Self-care tips for parents

As parents, it’s easy to get lost in the daily grind. Between work and taking care of the children, if you’re not careful, you’ll realise that you’ve neglected yourself. Here are some self-care tips for parents because you, too, need some quality TLC!

Take a deep breath
Everyone needs a breather – parents most especially. Parenting is such a selfless role. You keep on giving – time, attention, and resources – to everyone except yourself. Avert the risk of depletion. Stop. Take a deep breath. Rest. Recharge. This way, you won’t be physically, emotionally, and mentally spent to the point that it becomes detrimental to you and your family’s health and well-being.

Smile at yourself in the mirror
You can actually take this tip literally because you deserve a pat on the back for a job well done. Learn to appreciate what you’ve done. Self-affirmation is not narcissism so let’s not be too hard on ourselves.

Do something for yourself
Whether it’s shop therapy or a much-deserved trip to the salon, designate a day for uninterrupted me-time. On this day, put yourself first for a change. Watch that show you’ve always wanted to catch. Have lunch out with your friends. Get a long, soothing massage. Whatever it is, don’t be guilty with wanting to do something for yourself. Think about it as a reward for all the hard work that you do.

Make time for your hobbies
Just because you’re a parent does not mean that you stop being you. Have quality time for yourself when you can do what you enjoy doing. Whether it’s sports or reading a good book or finishing a DIY project, doing something that gives you a feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment will do wonders for your mental health.

Parenting, while challenging, is truly rewarding. This does not mean, however, that you completely take yourself out of the equation. Remember, health and happiness beget health and happiness. Healthy and happy individuals not only make better parents but also better humans. May we recognise this so that our children, too, will grow up healthy and happy with a positive outlook in life.

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