You’ve got a full plate as a new parent. Your to-do list may not consist of the widest range of tasks, but the never-ending feedings, naps, and diaper changes make your days impossibly full.

Becoming a parent for the first time can be overwhelming. And the best thing you can do to combat stress and exhaustion is to practice self-care. I know what you’re thinking: “How in the world am I supposed to find the time for that?”

You might be surprised by how easily you can foster your physical, mental, and emotional health without compromising baby duty. Below, Health Channel shares some practical self-care tips for new parents!

Make Your Home More Positive   

The American Institute of Stress suggests starting by evaluating your home environment to see if you can make any healthy changes. If your home is exacerbating your daily stress instead of alleviating it, chances are you can tweak the atmosphere in no time.

For example, put some houseplants throughout your living room, kitchen, and bedroom. Take a weekend to thoroughly declutter and organize every space. Then, scrub down every surface and establish a routine for keeping your living environment clean. Even opening the blinds during the day for more natural light can positively impact your mental health.

Boost Your Nutrition     

It can be hard to maintain the motivation to eat nutritiously when you’re fatigued. But if you live on potato chips and soda, you’ll never get your energy levels where they need to be. And your mood will suffer significantly.

Think of simple ways to work healthier foods into your day. Maybe you can stock your refrigerator and pantry with protein-packed items like eggs, nuts, seeds, yogurt, and quinoa. Perhaps you can prioritize iron-rich foods like turkey, chicken, spinach, and beans; fortified breakfast cereals can also provide iron while giving you your carb fix!

Omega-3 fatty acids are also essential to a balanced diet. Incorporate salmon and plant oils into your routine, and limit your caffeine and sugar intake. All of these food choices will do wonders or your overall well-being.

Move Your Body

This probably isn’t the first time you’ve heard that regular exercise is good for your mood and overall health. But there’s a reason so many people say it: it’s true! You may not have the time to dedicate two hours of physical movement a day, and going to the gym likely isn’t practical either. But a few minutes of research will reveal countless online fitness resources (e.g., workouts, tutorials, classes, etc.) for getting fit from home. If you live in a pedestrian-friendly neighborhood, taking a stroll each day can do wonders for your health. Plus, walking is a great way to get some fresh air.

Be sure to stay hydrated throughout the day. If you drink a lot of coffee, be aware of caffeine’s diuretic effects. It may be worth switching to decaf coffee if you find yourself unable to retain water.

Go to Sleep     

When you’re caring for a new babe, the Sleep Foundation notes that it’s critical to take naps anytime you can. But if you’re struggling to fall asleep during the day, or if you are taking naps and you’re still exhausted, there are some other things you can do to catch up on zzz’s.

Eating healthier foods can go a long way in helping get better rest, as can exercising regularly. But another thing you can do is change your bedroom to better facilitate sleep. Remember that your sleeping environment should be dark, cool, and quiet. Consider investing in blackout shades, lowering the thermostat at night, and using a white noise machine to drown out distracting sounds. Also, new sheets, bedding, and comforters can make all the difference in terms of the comfort and quality of your sleep.

Pursue Your Passions and Start a Business

One of the keys to happiness and fulfillment in life is to pursue your passions, and finding something that excites and inspires you, like products for babies and children, can help you to achieve great things. If you’re considering starting a new company, writing a business plan is always useful as it helps to clarify your vision, goals, strategies, and actions. A well-crafted business plan should include details about market research, projections for sales and costs, potential risks, and strategies for growth and expansion.

Connect With Loved Ones    

Finally, try to stay connected with the people you care about. Make sure you’re getting quality time with your partner. Prioritize visits, phone calls, and texting with other close family members. And try to meet up with a friend now and then. Keeping in touch will help you stave off the loneliness and depression that comes from isolation.

Becoming a new parent can be jarring. But remember that you should be able to enjoy this special moment in your life as you cuddle and care for your bundle of joy. The tips above will help you do just that whether you’re improving your health, starting a new business, or connecting with the people you love.

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