Entering a new chapter in life is a blissful experience. For women, taking up the role of motherhood can be both rewarding and challenging. But, if you aren’t careful, this chapter will make or break you.
The changes in a woman’s body topped by society’s unrealistic expectations can significantly affect her physical and mental health. If not appropriately addressed, the effects may extend to their children and family. Moreover, reports show that young mothers are four-folds likely to experience mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder, to name a few.
While it’s easy for one to forget themselves in the efforts of prioritizing their family’s needs, mothers could be doing themselves more harm than good. As the saying goes, you cannot pour from an empty cup. Therefore, it’s crucial to work on yourself to balance your new life and all else in between.
Improving your Environment
Pleasant surroundings can have a positive effect on one’s well-being. For example, forest bathing and sun exposure can help you decrease your stress levels. Moreover, it increases the feel-good hormones that help you become more productive. Thus, it benefits your nervous and immune systems. However, it doesn’t stop there.
Having a good environment also means removing toxic people in your life, uncluttering your workstation, and making sure you have a comfortable home. Getting rid of things and people that don’t serve you anymore can do wonders to your mind.
It does, however, require you to get help from experts. For instance, if the job necessities heavy equipment and excavation, consider getting a licensed and insured general contractor such as Rykstone Construction to cater to your needs. Consequently, if mental health issues need to be addressed, it’s best to talk to therapists and experts in the field immediately.
Working on yourself
Motherhood changes you in all ways possible, whether you like it or not. There is the pressure to know, do, and be the best at everything. Thus, some women often lose their identity in the process and ending up neglecting self-care.
But while motherhood is here to stay, you should not let it define who you are. Instead, make time to rediscover yourself and some more. Have a hobby, go out with friends, start a workout, and try to have some alone time. Sometimes, being with yourself provides the opportunity to reevaluate your life and find your passion.
It also serves as breathing room for you to reclaim your peace and take a well-deserved rest from your motherly duties. Furthermore, taking a break will help you recharge to serve your loved ones better. At this point, you are not living for yourself alone anymore.
You have people depending on you; therefore, it pays to invest in your health. You can do this by choosing the right food, getting enough rest, switching to a healthier lifestyle, and getting the vitamins and supplements you need.
Most importantly, remember that you do not have to do everything alone. Regardless of the situation, you need to communicate with your partner and divide the workload with your children and at home. For example, if you have a newborn, meet halfway to take turns taking care of the baby. It would also help to set realistic goals and celebrate little wins.
The Career Growth You Need
Most women think that returning to work months after giving birth is the best option. After all, those diapers and regular trips to the pediatrician won’t pay for themselves. Unfortunately, however, not everyone has the privilege to get up and rebuild their careers.
Some factors need to be considered, especially in finding a work-life balance. However, most of them revolve around the child. Therefore, it’s best to use this time to assess the best course of action you need to take.
Remember that career growth doesn’t happen overnight, but your fear will certainly slow it down. Weigh your options and list down your what-ifs. Communicate your situation with your HR or managers and focus on work flexibility, parental leaves, and work setup.
Juggling personal, professional, and family matters at once can be overwhelming, especially for new mothers. Taking care of yourself is just as crucial as taking care of your loved ones. Work on yourself and invest in things that you know you can benefit from.
Moreover, don’t feel guilty for giving yourself some room to breathe. Instead, embrace the changes you are experiencing and celebrate your new life. Make sure to find balance in managing everything, and don’t forget to be kind to yourself. Remember, it isn’t selfish. It’s self-care
