Motherhood is a time of huge change and will naturally alter the way you feel about life going forward. It can also have a big impact on how you feel about yourself, especially when you see a lot of pressure around you to look or behave in a certain way. If you are feeling stressed out or find your confidence waning, then read on for some simple ways you can start to feel better about yourself.
You know your child best
After having a baby, it seems like everyone around you is packed with helpful advice on how you should be raising your child. While everyone is entitled to their own opinions, remember that you know your child best, and what might work for someone else doesn’t necessarily have to apply to you.
Keeping firm boundaries, whether with well-meaning relatives or total strangers, about what you are happy to discuss about your relationship with your child can be an important way of avoiding feeling overwhelmed and full of self-doubt. Instead, you can thank them for their input politely and affirm that you are happy doing things your way.
Take time out to look after yourself
While in the early days of having a new baby, it can feel like the world has gotten much smaller and focused only on you and your child, after some time, it can be a good idea to start carving out some moments that are just for you. This might start with just a short break a day, to take time away to go for a walk, read or enjoy a drink.
Looking after yourself, whether by enjoying some simple acts of self-care or treating yourself to beauty treatments from Clever Contours, can do wonders for your mental and physical health. It is important to remember that your wellbeing is essential to your role as a mother, and by paying attention to this, you can embrace challenges with greater confidence.
Avoid the comparison trap
Social media has dramatically changed the way we live our lives in recent years, and motherhood is no exception. When it is easy to see endless images and videos of seemingly perfect, blissful parents, it can be tempting to begin to compare your life to what you see online and start to feel like you might have failed somehow. However, remember that the content you will see posted is often very carefully curated and presented, highlighting only the most positive moments and often neglecting to share the more challenging day-to-day things.
Comparison can also turn up in our relationships. If you find yourself looking at friends and family with children who seem to have it all together, remember that behind the scenes, they may also be struggling just like you. Instead, you might like to connect with others to provide and exchange support and affirmations, helping each other get through difficult times and reminding yourself that you are actually doing an incredible job.