You want to know what the most demanding, busy, and surprising job is in the world? Try to be a parent! As rewarding as it is, parenting doesn’t leave much time for self-care.
Between meal prep, children’s activities, school runs, and work commitments, it’s easy to let your own wellbeing slip to the bottom of the priority list. Studies show that when we let go of our own health and mental well-being as caregivers, the whole household loses its positive energy.
For Galway parents who are trying to juggle their busy work life with their children’s schedules, finding even a few minutes for a short walk, a calm cup of tea, or establishing a simple skincare routine each day could make a huge difference in their mental health department.
Build Realistic Habits
When your calendar is as packed as it usually is when you have a kid (or a few of them!), it’s good to be realistic about what you can fit into it. Don’t plan a spa weekend three times in a month, cause you’re probably not gonna be able to swing that.
Try something more doable that you can fit into your everyday life. Sneak in micro-moments of rest. It can be a little meditation, a mindful breathing practice, or maybe you can just sit down with a favorite podcast.
Doing something just for yourself counts as self-care. If you find it difficult to fit it in, you can even put it in your scheduling app, set up an alarm, or do anything to remember about this very important YOU moment.
Another very important thing is to prioritise your sleep, even though it may seem impossible (especially in those first years of your newborn’s life). A solid night’s rest is a foundation of mental and physical health – it reduces stress, improves your mood, and supports your entire immune system.
Try to wind down at least an hour before you go to bed, so that your body knows it’s time to relax. Stay away from the screens, try to do a little yoga or other practice that keeps you grounded.
Stay Connected
Remember, you’re not alone in this! Don’t be ashamed to ask your family and friends for help from time to time, so that you can get some alone time to take care of yourself. Communication is key to staying sane in difficult times.
Self-care isn’t just physical, actually, it’s mostly emotional, so take good care of your relationships. Connecting with friends, sharing a laugh with your neighbours, and exchanging stories with other Galway parents can provide you with support and understanding, which is as important as rest or proper nutrition.
Move Your Body
The simple act of moving your body can sometimes help more than hours of meditation and mindful breathing. A brisk walk around Salthill Promenade, a funny bike ride with your kids, a quick stretch, or maybe a Pilates session once a week can all help a ton when it comes to maintaining your mental health.
Exercises enhance your mood, sleep quality, and overall make you feel better, improving your focus and the general outlook on life.
Don’t Forget the Big Picture
Health and well-being experts constantly remind us that self-care is not an indulgence, it’s a necessity. When you are fulfilled, happy, and healthy, so will be those around you, so putting the needs of everybody else above yours is not necessarily the best plan for a healthy household.
Even little things like finding time for your beauty routine and little morning rituals are important and will make you feel empowered, so try to factor them in whenever possible.
