Despite the last week being a bit hectic with Edith’s teething problems, we had settled into something approaching a daily routine, and I am starting to focus a little more on time for myself. Being a mum can often be a juggling act with all of the daily tasks, work deadlines, spending time with the kids etc, I have really come to think it’s important to try and achieve some balance in life. Balance that involves some care of myself!
So here are a few ways of the things I think help me feel like me again after a really busy week, in particular for mums with new babies.
1.) Beautiful sleep (ha!)
One of the things that all new parents are shocked by is how little sleep they get once their child has been born. Nothing really prepares you for it, and it’s such hard work. With an estimated 44 days of parent’s sleep being lost during the first year of the child’s life, it’s no wonder that we can often feel overwhelmed and irritable.
As parents we happily spend a small fortune on car seats, pushchairs and mattresses for our babies, but we often skimp on these costs when it comes to our own sleeping comfort. So treating yourself to a new bed that features a luxury memory foam mattress from Bedstar will undoubtedly help to maximise what little rest time you get. The site offers a range of frames and mattresses that can provide the perfect solution to achieving that much sought-after sleep.
Similarly, scientists at Harvard University have shown how daylight affects the light-sensitive parts of our brain. So if you’re looking to get a catch-up nap in the daytime (lucky you!), be sure to invest in some thick daylight-blocking blinds to help you get rested. This is the same case for kiddos so if you won’t get it for yourself, it might be something you’ll get for them!
2.) Proper nourishment
And whilst getting a good night’s sleep will help you start the day afresh, making sure that your body is adequately fuelled is key to helping you stay on top of your activities.
Hydration is key in keeping things going. Women should seek to drink 2.2 litres of liquids per day in order to maintain good health. Ideally this should be done by staying away from caffeinated or overly sugary drinks, and similarly the choice of food should be carefully considered. Admittedly I’m terrible at this one – my diet largely consists of coffee and a bit more coffee with a pot of yoghurt on the fly, but if I’m feeling low of energy and in need of a boost, this is the way to go.
The regulation five portions of fruit and vegetables a day will work wonders in helping you look and feel better. I bought a juicer when I was breastfeeding Toby and it was great for helping to boost me on those ‘slump days’. And be sure to stay away from overly fatty foods – especially before bedtime, as our bodies aren’t designed to digest whilst sleeping.
3.) Daily activity
Obviously, our bodies are only half of the issue, as our minds will need to be stimulated on a daily basis. So make an effort to try new activities, learn new things and regularly meet up with friends. This can be the perfect opportunity to join a toddler group, baby class or something to that effect. It gets you out, you meet new people and you have ‘you time’ whilst keeping the kids with you.
It’s all too easy to walk the endless circuit between the sofa and the kitchen. So why not enjoy the last few months of British Summertime by getting out there and relishing the warmth and light before the dark months of winter approach once more!
I hope these little tips will help you to cope with being a new mum and give you the chance to create some balance in your life.
Harriet x
