The outbreak of COVID-19 has been extremely stressful for all of us. We’ve been in our “new normal” for a couple of months now and we are all still struggling to adapt. As parents, we are frantic because, despite our rapidly evolving societal responses to COVID-19, most of us now have to work from home. In addition to staying in harmony with your email inbox, you now have become the full-time chef, janitor, and homeschool teacher.
When you’re a parent, self-care often slips to the bottom of the list. But taking care of yourself isn’t a luxury. It’s essential. And during this difficult time, when children are home and stress is running high, it’s more important than ever.
Self-care tips for parents during quarantine
Get in some exercise
Exercise can teach you things that we could have not learned anywhere else: things we never knew we are capable of and how far we can persevere and push ourselves. Most importantly, it will help you realize that the more active we are the happier and a better person we can be (thanks to those endorphins!)
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Make a schedule
Scheduling is the art of planning your activities so that you can achieve your goals and priorities in the time you have available. When it's done effectively, it helps you understand what you can realistically achieve with your time and to also have things to look forward to even if it's just as simple as scheduling a zoom call with friends over the weekend or scheduling a wine and cheese night at home while bingeing on your next favorite Netflix show
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Pick up a new hobby
A hobby can be a way that you expand your mind by doing something out of the ordinary. Fill your cup with your mom hobbies (or hobby). Do something that you enjoy so you can trickle down your happiness to your kids. I promise, it’s worth it!
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Plain and simple, ask for help.
Healthy people ask for what they need. Ask for the help of your partner or a family member. If you don’t have extended family around, call your friends who would be willing to help. Avoid the trap of believing others are too busy to help you.
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Take a break and do something daily that fills your soul and makes you smile
There are lots of options, from enjoying the outdoors to silently soaking in a tub. Believe it or not, this will help you feel better about yourself and your parenting.
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Always remember, being kind to yourself will not only help you stay calm during this difficult time, it will help ensure that you have the bandwidth you need to take good care of your family. If you want to care for your family well, take good care of yourself. Believe it or not, that is what will help lift you out of the fog and prepare you for whatever comes next.