Learn 9 ways to care for yourself and your family while navigating distance learning.

5 Tips to Help Parents Be Kind to Their Bodies

When times are tough, it’s time to go back to the self-care fundamentals. Thinking about drinking enough water or making sure you get to your virtual therapy appointment certainly doesn’t hold the same appeal as spa treatments or weekend getaways with loved ones. But in times like these it’s important to check in with your self-care foundation.

Parents have always been pressed for time, now more than ever as many of us are working from home and caring for our children during a global health crisis. It’s easy to put yourself at the bottom of the priority list as a parent, but we cannot afford to— it’s not sustainable. Neglecting self-care makes you vulnerable to entering a cycle of becoming frustrated with your child, losing your cool, and then feeling guilty. However, prioritizing self-care leads to being a calmer, healthier parent and something I think all parents can get on board with: modeling self-love and balance for your children.

Physical self-care is the foundation of any self-care routine, as it includes essentials such as exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, and prioritizing sleep. I recently got to interview Kjersti Nelson, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Certified Run Coach. I’m excited to tap into her expertise, and learn more about the benefits of incorporating running into your physical self-care routine.

The survey found that mothers and fathers are utilizing many of the same self-care strategies. However, it also surfaced important differences, finding that fathers were less likely to share their emotions and think about how to be kind to themselves.