The National Institute of Mental Health defines self-care as taking the time to do things that help you live well and improve your physical and mental health. Practicing self-care can help to manage stress, lower your risk of illness, increase productivity and focus, and improve relationships.
As a caregiver of a young child, it might not always be possible to do the self-care activities you want or need (like getting a full 8 hours of sleep or taking a long, hot bath). Because caregivers often face these limits, it’s important to have a variety of self-care options and think of ways to fit self-care into your daily routine, even with your child. Keep reading to learn about different types of self-care and how they can work for you, alone or with your child.
Mental/Intellectual Self-Care
Intellectual self-care is anything that makes you use your brain, think critically, or learn something new, such as:
Reading a book
Doing puzzles or word games
Listening to a podcast or audiobook while driving or cleaning
Creating art by yourself or with your child
Physical Self-Care
Physical self-care means taking care of your body. Examples include:
Getting enough sleep (napping when your child naps if needed)
Exercising alone or doing yoga with your child
Preparing healthy meals with your child
Going for a walk with your child in a sling, stroller, or wagon
Taking a hot bath or shower
Emotional Self-Care
Emotional self-care is about understanding your feelings and expressing them in a healthy way. Ways to practice emotional self-care include:
Social Self-Care
Social self-care means building and keeping healthy relationships with others. This could mean:
Setting boundaries in relationships
Making time to hang out with friends
Setting up playdates for your child and talking with other caregivers
There are many ways to take care of yourself, and the kind of self-care you need can change based on how you feel. For example, if you feel tired of social interactions, reading a book or exercising might help you feel better than calling a friend. Knowing yourself and what you need is important for making self-care part of your life.
Caring for others can be hard, and if you’re struggling with your mental health, there is help available, from support groups to therapy. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 or visit 988Lifeline.org for 24/7 private support and to connect with a caring counselor.
References:
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/caring-for-your-mental-health
https://www.snhu.edu/about-us/newsroom/health/what-is-self-care
https://www.peps.org/ParentResources/by-topic/self-care/self-care-for-parents
Staff Bio:
Meghan Breedlove is the Project Coordinator for Early Intervention at Bright Beginnings. She is also a Licensed Professional Counselor in Ohio and is an advocate for mental health. Meghan’s previous work experiences include clinical counseling in community settings, with court-ordered populations, in private practice, and in K-12 schools. As a mother of a 4-year-old, Meghan is passionate about early childhood and supporting families especially during these early years.