New mamas devote their whole being to taking care of their newborns. We can’t blame them – that’s hormones, maternal love, and biology kicking in. But mothers DO need to stay healthy, in between breastfeeding, never-ending nappy changes, and sleep deprivation. Here are some easy ways mamas can recover faster, post-birth.
1.) Drink up
Not only does hydration help you produce more milk, it also keeps you alert and less cranky. In a study in China, a group of researchers found that dehydration leads to poor cognitive performances and bad mood. Water deprivation “had negative effects on vigor and esteem-related affect” and “impaired the cognitive performance, such as that related to short-term memory and attention.”
Gulping your recommended liquid intake also improves your concentration, lessens confusions and headaches. In fact, according to a study by the University of Connecticut, researchers claimed that dehydrated people were “more cranky and fatigued.”
Have your water handy. This Coleman Free Flow keeps your drinks cold up to 31 hours, or hot up to 20 hours!
2.) It’s a sunshiny day
Join your newborn for that mandatory sunbathing early in the morning. Sunshine helps people beat depression (post-partum depression included), studies have shown. Bask in morning sun (around 6 am to 7 am) for better sleep and better serotonin production.
No need for an expensive beach trip: to enhance your mood and get better sleep, have some consistent daylight sun. Open up those curtains, bask in some natural light.
Stuck in the office? Find a spot that has more natural light. According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, those who spent jobs in offices without windows “had significantly worse scores” on physical well-being and vitality. Meanwhile, those who had more light exposure during work hours had longer and deeper sleep.
On weekends, have a picnic at home when the weather is nice. Check out this multi-purpose mat for everything play and picnic.
3.) Get better sleep
We know you can’t indulge in an 8-hour slumber with a hungry and clingy newborn. But you can improve your health with quality sleep. Add some melatonin to your routine through vitamins like Puritan’s Pride or use memory foam pillows that could help you achieve well-rested nights.
4.) Deep breathing works
Consumed by worry and other thoughts on whether you’re doing parenting right? Or overwhelmed with all the household tasks? The solution could be just under your nose.
A study found that deep breathing reduced levels of stress hormone cortisol, both in men and women. Try this guide so you can properly time your breathing exercise. It’s easy to do – you can even do it while breastfeeding your baby.
PS. You can have better quality air quality and say goodbye to allergens. If you live in a condo in a city and fresh air is scarce, try investing in an air purifier.
5.) Declutter your space
We’re not talking about general cleaning, because mamas of newborns obviously have no time for that. But you can ask your husband to help you out: clear those clutter!
Begin with your bed and fold that blanket or fluff your pillow. Finishing that small task will help rewire your brain and decrease levels of the stress hormone, cortisol.
Happy mom happy life indeed, as a 2010 study published in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin found that “women with higher stressful home scores had increased depressed mood over the course of the day, whereas women with higher restorative home scores had decreased depressed mood over the day.”
Organize all those baby stuff and keep out clutter from everyday view with a Furnlite 5-layer cabinet in white.
6.) Look at (and consume) more greens
Scientific studies show that healing can be found in nature. People under stress or trauma recover faster when they see more trees. But if you live in a city where greens aren’t abundant, have some nature-inspired pieces as part of your interiors. Plant some herbs - it may even be a good bonding activity if you have toddlers. Check out Plant Rainbow for easy planting kits.
Munch on healthy kale chips or have a refreshing drink of malunggay juice for your daily dose of greens.
Most importantly, self-care is a must for mama. Find time to shower or enjoy at least one uninterrupted meal. Make sure all your other needs are met, so everybody in the household is less stressed. Shop if you must, especially if it makes you happy! Check out other items for mama here.
