Ah, lack of sleep. It’s the inevitable reality of parenthood. No matter well your kids sleep, there will always be nights when you find yourself up late, soothing a crying baby or trying to convince your toddler to go back to sleep. But fear not! There are some tried and true strategies for coping with lack of sleep as a parent. Here are a few of our favourites:
- Embrace the Power Nap
Remember when you used to think naps were for kids? Yeah, those were the good old days. Now, a power nap can be a lifesaver. Whenever you have a spare 15-20 minutes, close your eyes and rest. You’ll be amazed at how refreshed you feel.
- Prioritise your Tasks
When you’re running on fumes, it’s important to prioritise your tasks. Focus on the most important things first and let the rest slide. You don’t have to be supermom or superdad all the time.
- Don’t Forget to Laugh
Laughter is the best medicine, right? Even when you’re feeling exhausted, try to find something to laugh about. Watch a funny show, read a silly book, or just tickle your kids until they’re giggling uncontrollably.
- Ask for Help
Asking for help can be tough, but it’s important to remember that you don’t have to do everything on your own. If you have a partner, ask them to take over for a bit so you can catch up on sleep. If you don’t have a partner, reach out to friends or family members for help.
- Be Kind to Yourself
It’s important to be kind to yourself. Lack of sleep can make even the most patient and loving parents feel irritable and frustrated. Don’t beat yourself up over it. Instead, remind yourself that you’re doing the best you can and that it’s okay to feel tired and overwhelmed sometimes.
- Get some Relaxation
As a hypnotherapist I couldn’t possibly write this without including something hypno related! Listening to a hypnotherapy track or even better having a session with a hypnotherapist is a great way to replicate REM sleep, the part that’s important for our mental health. And of course you can listen to our 5min relaxation track.
In conclusion, lack of sleep is an unavoidable part of parenthood. But with a little humour, help and some strategic napping, you can get through it. Don’t forget to prioritise your tasks, ask for help when you need it, and most importantly, be kind to yourself.