Bonjour lecteurs! Parenthood is never easy, especially when you become a first-time mum . If your little one is only a few months old, you may already battle with postpartum depression, on top of having to deal with all the new responsabilités that come with motherhood. It can add up quickly and you get overwhelmed. So I put together some idées on how to cope with overstimulation as a new mum. Here’s how you can keep your cool and find your calm during the early months with le bébé.
Embrace the Power of ‘No’
Do you tend to be a people pleaser generally speaking? One of the most liberating things you can do for yourself is to learn to say ‘no’, especially as a new mum.
It might sounds simple, yet, it’s a true game-changer for many new mums. Often, family and friends mean well when they come and visit you.
But if you don’t feel like having to deal with social engagements (and all that goes with it like tidying up the place), it’s ok to prioritise your peace.
Those who love you will understand. It’s best to have boundaries and say ‘non‘. It doesn’t make you a bad person; it makes you a sane one.
If setting boundaries becomes a challenge for you, especially when navigating complex family dynamics, seeking advice from family lawyers can offer valuable insights to help you protect your well-being while managing relationships.
Create Your ‘Me’ Zone
Your home is your safe place but let’s be honnête, with a new baby, it can sometimes feel more like a whirlwind than a refuge. So if you have la possibilité, carve out a small space that’s just for you.
It doesn’t have to be an entire room. Even a cosy corner of your home will do. I used to have my own little corner in the living-room with a desk and my laptop. It was actually my sanctuary where I could express myself and where I started the Frenchie Mummy Blog.
Whatever you are into, make it la place parfaite for a few minutes of daily ‘me time’. This should be an area for you only where you can escape and give yourself some time to do things that you like…. Crocheting, playing a game of Mahjong on your phone, journaling, watching Netflix… Whatever is your cup of tea to feel relaxed.
This might sound like a small step but you would be surprise to see the benefits it will have on your mental well-being.
Find Your Tribe
Motherhood can feel isolating, especially when you’re busy with nappies, feeding duties and sleep schedules.
I said it before encore et encore on this blog, finding a community of fellow mums who get what you’re going through can be incredibly helpful.
Find your tribe, your communité that will support you.
Whether it’s an online group, a local mum meetup, or just a few mum friends, having people to share your experiences with can make a huge difference. Not only they can offer advice and lend an empathetic ear, but they can also make you laugh. Sometimes, it’s the best medicine.
Embrace the Mess!
Perfection is overrated. Your house doesn’t need to be spotless, and not every day will go according to plan.
Overall, it’s best to try and embrace a bit of messiness that comes with motherhood. And let me tell you that it never stops… I am writing this post while entertaining a 8-year-old, toys all over the garden, and a man installing our new boiler!
I was up at 6am to get some work done and hoover the house and it already looks like a building site when it’s barely lunchtime! Life is a rollercoaster and so is motherhood, so let it go sometimes. Trying to control it all at times will only make things worse and you will get more stressed out anyway…
Sérieusement, cut yourself some slack and remember that you’re doing an amazing job. Your mental health is more important than keeping up appearances.
We all know that a happy mummy makes a happy baby. So, look after yourself with those simples idées to avoid overstimulation. Enjoy the early days of motherhood, they grow up so quickly…
Disclosure: This is a collaborative post.
