Being a new mom is tough. Whether you’re a first-time parent or have been around the block a few times, bringing a new child into the home is always a struggle. One of the biggest hurdles every new mom has to overcome is the exhaustion. While there’s no way to put more hours in the day, the following tips can help you get enough energy to make it through your to-do list with no issues.
Focus On Nutrition
The first step to getting enough energy during the day is to focus on nutrition. Food is fuel for your body. As a new mom, you’re constantly putting out energy to care for your baby. Whether breastfeeding or using a bottle, you can’t properly care for your new child if you don’t eat enough. If you can, try to get three square meals a day. At every meal, ensure you have a good balance of proteins, carbs, and fats to keep your body moving and your energy levels up. If you have issues like preeclampsia or pregnancy-induced diabetes, eating balanced meals will help you maintain your health.
Of course, you won’t always be at home to eat a solid meal. If you’re out at doctor’s appointments or running errands, it’s still vital to maintain a good base of nutrition. Adding protein shakes or nutritional supplements like Thrive to your diet can help you stay nourished while you’re on the go. While these choices don’t have the same nutrients as a full meal, it’s better than leaving your body empty. As a whole, the Thrive experience tends to be positive for new moms. If you find your energy levels low, make sure your nutrition is adequate first.
Try to Rest
The second step to getting enough energy as a new mom is to try to rest. Of course, it’s not always easy to get enough sleep when there’s a new baby in the house. For the first few weeks, it may feel like you’re only sleeping in two-hour intervals between feedings. While that may be unavoidable to some degree, it’s essential to prioritize rest where you can. If you have a partner or spouse in the home, ask them to watch the child while you get some much-needed sleep. As your child gets older, you’ll be able to sleep in longer increments, and you’ll slowly start feeling more rested.
Along with getting enough rest, you should aim for high-quality sleep. If you find your bed is uncomfortable and you struggle to sleep, a replacement will be well worth the cost. Similarly, purchasing a sleep tracker may cost a pretty penny upfront, but it will help you identify patterns and interruptions in your night. Rather than waking up frustrated and exhausted, you can change your nighttime routine and start waking up refreshed instead. Adhering to your bedtime ritual will help both you and your baby sleep better every night. By emphasizing rest in your home, you can start each morning with more energy.
Take Breaks When Necessary
The final way to boost your energy as a new mom is to take breaks when necessary. For many parents, this step is the most difficult because it involves asking for help. No matter how independent and strong you are, you can’t raise a child on your own. At some point during this journey, you’ll need to ask someone for help. As humiliating as it may feel, there’s absolutely no shame in that. Asking someone to watch your little one so you can rest or even just take a day away doesn’t make you a bad mom; it makes you a good one.
Along those lines, it’s crucial to have a support system around you. These people could be family, friends, coworkers, or a spouse. No matter who you trust most, you need people that can support you and your little one when you need them. With support and patience, you’ll do just fine.
Overall, being a new mom will always be challenging. With these tips, you can make the most of your 24 hours and have enough energy to tackle everything you need to do.
