Parenting

5 Strategies For Parents To Boost Their Mental Health

Being a parent means you have constraints on your time and energy, which themselves are limited resources. Constantly having low energy and no time can also take a toll on your mental well-being, so here are five ways you can put your mental health first so you can be a better parent.

By URLife Team

20 Sep 2023

Parenting can be wonderful and rewarding, yet it can also be quite overwhelming and challenging at times. Amidst the multitude of responsibilities that come with raising children, parents must make their own well-being a priority. When parents take care of their mental health, they are better equipped to meet the needs of their children effectively.

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Poor mental health in children is related to poor mental health in parents. As per a 2023 study by Centres For Diseases Control And Prevention, 1 in 14 children aged 0–17 years had a parent who reported poor mental health, and those children were more likely to have poor general health, to have a mental, emotional, or developmental disability, to have adverse childhood experiences such as exposure to violence or family disruptions including divorce, and to be living in poverty.

We all possess mental health, and it's just as crucial to nurture it as it is to tend to our physical well-being. When our mental health is robust, it enables us to think, feel, and respond in ways that help us navigate daily life effectively. However, there are instances when our thoughts, emotions, and reactions become challenging to manage.

5 Strategies For Parents To Boost Their Mental Health

The journey of parenthood often involves a multitude of responsibilities, leaving parents feeling stretched and emotionally drained. The good news is that parents can improve their psychological well-being. From practising self-care routines to seeking support when needed, there are many ways to put your mental well-being first without adding to your workload.

1. Set boundaries for your mental health
Understand that perfection is not attainable in parenting. Set achievable goals and accept that there will be good days and challenging ones. It's crucial for parents to employ effective strategies to safeguard their mental well-being. This entails setting clear boundaries on their time, energy, and emotional capacity, allowing them to prioritise self-care and preventing burnout and dedicating time to their own needs, parents can better manage their obligations. This may include meditation, exercise, reading, or pursuing a hobby, carving out moments for yourself is crucial. Prioritise and organise your tasks effectively.

2. Squeeze in a slot for “me-time” every day
Dedicate time each day to engage in self-care activities that rejuvenate your mind and body. Whether it's meditation, exercise, reading, or pursuing a hobby, carving out moments for yourself is crucial. Wake up a bit earlier than your children or set aside some quiet time after they've gone to bed. This can provide a peaceful moment to enjoy a cup of tea, read, meditate, or engage in a hobby.

If you have a partner, work together to schedule breaks for each other. While one of you has "me-time," the other can watch the kids, and then switch. Use technology to your advantage. Set aside a brief period when your child can watch a favourite show or engage with educational apps, giving you a short break.

3.Opt rest time amid busy day
If your child still takes naps during the day, use this time to recharge. Instead of immediately tackling chores, take a moment for yourself to relax and unwind. Throughout the day, seize opportunities to take short breaks, even if it's just a few minutes. These moments of respite can help replenish and re-energise you. Sleep deprivation can have adverse effects on mood, cognitive functioning, and overall health. Therefore, it's imperative for parents to consciously prioritise healthy and consistent sleep patterns, ensuring they get sufficient rest each night.

4. Engage in physical exercise to stay active
Focusing on physical health can exert a significant impact on mental well-being. Incorporating measures to care for one's physical well-being, such as regular exercise and maintaining a nutritious diet, are foundational aspects of self-care. Engaging in physical activity triggers the release of endorphins, which are neurotransmitters that boost mood and alleviate stress. Prioritising physical well-being allows parents to strengthen their mental resilience, improve their emotional well-being, and serve as inspiring role models for their children to emulate.

5. Practice mindfulness and stress reduction techniques
Engaging in mindfulness and stress reduction techniques can offer substantial benefits to parents striving to improve their mental well-being. Through mindfulness practices, parents can effectively lower stress levels, manage their emotions, and cultivate patience and presence with their children. Furthermore, incorporating stress reduction methods such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, yoga, journaling, and gratitude practice equips parents with valuable tools to alleviate tension, promote relaxation, attain mental clarity, and redirect their attention toward the positive aspects of life. Ultimately, these practices contribute to an enhanced overall state of well-being and increased resilience in the realm of parenting.

It's normal for everyone to experience stress, anxiety, heightened emotions, or feelings of being overwhelmed from time to time. Yet, it's essential to ensure that these moments don't become a constant state. Take care of your mental health and seek support, as there are abundant resources available, so don't hesitate to reach out for help.

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UR.Life offers access to mental health professionals or counsellors who specialise in guiding you through ups and downs of parenting. Professional guidance can make a significant difference in helping parents address their specific concerns and navigate the complexities of parenting. Looking for an exclusive and unique experience, expert staff, and unparalleled member services? Come join us at URLife Studios! We offer a comprehensive range of wellness services that promote optimum well-being. We are a trusted source for unique holistic health and pregnancy care workshops.