Are You Allocating Enough Time for Your Mental Health?

Let’s face it, being a parent is like juggling a dozen flaming torches while riding a unicycle. And if that isn’t enough of a circus act, throw running a business into the mix, and you’ve got a oneperson show that would make Cirque du Soleil jealous. It can put a toll on your mental health, where you become too stressed and weary.

While it feels great to be productive and on top of things, it can often lead to neglecting our own needs, especially when it comes to mental health. It’s time we talked about self-care for parents and a few tips on prioritising our mental health amidst everyday responsibilities.

Make Time for Yourself

With a packed schedule of work assignments, meeting demands, and finding time for fun with your family, It’s easy to neglect self-care. It’s crucial to take a little bit of time for yourself, away from everything else. Even if it’s just 5-10 minutes a day to sit, meditate, read, or practice breathing exercises, it’s essential to make it a routine daily. Put it in your todo list, a reminder, or an alarm to remind you to take that critical “me” time.

Establish Clear Boundaries

No matter how much we love our kids and business, we need space to function to the fullest. Establishing a clear boundary can be challenging, but it helps to minimize the possibility of external stress being pushed into our personal life and vice versa. Hence boundaries are vital to our emotional well-being.

It helps set a guideline that safeguards our personal and career life. Setting boundaries does not mean you neglect responsibilities, but it ensures balance.

Recognise When You Need Help

When we take responsibility for everything, it’s impossible not to feel overwhelmed. You don’t have to do everything every time. Seek help when you can’t accomplish a task. Don’t feel guilty for asking for help from family, friends, or even hired help. Trying to do everything can lead to unnecessary stress that could have been avoided in the first place. It’s okay to lean on others.

Rest and Exercise

It’s tempting to keep powering through the day, even when you’re tired and exhausted. The long-term effect would be damaging to your mental health. Give your body time to rest, schedule downtime, and take naps if necessary. Additionally, exercise, no matter how simple, would help release endorphins that boost mood and combat stress. It can be as simple as taking a walk with your little ones or yoga at dawn.

Adopt a Healthy Diet and Sleep Pattern

Your health is essential to how you function when it comes to working and parenting. A healthy, well-balanced diet and adequate sleep go a long way in promoting sound mental health. Avoid binge eating as a way of coping with stress and adopt healthy nutritional habits. Ensure you are getting 7 to 8 hours of sleep every day. It’s ultimately changing your lifestyle habits and having discipline and the right mindset. Taking care of ourselves as parents should be a priority. Our mental and emotional stability impacts those around us, so setting aside time to focus on our own needs is essential. ■

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