While having a baby can be a wonderful, fulfilling, and happy time, for many, it comes with a frequent feeling of being down. Approximately 10 to 15% of women suffer from postpartum mood disorders, including postpartum depression, and even women who don’t suffer from PPD can find themselves in a funk at times. Here are 7 ways to recharge when you’re feeling down and have some time to yourself:
Get off social media.
Social media plants the idea in our heads that everyone around us has a perfect life. While you may consciously know that isn’t true, social media may be subconsciously causing you to feel depressed. Try to purge it, even if it’s just for an hour.
Clean up your clutter.
“Messy bed, messy head”. Your environment plays a large part in how you are feeling. Take even just a few minutes to clean up some of the clutter in your home for a clearer mind.
Create something.
Creativity is a great way to feel relaxed and to organize your feelings. This can include journaling, painting, or creating a vision board – whatever makes you feel good.
Go for a walk.
Put your headphones in and listen to your favorite music while enjoying the fresh air. Your body will thank you for getting some exercise and the exposure to the outdoors will boost your mood. Pay attention to the little details, like the cracks in the sidewalk and the rustling of leaves to feel a sense of gratitude for the world around you.
Take a shower.
It can be easy to forget to shower as a new mom, but showers are an amazing mood booster. You’ll feel clean and refreshed and ready to take on the day.
Meditate.
Meditation allows you to just be in the moment without worrying about your external problems. Take a few moments to meditate when you’re in a funk to feel relaxed and mindful. There are many great meditation apps that you can download to help guide you through meditation if you are new to it.
Plan a date night.
Save some money for a babysitter and go out with your partner. It can be easy for new parents to forget about the romance that brought them together, and even just a night to remind you both of your love while getting out of the house can get you out of a funk.
When you find yourself feeling down, sometimes all you need it a small break in your routine to feel like yourself again, and it’s important for new moms to regularly take some time for themselves.
Jaclyn Herrmann is a freelance writer from Atlanta, GA with a passion for all things creative. You can follow her on Instagram at @jaclynherrmann