5 Tips for More Energy When Adjusting to Having a Newborn
When you bring home your newborn baby, you’ll be surrounded by a sea of swirling emotions and wondrous new experiences. While there are any number of new experiences and emotions that will be a part of this next chapter of life, one of the less than thrilling new experiences that you’ll encounter is sleep deprivation. Managing the needs of a baby and the demands of parenthood can be a difficult balance and many families find themselves struggling to stay energized. If you want to boost your energy and feel more energized with your newborn, here are five essential tips that every parent needs to know.
Be Mindful About Healthy Boosts
Focusing on the well-being of your blooming family may have you hyper-focused on making healthy choices. This can cause many parents to make extreme choices. You may find yourself cutting out caffeine, solely eating organically, removing sugar from your diet or any number of other well-intentioned choices. While you want to prioritize your health, you also don’t have to stick to absolutes. You can consume caffeine, energy drinks and other health supplements to help and boost your energy levels. If you are worried about what health supplements and boosts are a good choice for your well-being, you can always discuss your circumstances with your doctor and a registered dietitian.
Consider Convenient, Nutrient-Dense Foods
A big source of energy comes from the foods that you eat; however, meal planning with a newborn is not always the easiest task. If you find yourself falling back on less nutritious foods and snacking, try less time-consuming, nutrient-rich options like meal prep kits or delivery services. In today’s world, there are plenty of nutrient-dense, convenient meal options. While this may take a bit more thought, you can find new parent-friendly food options that give you the essential energy you need to keep up with your newborn.
Spend Time Outside
A baby’s schedule can throw major kinks in your sleep schedule. Between frequent feedings, disrupted sleep and general baby behavior, your little one will need your attention frequently, and often at inconvenient times. If you find that your natural rhythms feel off, spend some time outside with your little one. Go for a walk during the day or spend time outdoors in the shade of a tree. Taking them outside safely can help you improve your sleep, boost your mood, regulate your natural rhythms and break up the day.
Sleep When They Do
Once your little one falls asleep, it can feel like there are countless tasks, chores and priorities that you need to see to; however, this is primetime for rest. Instead of trying to clean your house or some of the other priorities that can take up your mental space, put them on the back burner for now. Give yourself the gift of rest and let your body recharge. You’ll feel much better equipped to care for your baby and manage the other tasks once you’ve had some rest.
Master the Art of Asking for Help
One of the more difficult challenges for new parents is learning to ask for help. The reality is that it truly takes a village. When you bring home a little one, it can put your schedule into a tailspin. Asking for help can help you find a better balance. Expecting that you’ll be able to handle everything without any help is bound to lead to failure. As a new parent, you’ll need all of the help that you can get.
Parenthood can be a beautiful, magnificent experience; however, it can also throw hurdles into healthy sleep. If you want to feel more energized and alert for all of the extraordinary experiences that are coming your way, make sure that you follow these must-know tips. You and your baby will be better for it.
