As a new mom, you might have been told to establish a new mom routine for your newborn because it helps them develop proper cognitive abilities and normalize their life.
Well, the good news is that it’s not only the baby who will benefit from a routine, but the new mom as well. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends creating a routine because it provides consistency and structure in your family.
Why the need for a new mom routine?
Routine helps everyone know what to expect each day and gives you, a new mom, time to rest, unwind and rejuvenate for the long day ahead or the day after.
Sometimes, the sleepless nights and constant need for attention from your newborn may kick you off balance. However, with a consistent routine, you will get time to shower, relax and have the much-needed “me time.”
Below are tips to help you create and stick to a routine that suits you and your baby.
7 tips to reap the benefits of a new mom routine
1. Wake up on time
Just like it is beneficial for everyone to start their day early, a new mom needs to establish a routine that enables her to wake up on time. You don’t need to wake up at 4 am or noon to achieve your daily goals to feel energized.
Studies show that people who start their day early have good mental health compared to those who start late. So you can have a routine where you go to bed early and rise early.
Waking up at 7 a.m. or 8 a.m. is good enough to set you on your daily activities and still get some time to rest. Make a deal with yourself not to hit the snooze button, and soon, the trick will be automatic.
2. Find a motivation
Planning your day’s activities and looking forward to everything you want to achieve the following morning will motivate you. However, you can go the extra mile and get a planner or calendar to help you accomplish your daily goals.
A clear set of rules and goals will keep you on your toes. Start with the most important or urgent thing that needs to be accomplished that day, then finish with the least important. For instance, if you need to watch TV but also do laundry or the dishes, start with laundry or dishes because TV is not so important or urgent.
3. Wire your brain
Making a routine and adhering to it is not easy. A study by the University College London showed that humans are not lazy, but the brain is designed to choose the easy way out. So as much as you want to stick to your routine, you will face challenges. You will want to quit, sleep longer or choose the most straightforward way out to avoid a practice that demands your utmost attention.
When faced with such challenges, always remember how crucial it is to stick to your calendar. Sometimes, you will need to create some powerful and positive thoughts around your routine and remind yourself how much you will achieve at the end of the day if you stick to your routine.
4. Prioritize bonding
As a new mom, you must increase quality time with your newborn. So as much as you want to have the ‘me time,’ include the ‘we time’ for you and the baby.
You can take a walk to breathe fresh air and connect with nature or hold your baby and have eye contact as you talk to them. Even if they don’t understand, they will hear you.
5. Stay connected
Just because you are a new mom doesn’t mean you cut yourself off from the outside world. Create time to meet and connect with family and friends. Leaving the baby with daddy for 30 minutes for a meeting with a friend will not harm them.
You can also connect with other moms nearby to share experiences and learn how they cope with motherhood.
6. Tidy up and dress up
Studies show that clutter and dirt can increase stress and anxiety and affect sleep and concentration. Therefore, sparing time to clean up will significantly improve your daily routine.
Sweeping or vacuuming, doing the dishes, and putting away laundry can be a great way to start. Also, spare some time to shower and get out of those pajamas.
7. Don’t be afraid to ask for help
Even if it means hiring a nanny for a day or asking for help from a family member, do not hesitate to do so. Being a new mom is not easy, and you will need a helping hand at one point or another.
You can also have someone come and help with the chores. Constant cries and the need for attention from your newborn are already hard enough. Again, you can use a helping hand.
Invest in yourself for both of you
Whether a stay-at-home mom or a working mom, you need a routine because you deserve time to rest alone. It will also help you and everyone in your family easily manage their time and enjoy your bonding time to the fullest.
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