4 Tips to Finding The Time for Self Care As A Parent

As a parent, it can be easy to neglect your needs and put those of your family before what you really need. And far from being a good idea, neglecting yourself will only lead to issues further down the line for you.

There is no denying that you have a lot on your plate as a parent, but finding space on that plate for what you need, not just to survive but thrive, is essential.

Put Mom Guilt Away
Mom guilt is something every mom is well aware of, but this isn't just a female thing; dads can be at risk of the same feeling when they are away from their children or doing something that takes their time away from familial duties.

But remember, you do need to live your life too, and whether this is going to work, taking an evening out with friends, visiting family alone, or even just putting your child in daycare, you need to remember that you are doing the best you can and you are taking some time for you in any capacity be it work or pleasure is important, and your child will benefit from being exposed to different situations regardless of how old they are.

Identify your Wants and Needs
Every person will have different wants needs in their life. Needs are different from wants and are what you need mentally or physically to support good mental and physical health. Both are important. You need to ensure you are eating well; you are sleeping as well as possible in your circumstances, you need to rest, you need (fill in the blanks for you), and so on.

But what you want: the things that make you happy and support your emotional and mental health. It can be something as simple as having a coffee at your favorite coffee shop in peace, or it could be that you want to go to the gym or head to a salon for much-needed hydrafacial benefits for your skin.

Write them down, know what you need and what you want, and focus on working them into your schedule.

Make An Appointment
Much like you would schedule a doctor's or dentist's appointment, schedule time for yourself as an appointment in your diary, be it taking a long hot bath in peace, going to the gym, catching a movie with your partner or friend, or whatever it is, add it to your diary as something you need to do not something you will get round to.

Find Pockets of Time
​You don't always need huge blocks of time to practice self-care; sometimes, it can be found that 10 minutes after bedtime or before the day starts to sit down and relax. Look at your schedule and see what time you have and where. It is an hour of waiting in the car while the kids are at a school activity; what can you do in this hour? Or do you spend too long doom scrolling on your phone on the sofa after bedtime, and this time could be put to better use doing something else? Find where you can make time or use your time better to do the things that will fill your cup, not drain it even more.

Being a parent is demanding and fulfilling, but putting yourself on the back burner while you take care of everyone else won't serve you well in the long run. You need to ensure you are caring for yourself the way you care for everyone else. Use these tips to help you ensure that you are also part of the equation when it comes to ensuring the whole family is happy and cared for.