need to do during the day. It also helps boost your productivity, making you feel more accomplished and proud of yourself as you cancel off completed tasks.