You know how people tend to tell us “enjoy every moment” the very moment we’re hanging by a proverbial parenting thread? Yeah, that’s not helpful. I, for one, love being a parent, but I do NOT love everything that comes along with being a parent.
I don’t quite care for the utter exhaustion that extends to my mental and physical health. If I get sick, I’m exactly zero good to my family, but I don’t feel like I have the time to properly care for myself most days. And ’round and ’round we go! Reducing the risk of burnout as a parent is super important, I just don’t know.
What burnout can lead to
Other than, you know, the mind-numbing exhaustion of burnout, why is it something we want to avoid?
First, it can make you sick. Not just under the weather, but really sick. It can mess with you physically, emotionally, and mentally, and at the extreme levels of burnout, you become incapable of doing all of the stuff that stressed you out in the first place. Burnout is your body screaming for a rest and, if you won’t listen, it’ll make you.
But burnout can also put additional strain on your relationships. If you’re at your limit being a parent, you might end up neglecting your spouse or other family members. Ideally, you should be able to work together to lessen your stress, not pile it on.
In some cases, burnout can end relationships. True, some relationships may have an expiration date, and the added stress of a child just shows why you might need to know a good divorce lawyer. But ideally, you want to work to save these relationships, as well as your own health and sanity. The best way to do that is to avoid burnout entirely, or at least stop it from reaching this point.
Ask for help
Parenting isn’t easy, and no one should be expected to go at it solo. Learning to ask for help is crucial. Or accepting it when it’s offered, which a lot of us have trouble with. Lean on the people who are there to help you, no matter who they are or what help they offer. Whether it’s your partner, friends, or relatives, asking for and accepting help is brave. Sometimes we need more than what a neighbor can offer, and in those times, consulting a professional is the way to go. A doctor, therapist, or the professionals at Berry Family Services – HCS Provider can be part of your village.
Stop with the perfectionism
Sometimes you might get close to burning out and making yourself unwell because you’re just trying too dang hard to be perfect – and the reality is it just ain’t happening. Don’t mean to sound harsh, but there is no such a thing as perfection, and the sooner you realize and stop chasing it, the better! The incessant feelings of dissatisfaction do exist, though, and they’re likely to make you unwell as a person and a parent. You’re better to everyone–including yourself–when you try your best and happily accept the results.
Connect with your child
Sometimes we have no choice but to move at warp speed, trying to keep up with all the deadlines and milestones and EVERYTHING. Try to take a few minutes to remind yourself how amazing your child is. Slow down and savor the moment, whatever the moment is, and connect with your child more. Take the time to really bond with them through interactions like reading together, playing outside, watching a movie, or cooking together. Most kids are over-the-moon happy just to have our attention; try giving your child your undivided attention and see what happens.
Laugh
I don’t know what does it for you, but I enjoy watching videos of people falling down. I LOL just thinking about it. Whatever whets your (ridiculous?) humor appetite, treat yourself to a little slice. The actual science behind laughter proves it to be an effective stress reliever, so I’m not crazy. I mean, I probably still am crazy, but trust me on this funny stuff. If only for a few minutes, forget everything except that which is hilarious and allow yourself to giggle ’til you tinkle. Doctor’s orders.
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