When you first bring the little one home, months worth of anticipation spill over to excitement. You can’t wait to dress her up in dresses or place her in the crib located in her brand new nursery. There is a sense of relief because she has finally arrived. And then, over the course of the next several weeks and months, reality sets in.
Feedings in the middle of the night, the sniffles and teething, and trying to keep up with some of the areas of your everyday life can be exhausting. Before you reach the burnout point you need to remember to give yourself a break. Taking care of an infant is a lot of work and it is time that you began to take care of yourself once again. So toss on your favorite Nike Clothes, and get outside for a walk. Let daddy, grandma, grandpa, or a good friend fill in while you are gone.
Don’t push yourself and attempt a couple of miles that first time you walk. Just enjoy the fresh air and walk around your neighborhood. If you have headphones, listen to some of your favorite songs as you walk. If you like just hearing the silence, that works too. Just being away will give you some perspective and provide you with a chance to regroup. As your infant gets older, look for other ways to give yourself a break like a manicure, pedicure or massage. When you get home you will find that you are a better mother because you are taking care of yourself.