Moms, It’s Time to Treat Yourself Like a Baby

The past few weeks have hit me hard, making me acutely aware of the toll that living through a pandemic has taken. I recently came across an op-ed in the NY Times by Adam Grant, which described this feeling as “languishing.” I’ve been experiencing fatigue, irritability, restlessness, and an overall sense of discontent. Most troubling is my stress and the physical symptoms that have emerged; my sleep patterns are off, my concentration is lacking, and I’ve even developed strange reactions to foods I used to enjoy.

I’ve been in tough situations before—like the time I rushed a friend to the hospital, only to faint in the lobby afterward. A couple of years ago, my son underwent surgery to remove a tumor. I held it together during the crisis, but once the relief set in, I collapsed emotionally. I’m the type who can handle chaos, but I tend to unravel afterward. Now, as the world seems to return to normalcy, I find it hard to believe the crisis is truly over.

I know I’m not alone in this feeling. Many of my friends are grappling with similar emotions as the school year winds down and summer approaches. It seems that while the CDC has given us permission to shed our masks, our bodies have interpreted it as a signal to shut down and recharge.

Recently, my younger brother and his wife welcomed their first child, a beautiful baby girl. Looking at their photos brought back memories of those early days of motherhood when every moment revolved around ensuring my baby was breathing, sleeping, eating, and pooping. It dawned on me: if I want to recover, I need to treat myself like a baby. And you do too.

How’s Your Breathing?

Remember those moments when you brought your newborn home and closely monitored their breathing as they slept? We need to extend that same care to ourselves. I’ve realized that I often hold my breath when stressed and over-breathe when anxious. Practicing intentional breathing can help us relax and improve our overall health. Think of breathing exercises as daily vitamins for your mind and body. Here are eight breathing techniques you can incorporate today.

How’s Your Sleep?

We all need quality sleep to function well. Are you getting enough rest? I’ve recently started tracking my sleep, and the data confirms my fatigue. This brings to mind those sleepless nights of sleep training my child, where I had to resist the urge to give in. Perhaps it’s time to apply some sleep training principles to ourselves. With kids who wake up early, going to bed earlier and avoiding screens at night has become my new rule. What will yours be?

How’s Your Eating?

As a remote worker, I’ve blurred the lines between work and home, and my eating habits have suffered. I often find myself eating meals at my desk without focusing on how they affect my body. It’s crucial to eat mindfully, just as we did when we monitored our babies’ diets. Maybe you need to focus on eating healthily, or perhaps reevaluate your portion sizes. Whatever your situation, prioritize meals that nourish you.

How’s Your Digestive Health?

Yes, I’m asking about your poop. There’s a significant link between stress and gastrointestinal health. Just as we tracked our babies’ bowel movements, it might be time to pay attention to our own. I’ve come to see my digestive health as a reflection of my stress levels. By making dietary adjustments, I’m using my body’s signals as a guide to reducing stress.

If we were capable of managing our babies’ needs while navigating the fog of new motherhood, we can certainly do the same for ourselves. Consider this your time to recuperate from the emotional labor of parenting during a pandemic. Embrace the basics of self-care—monitor your health like a mother, enjoy meals at the table, and turn off the lights early. Most importantly, don’t forget to breathe deeply.

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In summary, as we transition into a more stable post-pandemic life, it’s vital for mothers to prioritize self-care by addressing their basic needs. Treat yourself with the same care you would give a newborn, focusing on breathing, sleep, nutrition, and overall well-being.

Keyphrase: Treating yourself like a baby
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