Despite having 24 hours in a day, it somehow still doesn’t seem enough to complete everything on your to-do list. Even more so, with the run up to Christmas, you probably feel like you’re chasing your tail.
With that being said, as parents, we spend so much of our time focusing on our little ones, from planning days out, to remembering appointments, to making sure you’ve bought ‘Timmy’ a birthday present (you don’t want to be the only parent who forgot your kid’s friend’s birthday gift!) – the list is endless.
If this sounds all too familiar, you may be at risk of officially facing ‘burnout.’
You’re probably thinking ‘I don’t have time to be flagging’ but this, unfortunately, doesn’t give you much choice.
If you’re finding it harder than ever getting out of bed or noticing what would usually be a simple task, a little more daunting, then you could be on your way to parenting overload.
Making these small, doable changes, could see you ticking off the tasks quicker than expected and gaining back that little spring in your step!
Lists are your friends
If you know you’ve got a busy day ahead, this could initially feel a little overwhelming. Instead, write down everything that is in your head and all the tasks that you need to do for that day. If you can see it visually, it will help you identify what is a ‘present’ and ‘future’ task. Apply this to your weekly tasks too - this way, you can concentrate on the urgent rather than investing time into the less important.
Rome wasn’t built in a day
As well as making list – knowing that you can’t do it all in just one day will leave you feeling motivated to do the more important tasks ahead. Take the pressure off yourself and know that you can only do so much before it becomes overbearing. Avoid running yourself into the ground and make your day doable and fun at the same time.
Stop and take 5
Being a parent, we don’t get much time to ourselves, but being constantly on the go all day, every day, can sometimes become a little too much. Try and take some time out each day just to re-energise and gather your thoughts. If your baby naps during the day or the kids enjoy independent play, take this moment to put the kettle on, put your feet up and breathe. Having a 17-month-old, I know this can prove difficult at times, but if you see your chance – take it! It will give you the extra boost you were looking for and see you bossing the rest of your day!
Self-care is the best care
Again, being a parent doesn’t allow for much ‘you time’ but being actively aware of having some time for yourself will make a world of difference. Having a little pamper or catching up with your favourite TV shows is always good for the soul. Try this when the baby is sleeping or when the kids have gone down for the night. Setting time aside for this and concentrating on yourself for once, will do wonders for your mind set and see improvements through life in general.
Sweet dreams
Having children will more likely mean a good night’s sleep is somewhat of a distant memory (the bags under my eyes are designer FYI!). But if you can stick to the same night-time routine for yourself then this could go a long way. Just like you do for your children, having the same or similar routine will help you unwind and prepare your mind for la la land. Try going to bed at the same time each night to allow you to get some decent shut eye which will improve your overall mindset and have you raring to go for the next day.