If you’re anything like me, you hit the floor running! There’s a lot to say about a woman who loves to work and be diligent. It’s a great thing to be a hard worker and a go-getter! However, as a new mum, it’s that very thing that can end up leaving you totally burnt out.

Here are some helpful hints that will hopefully prevent burn out as a new mum, or if you are already feeling the burdens of motherhood, to help you get back on the path of a life full of peace.

Rest

• Although sleep depravation is kind of inevitable as a new mum, it is so important to take advantage of any sleep and rest you can get!

• While baby is sleeping, take a quick nap, rather than doing the dishes. Those things can wait!

• Take a relaxing bath. Get some lavender or other soothing bath salt or natural bubble bath. Just focus on breathing and relaxing in whatever way you know how best. Try to lay your burdens aside, maybe even just cry if you need to let out some of that emotion. Try putting on some pretty or mellow music and light candles.

• Don’t feel obligated to entertain during the first weeks! Visitors can wait if you are feeling too tired or overwhelmed.

• If possible, give all the other household responsibilities to your spouse or loved one so that you can really focus on breastfeeding and resting.

Nutrition

It is vital that you get the caloric intake your body needs in order to function and have energy. Here are some good ideas to make sure you are eating right

• Plan simple, easy and healthy meals that you commit to eating. A lot of mums forget to eat because they are so focused on taking care of baby.
• Don’t try and lose too much weight right away! Though most women want to lose the weight they gained during pregnancy, make sure it’s not at a rapid pace. It’s important to maintain a healthy, well balanced diet to ensure you and your baby are getting the nutrients you need.

Stay Connected

One of the best ways you can avoid post partum depression is by having friends to talk with who are going through what you are going through. Join a mothers group. Be purposeful about staying in communication with those around you about your needs, what you are feeling etc.

If you try and keep it all in you will end up having a break down, and who wants that?! If you like to write, start a blog about your experience! I have a friend (Amber from A Happy Wife with a Happy Life) who blogged about her entire pregnancy (with twins) and is not continuing to stay connected to others through writing her blog about her first experiences as a mum.

If you don’t like to write, choose something else that you enjoy that will help you keep in touch with other mums who are in the same stages of motherhood as you are.