Moms, It’s Time to Treat Yourself Like a Baby

Lately, I’ve been feeling the weight of the world, a sensation that echoes what Adam Grant described in a recent NY Times op-ed as “languishing.” I find myself drained, irritable, and restless. Worst of all, I’m stressed and physically unwell. My sleep schedule is all over the place, my focus is lacking, and I’ve developed some unexpected reactions to foods I once adored.

This isn’t my first rodeo with stress, but it feels more intense than before. I recall a time in college when I rushed a sick friend to the hospital. After ensuring she was stable, I attempted to leave, only to faint in the lobby. It was a whirlwind of crisis, and once it ended, I crumbled. More recently, when my son faced a tumor that required surgery, I was strong throughout the ordeal, but once the dust settled and we received the benign diagnosis, I fell apart.

I excel in handling crises, but I struggle to regroup afterward. Now, as life slowly returns to a semblance of normalcy, I can’t shake the feeling that the emergency isn’t truly over. My friends share similar sentiments as we approach the end of the school year and the onset of summer—many of us are just trying to hold it together. It seems that while the world is moving on, our bodies are signaling for a much-needed reset.

My brother and his wife just welcomed their first child—an adorable baby girl. Gazing at their photos took me back to the early days of motherhood, a time when my life revolved around ensuring my baby was breathing, sleeping, eating, and pooping. It hit me then: to recover, I need to treat myself like a baby. So do you.

How’s Your Breathing?

Remember when you brought your baby home and couldn’t help but watch their tiny chest rise and fall? We need to give ourselves that same level of attention. I’ve realized I hold my breath in stressful moments and over-breathe when anxious. Focusing on intentional breathing can help us relax, enhance our focus, and even boost our immune systems. Think of breathing exercises as daily vitamins for your mind and body—here are some to try.

How’s Your Sleep?

Sleep is vital, and many of us aren’t getting enough quality rest. I recently started tracking my sleep with a watch and discovered just how tired I truly am. It’s time to establish better habits, much like we did for our babies during sleep training. Maybe it’s time to implement a “no blue light after 9 PM” rule or whatever works for you.

How’s Your Eating?

As a remote worker, I’ve blurred the lines between home and work, and it shows in my eating habits. I often eat while working, neglecting to savor my meals. We need to return to nourishing ourselves with intention, eating only what feels good, and making mealtime a dedicated experience. Whether you’re like me or struggling with your eating habits in other ways, it’s worth reflecting on how our choices impact our well-being.

How’s Your Poop?

Yes, I’m serious! There’s a strong link between stress and our digestive health. Just as we monitored our babies’ bowel movements, it’s time we pay attention to our own. Tracking these can serve as a stress-o-meter for our bodies. I’ve made adjustments in my diet based on what I’ve observed, and getting back to a more regular routine has motivated me to address my stress levels.

If we could manage these basics for our little ones while navigating the challenges of new motherhood, we can certainly apply the same care to ourselves. Consider this your “maternity leave” from the stresses of the past year. Embrace the baby basics: monitor your well-being, enjoy your meals at the table, and prioritize rest. Remember to breathe deeply—maybe even take two breaths!

For more insights on self-care during this transformative time, check out this other blog post. If you’re looking for ways to boost fertility, visit Make a Mom—they provide excellent resources. Additionally, WomensHealth.gov is a fantastic source for pregnancy and home insemination information.

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Summary:

Moms, it’s crucial to treat ourselves with the same care we provide our children. As we transition into a post-pandemic world, focusing on the basics—breathing, sleeping, eating, and even our digestion—can help us recharge. By prioritizing self-care and monitoring our well-being, we can better navigate this new chapter of life.