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6 Ways to Nix Stress & Find Zen as a New Parent

Published on

Unfortunately, stress has become unavoidable in today’s fast-paced world…

From a seemingly endless stream of email filling your inbox at all hours of the day and night to the relentless crunch of daily commute traffic, even the most easy-going people are getting stressed out. These and countless other stressors are amplified even further for new parents; when changing dirty diapers and losing any semblance of a normal sleep schedule, are thrown by the wayside after the arrival of a new baby. 

While there is no one way to help ease the stress of becoming a new parent, there are strategies that you can employ to help make your life flow a little smoother. To help, we’ve compiled a list of some of the top strategies that people are using to relieve the stress of daily life. Check them out to see which might work for you!

young woman wearing white headphonesyoung woman wearing white headphones

Use Music to Decompress

Widely regarded as one of the best ways to relieve stress and help you unwind, finding and listening to music that you relaxing should be a must. While everyone has their personal favorites to relax to, we won’t judge your Summer Hits of the 90’s Playlist, being cognizant of when you put some tunes on is just as important. Putting on soothing music, in the morning; while getting ready or on your commute, in the evening; while preparing dinner or rocking your newborn, or anytime you start feeling overwhelmed by the reality of parenthood, music can provide instant perspective and stress relief.

desktop with glasses, laptop, and mousedesktop with glasses, laptop, and mouse

Make An Effort To Go Offline

While this tip is easier said than done in today’s tech crazed society, taking even a few moments over the course of the day to go offline can help reduce stress. Instead of using what little free time you do have away from your little one to aimlessly scroll through social media apps; use those moments to de-clutter your space, indulge yourself with your favorite hot beverage, catch up on reading, or whatever else you do that can recenter your focus. Trust us, that viral Tweet or top Instagram post will still be there the next time you log on.

cutting board with food and knifecutting board with food and knife

Seek Out Help With Meal Prep

Finding time to prepare healthy, home-cooked meals can be difficult even in the time before baby. Adding a little one to your life can make meal prep a herculean task for even the most prepared new parents. Help free up some of your precious free time by seeking out help with cooking. Whether you’re enlisting the support of friends and family to cook for you or trying out meal prep services, there is no shortage of ways for you to cut down on time spent in the kitchen.

couple sitting on bench viewing mountain scenerycouple sitting on bench viewing mountain scenery

Spend Time Outdoors

Another tip that may seem easier said than done, especially when you have an overflowing Netflix queue to dive into, making an effort to get outside and be active can help alleviate new parent stress. The best part about this strategy is that you can bring your little one along for the ride. A relaxing walk through a local park or walking trail can be useful to not only clear your head but also tire them out in the process (potentially freeing up time for Netflix when you get home).

man sitting in meditation on boardwalkman sitting in meditation on boardwalk

Give Meditation & Mindfulness A Chance

While certainly not for everyone, practicing mindfulness and meditation has become a popular health trend recently. From professionally taught classes and guided exercises delivered by apps like Headspace and Calm there are countless ways for you to take a step back from the daily rhythms of life and reclaim some peace of mind.

mother and child hugging and smilingmother and child hugging and smiling

Avoid Information Overload

The Internet can be a wonderful place filled with all sorts of useful information and tips to make life as a new parent easier (i.e. reading this listicle) but with this seemingly endless wealth of knowledge, information burnout is bound to happen to the best of us. While it might be tempting to run a quick search for every parenting-related question that might arise after a certain point reading can only do so much good. By limiting how much parenting-related content you are consuming, you will come to better trust your parental instincts when confronted with solving the many problems of parenting. Not only is this strategy practical since you know your baby best, it can also help you to come up with your own answers to parenting so that one day you’ll be the one providing the advice.

Unfortunately, stress has become unavoidable in today’s fast-paced world…

From a seemingly endless stream of email filling your inbox at all hours of the day and night to the relentless crunch of daily commute traffic, even the most easy-going people are getting stressed out. These and countless other stressors are amplified even further for new parents; when changing dirty diapers and losing any semblance of a normal sleep schedule, are thrown by the wayside after the arrival of a new baby. 

While there is no one way to help ease the stress of becoming a new parent, there are strategies that you can employ to help make your life flow a little smoother. To help, we’ve compiled a list of some of the top strategies that people are using to relieve the stress of daily life. Check them out to see which might work for you!

Use Music to Decompress

Widely regarded as one of the best ways to relieve stress and help you unwind, finding and listening to music that you relaxing should be a must. While everyone has their personal favorites to relax to, we won’t judge your Summer Hits of the 90’s Playlist, being cognizant of when you put some tunes on is just as important. Putting on soothing music, in the morning; while getting ready or on your commute, in the evening; while preparing dinner or rocking your newborn, or anytime you start feeling overwhelmed by the reality of parenthood, music can provide instant perspective and stress relief.

Make An Effort To Go Offline

While this tip is easier said than done in today’s tech crazed society, taking even a few moments over the course of the day to go offline can help reduce stress. Instead of using what little free time you do have away from your little one to aimlessly scroll through social media apps; use those moments to de-clutter your space, indulge yourself with your favorite hot beverage, catch up on reading, or whatever else you do that can recenter your focus. Trust us, that viral Tweet or top Instagram post will still be there the next time you log on.

Seek Out Help With Meal Prep

Finding time to prepare healthy, home-cooked meals can be difficult even in the time before baby. Adding a little one to your life can make meal prep a herculean task for even the most prepared new parents. Help free up some of your precious free time by seeking out help with cooking. Whether you’re enlisting the support of friends and family to cook for you or trying out meal prep services, there is no shortage of ways for you to cut down on time spent in the kitchen.

Spend Time Outdoors

Another tip that may seem easier said than done, especially when you have an overflowing Netflix queue to dive into, making an effort to get outside and be active can help alleviate new parent stress. The best part about this strategy is that you can bring your little one along for the ride. A relaxing walk through a local park or walking trail can be useful to not only clear your head but also tire them out in the process (potentially freeing up time for Netflix when you get home).

Give Meditation & Mindfulness A Chance

While certainly not for everyone, practicing mindfulness and meditation has become a popular health trend recently. From professionally taught classes and guided exercises delivered by apps like Headspace and Calm there are countless ways for you to take a step back from the daily rhythms of life and reclaim some peace of mind.

Avoid Information Overload

The Internet can be a wonderful place filled with all sorts of useful information and tips to make life as a new parent easier (i.e. reading this listicle) but with this seemingly endless wealth of knowledge, information burnout is bound to happen to the best of us. While it might be tempting to run a quick search for every parenting-related question that might arise after a certain point reading can only do so much good. By limiting how much parenting-related content you are consuming, you will come to better trust your parental instincts when confronted with solving the many problems of parenting. Not only is this strategy practical since you know your baby best, it can also help you to come up with your own answers to parenting so that one day you’ll be the one providing the advice.