Rest and recovery are very important after welcoming a new baby. But the truth is, bringing a child into your life makes decent rest a lot harder to come by.
Give yourself permission to savor your quiet time. If you can't sleep, just closing your eyes can be refreshing.
If you're stretched too thin to rest, simple breathing exercises, hydrating, stretching, and even putting down social media and closing your eyes for a minute can provide small energy boosts or clarity.
-
-
Aim to get at least 4-5 hours of uninterrupted sleep – this might mean splitting the night shift with another adult in the home.
-
-
Accept help when you're offered it, whether that's a meal, help with laundry, or taking care of the baby for a few hours. Use the time to focus on some act of self-care that is small but achievable, something nourishing to your body and soul, like a hot shower, a nap, a walk around the neighborhood, or a meditation exercise.
-
-
If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed past your limits, this is a sign you're approaching burnout. That is a good time to tap into your support systems so you can take a much-needed break.
-