While it’s normal to feel a little overwhelmed when you bring home your new baby, it’s not healthy to feel that your life is now unmanageable. If you’re struggling to find a balance as a new mom and to preserve your mental health after pregnancy, follow these four tips.
1. Make Time for Exercise
While it might seem like you barely have time to brush your hair in the morning, making time for regular exercise is an important step in improving your mental health. Even if it means going on a walk with your baby or squeezing in 20 minutes of yoga after bedtime, finding a few spare minutes to work out can have a huge impact on your mood and outlook.
2. Rely on Friends and Family
Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it. Share your thoughts and feelings with your partner, close friends or family so you don’t get stuck feeling that you need to take on all of life’s challenges on your own.
3. Join a Support Group
Many new moms feel that joining a support group of women who are in similar situations is a big help. Find a maternity behavioral health program or other support group in your area to connect with moms who can fully understand what you’re going through.
4. Don’t Expect Perfection
There are going to be plenty of changes that come along with your new baby. Your house will probably not always be clean and organized, and that’s okay. Setting realistic expectations can help you to let go of perfection and more fully enjoy life and your new family.