Feeling Overwhelmed? Combat the Stress of Motherhood with These Tips
Motherhood can be both joyous and challenging. Although you love your child with all your heart, at times, you may find yourself feeling like you're out of your depth. Everyone feels overwhelmed at times, but that feeling can be a sign that you need to make a few changes in your life. Here are a few tips that will help you combat the stress of motherhood:
1. Ask your partner for help.
Asking for help can be the hardest thing a mother has to do. It's easy to feel like you need to do everything yourself. Unfortunately, taking on all the responsibility is a good way to burn yourself out. Try to get into the habit of asking your partner for help when you need it. Remember that you're a team, and when you work together, the whole team functions better.
2. Prioritize your well-being.
This tip goes hand-in-hand with asking for help. As a mom, you might feel as though you always have to put yourself last. While it's admirable to care for your family's needs first and foremost, you also need to take care of yourself. When you neglect your own well-being, you're more prone to getting sick. Stress can take a toll on your body as well as your mind.
Set aside time during your day to practice self-care. That might look different for different mothers, but make sure you pick activities that make you feel good. Take a shower and wash your hair, then spend time meditating, writing in a journal, or reading something engaging. When you take time to recharge, you'll have more energy to give to your family later.
3. Invest in childcare.
Child care can free up time in your busy schedule. Some mothers feel guilty about enrolling their child in preschool, feeling as though they should keep their child home for as long as possible. However, preschool is good for your child's development. It prepares them for kindergarten in the future, and it allows them to meet new friends.
Consider enrolling your child in a year-round preschool center. Older children can benefit from summer breaks, but preschool-aged children spend most of their time engaging in experiential learning through play. Attending preschool over the summer will keep your child in their routine, and it will also give you extra time at home to take care of all the things you need to do.