3 P’s of Practicing Self-Care in Parenthood
The saying goes, “There is no manual on how to be a parent!” Don’t get me wrong–there are some amazing books on what to expect during pregnancy, how to help infants sleep through the night, or what age is appropriate to start potty-training. But how often do you find books on how parents/caregivers can take care of themselves in the midst of their roles. Here are 3 P’s to remind you to take care of yourself just as much as you take care of others.
- Permission:
Give yourself permission to do things for yourself. You have to tell yourself that it is perfectly okay if you want to spend some time by yourself, away from your friends and family. There is nothing wrong with that and it does not mean that you don’t love the people in your life.
- Persistence:
Be intentional about putting yourself and your needs first. It will not always feel comfortable at first, and you may worry if people will call you lazy or unmotivated if you rest, take a day off from work, or say no when asked to do something. Schedule time with yourself, put it on a calendar like a doc appointment, and don’t cancel!
- Protective:
Once you find what works for you, PROTECT it at all costs! You are not beneficial to others if you can barely take care of yourself. Go for a drive, take a bubble bath, go shopping, take a vacation, or whatever gives you peace—do it UNAPOLOGETICALLY!
Conclusion
At Concord Family Counseling, we understand that everyone experiences life stressors. Let us help you explore ways that you can implement these techniques and make yourself a priority.