Giving birth and becoming a mom is life-changing. Adjusting to your new life and learning the ins and outs of motherhood can greatly impact your overall confidence and mental health. From experiencing the greatest love, to joy, to exhaustion, and even depression, it is important that you take the proper steps to care for your emotional health. Keep reading to discover three areas to focus your attention on to keep yourself happy and healthy as you begin your journey through motherhood.
Pay Attention to Your Feelings
Motherhood can be an emotional ride. You may feel happy and energized one moment and then feel down the next. Most moms experience a range of emotions, and that is to be expected for sure. Observe your mood and how you are feeling; especially pay attention when you are not feeling yourself. If you find that this is happening constantly and you are feeling depressed more often, be sure to get help, and don’t ignore it. Don’t feel embarrassed or like a failure for feeling the way you do. There are many moms feeling the same way. However, be sure you reach out to an expert who can help you. Seeking support through online talk therapy can help you determine the best course of action for your mental health and how to treat your postpartum depression safely and effectively.
Socialize
Given that laughter is the best medicine, make sure you are not isolating yourself from social situations. Although you may not feel like seeing anyone and feel like you don’t have the time, it’s important for your mental health that you do socialize with others. Scheduling time to get together with a good friend or another mom is a great way to socialize where you can feel comfortable. This way you can have some light-hearted conversation and enjoy some good company. It can be as simple as meeting a friend at a park with the baby or meeting at a kid-friendly cafe. This will help to lift your spirits, bring some positivity, and get some fresh air for a change of pace.
Reach Out To Someone You Trust
Juggling everything that comes with your new role can be overwhelming. However, you don’t have to take care of all the responsibilities motherhood entails on your own. Remember, you are already a supermom, and asking for some support does not take away from that. See if your spouse can help you relieve stress by taking care of some things around the house. Remember you have a support system right around you. Reach out to those who are close to you and those you trust, such as your mother, sister, and in-laws, to help you as well. This will allow you to have a break but also allow your loved ones to bond with their new member of the family. You can also seek help from a professional such as a newborn nanny or doula who has expertise with newborns and can help you best care for yourself and your baby.
Caring for your mental health as a new mom will give you confidence in yourself that will allow you to enjoy this new chapter in life as well as provide the best possible care for your baby. If you are looking for additional ways to care for your mental health check out 3-low effort ways to relax when you feel stressed.
I live in a small Georgia town that you most likely have never heard of and I LOVE it! My house is more than full as I am a single mother of four & caregiver to my aging mother and uncle. Lover of all things Outlander. Goes to the beat of her own drum woman.