Adjusting to the Life Transition of Parenthood

Hey you! That’s right, I’m talking to you. Whether it’s been months or a few days that feel like months, transitioning to the role of parent can feel like an out-of-body experience. Navigating sleepless nights, physical and emotional changes, overwhelming feelings you’ve never experienced, all while looking after another human you’re just getting to know—it can be quite a lot. We’re here to remind you that even though your identity may have evolved, you’re still you, and looking after yourself is as important as ever.

While you may now be someone else’s go-to person, remember you may also be…

…a person who needs a routine.

We know that having a child can be unpredictable, and the mere mention of the word routine can seem silly, but hear us out. Routines can give you some control you may feel you’ve lost in becoming a parent. Furthermore, routines don’t need to follow specific times (if that doesn’t work for you) and can simply be a series of tasks (no matter how small). Whether that’s checking items off your list throughout the week or doing one thing a day just for you, establish a routine that leaves you with a feeling of accomplishment.

…a person who needs to move.

Moving isn’t just good for the body, it’s good for the soul. Whether you were active or not before becoming a parent, even moving your body a little (yes, that includes stretching!) will go a very long way. From taking a walk with your child to getting some much-needed vitamin D to giving yourself just enough time each day to sweat it out and release some endorphins, your body and mind will thank you.

…a person who needs to rest.

While sleep may be lagging, we want to remind you that rest (all seven types!) is just as important. Ideally, you should incorporate all of these. Realistically, that may be tough, so start by doing what you can when you can manage it.

• • Physical Rest: Physical rest can be passive (e.g., sleeping, napping) or active (e.g., yoga, massage therapy), both of which can leave us feeling rejuvenated.
  • Mental Rest: Ever given yourself a brain break? If so, you’ve engaged in mental rest. You can enjoy mental rest by taking short breaks throughout the day to reset concentration or by taking note of all your thoughts so you can clear your mind. Mental rest may look different for everybody (e.g., animal snuggles, meditation, gardening), so remember to do what’s right for you.
  • Sensory Rest: Introducing a new person into your home means also introducing new sights and sounds. From crying to Googling your parenting questions (don’t worry, we all do it!), your brain may be experiencing sensory overloads both online and offline. To give yourself a break, try setting screen-free hours, simply closing your eyes for a little, or going into a quiet space every now and then throughout your day to give your senses a break. Alternatively, if you can’t give yourself a full break (we’re talking about parenting after all!), you can make small changes to enhance your surroundings—for example, some parents use earplugs to reduce the impact of hair-raising screams, while some dim the lights and use candles.
  • Creative Rest: Having a difficult time solving a problem? Before you brainstorm a solution, give yourself a little creative rest by taking in the beauty of the outdoors or thinking in a place that’s filled with inspiration such as photos of places, art or phrases you enjoy.
  • Emotional Rest: Become a ‘no’ person. Yup, you heard that right! It’s important to say ‘no’ to things that you don’t want to do or are not feeling good about. Being truthful with others is the best way to be true to yourself. Get some emotional rest by establishing personal boundaries, expressing how you really feel and cutting back on people-pleasing. Remember that saying ‘no’ to someone else gives you the space to say ‘yes’ to yourself!
  • Social Rest: As a parent, time for yourself is limited, so if and when you spend time with others, you should ask yourself: does engaging with this person leave me exhausted or fulfilled? To ensure that you’re getting the most from the community you surround yourself with, ensure those people are supportive, positive and fill your cup.
  • Spiritual Rest: If you feel like you’re missing a sense of belonging, love, acceptance, or purpose, try connecting with something greater than yourself through prayer, meditation, your community, or nature. Reading or listening to a book on this topic can open your eyes to other ways to recharge your soul.

…a person who needs a little extra help.

You can’t do it all, nor should you. If you feel like you need a little extra support, access your Arcora supports by calling us at 1-877-412-7483 or completing our online form. Whether you need personal or relationship counseling, are struggling to adapt to this major life transition, require support with childcare or are looking for nutritional guidance, we’ve got your back.

…a person.

At the end of the day, while you may now be a parent, you’re still you. Even though you have a new crew member on board, you’re not going to get very far if the captain of the ship doesn’t know how to navigate uncharted waters safely. Parenting wins and fails—and how you feel about them—will come in waves, and the best way to navigate through is to remember these self-care routines and to be kind to yourself along the journey. Remember, while “a smooth sea never made a skilled sailor,” a ship is nothing without its captain!