The 27th January marks Parent Mental Health Day, a day to raise awareness and remind ourselves of the importance of looking after our own mental health, which lets be honest, as a parent can often come last!
With the demands of parenting, juggling responsibilities at home and work, it's easy to forget to look after ourselves as we rush around taking care of others. However, by focusing on well-being, we can create a positive ripple effect at home and in our professional lives.
Though we set aside this day for reflection, it's crucial to recognise that prioritising mental health should be an ongoing commitment, for the benefit of us and our children.
Here I share my top five tips to support your resilience and mental health:
Learn to Say No! - One of the most challenging yet crucial skills is the ability to say no. Saying no doesn't mean neglecting responsibilities; it means setting boundaries and recognising your limits. How many times have you overcommitted then felt overwhelmed by a work deadline or a something you said yes to at the weekend! By avoiding overcommitment, we can create space for self-care and reduce the risk of burnout. You could say something like ‘thanks for thinking of me, I’m doing focused work until xx can you come back to me then’.
Get Clear on Your Priorities - We cannot do everything at 100% all the time and sometimes we lose sight of what really matters. Take a moment to reflect on your current priorities. What aspects of your life require the most attention? By gaining clarity on your priorities, you can focus your efforts on what truly matters. This clarity also helps in making informed decisions, both at home and in your professional life.
Know What Refuels and Energises You - Identifying activities that rejuvenate and energise you is essential for maintaining mental health. Are you clear on what works for you? Consider what you would do with 5 mins, 30 mins or an hour. Finding time for these activities is an investment in your emotional resilience. When we find time to do the things we love, we are better equipped to handle the challenges that come our way. Where can you start to plan these into your week?
Create Small Habits for Lasting Change - Start by incorporating small self-care routines into your daily life. The smaller you start the better to create lasting change. Whether it’s no phones before bed, or reading a few pages of a book. Consider whether you can involve the family, for example meal times together, and where you can find time for you. The cumulative effect of positive habits contributes to increased resilience, helping parents navigate the complexities of our roles with greater ease.
Challenge Your Mindset - Adopting a Growth Mindset - A growth mindset is a powerful tool for building resilience. Notice whether your inner voice is more optimistic or pessimistic. Try to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth rather than setbacks, or look for positives in something that might not have worked out the way you wanted. Consider what you would tell a friend or your child in the same situation and the impact you would want that to have.
Remember, In the demanding world of parenting, taking care of your mental health is not just a luxury but a necessity. By incorporating these five tips into your daily life, you can enhance your resilience, creating a positive impact at home and at work. Remember, prioritising your well-being isn't selfish; it's an investment in your ability to show up as the best version of yourself for your family and career.
Final reminder...
Though we set aside Parent Mental Health day for reflection, it's crucial to recognise that prioritising mental health should be an ongoing commitment, for the benefit of us and our children.
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