As a mom, especially those who become moms for the first time, feeling like yourself is something that takes time. It doesn’t happen overnight because having a baby can be a life-changing shift.
In fact, most moms don’t feel quite like themselves fully until two to five years down the line. If you’re someone who feels out of touch with themselves and who they are, here are a few ways in which you can find your way back to feeling like yourself again.
Acknowledge and process your feelings
Validating your emotions is important because there’s likely to be a lot of them. It’s normal to feel a mix of joy, exhaustion, sadness, and even grief for the loss of your life before having a baby. These are all valid feelings that aren’t unusual, and you therefore shouldn’t feel guilty for feeling them.
Practicing some self-compassion is crucial because it’s imperative that you’re being kind to yourself. You and your body will obviously need some time to adjust to such a big change. Avoid comparing your journey to other parents, particularly those who are on social media.
Journaling your thoughts is also good to help acknowledge your feelings and to process them healthily.
Prioritize me-time and self-care
Scheduling some small breaks here and there can truly make a difference in how you feel and function. Make use of your baby’s nap times by making a coffee and taking time to rest yourself. This is often better than trying to do household chores.
Focusing on your physical well-being, such as getting enough sleep and eating the best meals for your body, is essential to maintaining your overall well-being. Some gentle movement, even if it’s just a walk, can do a world of good for your mental wellbeing, as well as your physical health.
Reconnect with your pre-mom self
Reconnecting with your pre-mom self is often crucial to discovering who this new version of you is. Think about the activities that you used to enjoy and then try to incorporate these as and when you can into your new routine. There are also plenty of ways in which you can modify these activities to suit your new life as a mom.
Don’t forget to explore some new interests, too, and perhaps set some goals when it comes to figuring out what you want to do next in your lifetime.
Build and leverage a support system
Finding your way back to feeling like yourself again is challenging. It often takes a lot more than just your mindset. Sometimes talking to others can make a difference. You could be more truthful to your partner, friends, and family about how you’re feeling, or seek out other moms who might be feeling exactly how you are right now.
When to seek professional help
Seeking professional help might be needed when there are deeper troubles that need addressing, like suboxone treatment, for example. Motherhood can take time to adjust to, but it’s also important to be aware of the damage that it can do to you and your body, as well as your mind.
Speaking to a professional can be a good way of getting help where it’s required. Finding your way back to your previous self might not be possible, but the new version of yourself is achievable.