In the following days and weeks after having each of our children, when the fog was beginning to lift and four-hour sleep stretches became more of the norm, I found myself trying to remember what I was like before this sweet baby arrived. When did I shower? What did I do with free time? What did I used to wear?
For those first few weeks of having a newborn, my entire focus was on the baby, and that was ok with me. But eventually I realized that I needed to take care of myself, too. But where do I start? I only have maybe two hours before the baby needs to eat again and I need to shower, unload the dishwasher, and fold the laundry that’s been in the dryer for three days.
I decided I needed to do simple things that had immediate results while my time was so limited. If you find yourself in the same circumstances, pick one of these, or think of something simple you could do on your own, but take that first step in remembering yourself. Your mind, body, and baby will thank you for it.
Here are a handful of things I did to help me start feeling like myself again that took very little time.
1. Spend time in the Word. For me, this meant downloading the Bible app and choosing a Plan. I specifically searched for ones that I needed help with at the moment. I set a reminder on my phone (the app does this for you if you want!) and before bed for five minutes I read the Word and instantly felt more at peace.
2. Move your body. Some days I would find YouTube videos for stretching (because I was always so hunched over with a baby), or post-natal yoga or whatever I felt like that day. Or on really ambitious days we went for a walk with the stroller. Endorphins make you happy (cue Legally Blonde quote ;))!
3. Get that glow. I bought face tanning oil drops and when I woke up the next morning I instantly felt better. There’s just something about feeling sun-kissed.
4. Whiten your teeth. In just a few minutes a day I’d give myself a little confidence-boost.
5. Get out of the house. Sometimes it’s so hard to think about all you need to do to get out the door, but when you get home you’ll feel so glad you got out and your day goes that much faster.
But most importantly, be kind to yourself. Postpartum days are really tough. You’re not being selfish by taking care of yourself. I wish I’d known that the first time!
Tell me, what are the simple things you did after having a baby to give yourself a confidence boost? Let’s help each other through the weeds!
twss,
Kelsey
Letting someone else watch the baby! Ava was born Jan 20 so by Valentine’s Day I’d spent a few weeks in the thick of it. My mom kept the little girls overnight, and as much as I didn’t think I was ready (and had to try to pump), the full night of sleep was glorious – oh, and the time with my husband… 😉
It doesn’t have to be overnight, giving yourself permission to accept help when offered is HUGE.
It’s so true! Even when you know you need it but don’t really want to, you are always glad you did!