Looking after you too

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Parenting can be hard sometimes...

There's such a thing as 'burnt chop' syndrome, that is, as parents we generally put ourselves at the bottom of the heap, including taking the burnt chop for ourselves passing on the best chops to our kids and partners. While this is totally normally, the old saying rings true - if you're okay, then you're kids okay... that means you've gotta look after you too. Because we can't live on burnt chops for long!

If you're feeling blah, or knowing you're running on empty, here's our best tips and tricks for a well needed boost. 

Whether you're an active relaxer who enjoys an online workout or someone who prefers dancing with your kids or rolling out the yoga mat there's something here for you - wellbeing doesn't look the same for everyone... just make time to do things that make you feel good.

Wellbeing 101

Parental wellbeing is super important. It’s like they say in the aeroplane safety briefing "put your oxygen mask first before assisting others" - you can't parent well if you're not feeling good and functioning well. 


Our aim here is to help you consider how you're doing looking after you, as well as some of the ways you could add some more wellbeing to your world. If you're up to listening, more than reading here's our Being Real Parents podcast self-care and wellbeing episode where we talk it through. 

 

 

Do the things that make you feel good
Let go of the guilt
The 5 ways to wellbeing
Take more notice
Focus on wellbeing
Make time for fun too!

Get planning

It's been said that planning is like bringing the future into the present, so that you can do something about it now (which then helps reduce the stress of the actual doing!).

Taking time to plan your week (even if it's to write a list of your dinners for the week ahead) can take the stress out of the mad-morning-dash and help with struggle of the the after-school-juggle.

Here are some ideas to help get you started:

Prepare for the next day
Create a "Calendar of Jobs" for the whole family
Create a To-Do list

Chill time

It's so important to carve out some downtime, just for you.

Taking the time to nurture yourself has a ripple effect on your own wellbeing, as well as the relationships you have with your partner, children, family, friends and colleagues. 

Think of how awesome it feels when you simply stop, drop & chill? 

Planning this little luxury into your day will give you something to look forward to - even if it's for a short 15-minutes of just-you-time. 

You deserve it!

Enjoy a good read
Listen to a podcast or audiobook
Netflix & chill
Get creative

Get moving!

The benefits of regular exercise on mental, physical and emotional health are astounding.

Making a conscious effort to move your body at least 15-minutes a day improves overall well-being and is a great mood-booster.

Even if it's setting aside some time to play hopscotch or kick the ball around with your kids, you will feel much better for it. 

Local boot camps
Yoga studio
Online yoga
Online fitness groups
Go for a walk
Join a team

Real tips and information about parenting

Browse our collection of parenting tips and answers to the more practical aspects of being a parent.