Parents are awash with anxiety. Social distancing has made it mandatory to work from home, homeschool their kids, keep the kids alive, the home clean, meals cooked and still have time for themselves and their hobbies. Anxious parents don't know what to do with
homework, parents, school routines, meals and playtime and have resigned to unlimited screen time. We can't blame them.
As parents, we need to let that anxiety go so that we can freely enjoy our families, our kids and make time for the things we love and enjoy. Here are self-care tips to help anxious parents thrive.
- Practice Mindfulness
We feel anxious when we have 101 important things to do. There are so many issues that require our attention and we feel we have to do all of them right away. In these social distancing times, it's possible for anxiety to go through the roof even though we're safe in our homes. The mere fact that there's nothing we can do to deal with the pandemic can leave us feeling helpless.
However, a mindfulness approach to our way of thinking and doing things can help us ease the burden on ourselves. Release the thoughts that don't serve you and realise that time is on your side and you're going to get through the list of priorities. One at a time.
- Have a Routine
Now that we're self-distancing, we currently have more time than we ever had. It might be possible to not know what to do with it. Or to start the day late. For parents who are anxiety-prone, creating a routine establishes a sense of normalcy in your home, space and family. It reduces your tendency to procrastinate.
Our brains are naturally lazy and will follow the path of least resistance. Not only does having a daily routine help with anxiety, but it becomes your brain's go-to process of doing things. This Ted talk on procrastination is a great resource to anyone failing in the area of routines or self-discipline.
https://youtu.be/arj7oStGLkU
- Have Video Calls With Your Loved Ones or Favourite Colleagues
Working from home requires discipline. Sometimes, the obstacle is getting started and sitting at your desk to work on that project. If you can not for the life of you start, call your favourite colleague, catch up with them and how they're coping with the social distancing norm. This might be all the motivation you need.
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