How to prevent exhaustion in motherhood?
Being a mother is extremely rewarding, but it can also be exhausting. In fact, motherhood takes a lot of energy, time, stamina, patience, and resources. As well, being a parent changes your life forever.
One of the biggest misconceptions of being a new mother is the “romance” of motherhood and how wonderful it is. In truth, motherhood is not always glamorous and is a huge responsibility. Being a parent can actually be quite challenging. Moreover, it is not uncommon for new mothers to feel very overwhelmed.
However, there are several ways you can minimize your stress and prevent exhaustion. Here are a few tips to get you back on track to feeling wonderful again.
Get a good night’s sleep
Sleep deprivation is very common for most mothers. In fact, it is a standard way of living for many. However, a constant lack of sleep is nothing to ignore. Many experts agree that sleep deprivation has serious consequences for your health and family. Some of the complications include poor performance at work, extreme risk-taking behavior, diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and other health issues.
However, there are many ways to get more sleep so you can feel rested and ready for the day. Some of the best ways to get better sleep include:
Take a nap – taking a nap is useful when you have a newborn that is awake often in the night.
A comfortable bed – it is hard to get a good night’s sleep if your bed in uncomfortable. Treat yourself well and buy a luxury mattress so that you can get some needed rest.
Help your child sleep better – if your child is comfortable then they are more apt to sleep better. Make sure that they have a comfortable pillow, their favorite stuffed animal, and a nightlight.
Your health is important
One of the most common symptoms of poor health is exhaustion. According to WebMD, fatigue mirrors several diseases like arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, sleep apnea, thyroid disease, and anemia. As well, there are numerous medications that can leave you feeling tired and exhausted.
You should always contact a specialist if you suspect that you’re fatigued due to a health problem. As well, talk to your doctor if your new medication is leaving you tired.
Get more exercise
When you are tired after a day’s work of chasing kids, fixing meals, doing laundry, and running errands, the last thing you want to think about is getting exercise. However, numerous studies show that physical exercise actually increases energy levels. Exercise also has other benefits to help you reduce stress levels such as:
- Tones the muscles
- Improves heart health
- Helps the lungs work efficiently
- Builds confidence and self esteem
Take a vacation
Sometimes we just need a break from the hard work and energy it takes to be a parent. Breaks in your daily routine are always encouraged. However, on occasion, we need more than just a mini-break from our day-to-day life. The best solution for a long “time out” is to take a vacation. A vacation may actually prevent exhaustion or a breakdown.
There are numerous types of vacations and holidays, depending on your needs and allotted time off from work. Even if you have only a day or week-end, it is well worth the time to get away to somewhere exciting, relaxing, or awe-inspiring. In fact, there are many adventurous vacation destinations, even on a budget.
Join a support group
Motherhood can sometimes be a very isolating and daunting experience. For some, even getting out of their pajamas before supper time can be a challenge. However, support groups for mothers (and fathers) can be very beneficial. It is the ideal way to share similar experiences with other moms and dads. As well, a support group is the perfect way to optimize parenting skills and to stimulate maternal confidence.
Support groups have various benefits such as:
- An instant network of encouragement
- A way to learn about different types of parenting
- A chance to learn from other first time moms and dads
- A great way to make new friends for yourself and your child
- An opportunity to get out of the house and not be so isolated
Honoring motherhood
Some days it’s easy to honor the role of motherhood. At other times, the labor of daily chores gets the better of us and leaves you feeling exhausted. However, applying a few of the tips to your lifestyle will make a huge difference in your health and well-being.