Welcome to day 1 of the 12 Days of Valentine’s – Love Yourself! I’m really excited about implementing each of the challenges I am going to talk about over the next 12 days into my own life. They are all small actionable steps that when added together will bring about change. Just writing the different posts in this series have made me realize what I need to do to feel more focused and specifically how to get more out of each day for myself. As a mother, my tendency is to make sure every one else is thriving while putting my needs second. Problem is I never get around to my needs.
Today’s challenge is a simple one. Grab yourself a 20 minute powernap when baby is sleeping. It sounds easier than it is. I know I am not the only mother than was told when baby was born “Sleep when baby sleeps” but didn’t heed the advice and instead cleans, showers, cooks, blogs and does whatever else they can’t do when baby is awake. With Monkey #1 I tried to follow the E.A.S.Y method, which stands for Eat Activity Sleep You-time. If refers to feeding your baby (eat), letting them have a little kick around (activity), then in theory they should be ready for Sleep. At this point you get your “You time”. What I like about the E.A.S.Y method is that the author behind it was realistic about the fact that most mothers don’t want to sleep when baby is sleeping. Or sometimes we can’t sleep when baby is asleep because we still have other children in the family to care for. But, what she does advocate for is rest. Leave the dishes, leave the dirty laundry for at least 20 minutes – your body will love you.
Studies show that a 20 minute powernap in the afternoon is even more effective than sleeping in an extra 20 minutes in the morning. Set an alarm and give yourself up to 30 minutes to reap the benefits of better clarity and patience, something we all need as mothers.
So go on, take a nap today. You deserve it and the people around you will appreciate your improved mood.
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This post is part of the 12 days of Valentine’s – Love yourself series written by me. I have no medical credentials but I do have a hard earned PhD in motherhood. This series is written to lighten up general ‘blahs’ and feelings of being in a rut that many mothers have. This is not meant to act as medical advice. If you think you are severely depressed then you need to seek out appropriate professional help. Reach out and get help from your doctor or with Postpartum Support International.
– Image courtesy of © Phartisan
I absolutely LOVE taking naps with my boy. I think I am more addicted to them than he is because we are both cranky when he doesn’t nap on the weekends!!
Janet K recently posted..Tweeting you to $50 Today ONLY!!
I love taking naps with my 4 year old. We used to all the time at the end of my pregnancy with my second. He won’t do it anymore, it’s like he knew I needed it then.
Oh, I so need this. Often
Lena – @elenka29 recently posted..Valentines Day cards for veterans
I think all the moms did the same thing with their first baby: They don’t sleep when baby sleeps. I did it too with my first too: I was cleaning, writing, etc. But with my second, I did these power naps and I felt so good after.
olfa at OurFamilyWorld recently posted..The wonderful island of Puerto Rico
Olfa, I still struggle getting my naps in with number 2 🙁
I LIVE for the 20 min power nap! My kids nap at different times, but I’m constantly trying to figure out how to squeeze 15-20 mins in. It refreshes me for the rest of the day!
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Power naps are surely very helpful.
I wish I could power nap. My idea of a nap is about 2-3 hours of sleep. Power naps just leave me cranky and wanting more.
Sarah BB @ East9thStreet recently posted..How I Met Your Father {Chelsea’s Story}
I guess like anything, it takes some getting used to 🙂
i never took naps befpre, and have started to do so since having my 3rd…it is amazing what it does for my day!
Courtney Fisk recently posted..Pantry Organization- living with food allergies
Thank you for this post. I definitely need to learn to take naps throughout the day especially with a newborn baby on the way.
So true!
Thanks for sharing, my son is 13 and still doesn’t sleep through the night, and wakes up early. lol Thankful when i remember just being in Labor and pushing, to see him now. What a Blessing. My other son (12)sleeps through the night and sleeps late. What can you do but Love them. They have been my Valentines for the last 5 years!
that’s sweet about them being your Valentine’s. Pity about him not sleeping through the night lol
I always feel so guilty when i take naps, but if i MAKE myself do it, i always feel much better afterward and am much more patient with the world. Good post!
thank, Cherith 🙂