Ever wonder how other parents have managed to make it through the seemingly endless nights of interrupted sleep without becoming completely unglued? It is possible, but like anything, it takes work. Here are some top tips on surviving this exhausting time in your life.
1. Balance the need to stay home so your child can nap against your need to avoid cabin fever.
You can quickly develop a case of cabin fever if you feel like you're trapped in the sleep-deprivation zone 24/7. Rope someone in to help, family members, a neighbour, your partner, friends. Don't be embarrassed to ask for help.
2. Seek out other moms who will allow you to speak honestly about the challenges of being chronically sleep deprived.
Researchers at the University of California at Los Angeles have discovered that women are hardwired to nurture their young and seek out the support of other women during times of stress (the so-called “tend and befriend” stress response triggered by the surge of oxytocin, which is released when women are under stress). Call up a friend, your mom, or a family member who can lend an ear and some support. People love to offer advice and will be willing to hear you out and commiserate (and hopefully give you some good tips or at least reassure you), but sometimes you have to make the first step.
3. Make a conscious effort to de-stress.
Even very young babies can pick up on their parents' stress levels, so one of the keys to keeping your child from becoming totally stressed out (something that will only make it more difficult for your baby to wind down and fall asleep) is to reduce your own stress level. Find something that helps you de-stress and do it, regularly. It could be walking, baking, reading, even shopping. Make sure you carve out the time to relax and enjoy yourself. Think back to the things you used to do pre-baby and see if you can take them up again.
Page 1 of 2 — on page 2, find out how to find some 'me time'.
Comment reported
Thank you for reporting this comment as inappropriate.
Back to Comments »