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Becoming a new parent is probably one of the greatest shifts that occur in your entire life time. You go from creating your own schedules outside of work, to managing your day around the needs and care of another human being. It is a dramatic change. Now, you’re struggling with finding time to eat, shower, and getting some time to yourself. Before, you could fill your free time with all of the things you wanted to accomplish. Now, most events require extensive planning. You struggle to work out, to clean, to keep yourself healthy and to have any free time at all.
Setting resolutions as a new parent may leave you feeling discouraged. How are you going to find time for that 2019 to do list? I’m here to tell you that you don’t have to put off those resolutions until next year. There is still a way to knock a few off this upcoming year. As I head into my first New Years as a Parent, I have some tips that may work for you.
Start Small
If you are a new parent, and haven’t quite settled into your new role just yet, start with a few resolutions. Make a list and pick three that you desperately want to get to. You just went through a dramatic life change. Don’t overwhelm yourself with a long list of things you want to do, or expect to rebuild a whole new you. Focus on a few things and save the rest for next year. Slowly integrate these resolutions into your already new life and be consistent. Repetition will make those changes so much easier.
Meal Plan
You don’t have to be a “go all out” meal planner to meal plan. As a new mom, I don’t have time to slice and dice, clean, and create. Most easy meals, however, are terrible for you. So what is an over worked and exhausted parent to do? Pre-cut and pre-packaged veggies are my thing. In the produce department, at the grocery store, there is a small section where veggies are cleaned, cut, and packaged by the supermarket employees. Make this your go to, and ta-da, meal planned! I can eat things that I normally would not if I had to slice and dice myself. I can trow some tofu or meat in to a pan, toss in some veggies and add rice and dinner is done.You can mix and match, add sliced veggies into a crock pot or steam them for a side.
If you are processing your own baby’s food, you can dump these veggies right into the food processor. Mix a way and throw extras into the freezer. You’re good to go, Mama.
For lunch, I love a good salad. During the weekend, I create a large bowl of my favorite mixed pre-packaged greens, pre-chopped veggies or fruits, and place everything into a large food container. Any protein left over from dinner that week, I can toss into my salad and I’ve got a complete and healthy lunch. Nailing it!
Left overs are great for quick lunch time heat ups. When I do make dinner, I’ll cook the entire portion of protein or wrapped veggies so that I purposely have left overs. When I am feeling something other than a salad, or the husband is working late, I just heat up and eat up. Now, if I can just get someone to wash the dishes! Anybody?
Meal planning is made simple with this Rubbermaid 18 pc Food Storage Set
Exercise While Parenting
If one of your resolutions is to get back in shape, don’t feel discouraged because you can’t find time. Get an at home work out DVD you can throw on while the little one plays or naps. Whether its Zumba, Dance, Yoga or an extreme work out, find what ever works for you and cut out a few minutes and press play. Don’t forget the mat, but a comfortable carpet will work to. Can’t stand being inside? Go for a walk or run with the Baby Trend Expedition Jogger Stroller.
Get Organized
As a new parent you may still be trying to figure out organizing. If having a cleaner house is one of your resolutions, invest in some great storage. Baskets, bins, drawers, oh my! Get to pinning and put your creativity to the test. Head on over to your favorite Target and invest in some great storage and get your neat on!! Cleaning becomes a breeze when you have a place to toss everything right before company arrives.
After you organize your house, invest in a good planner, and organize your day. Yes, it is impossible to stick to schedules when you have kids. As your child grows, however, they will settle into different routines. After you recognize your child’s current routine, plan your day accordingly. Where can you fit in exercising, or meal planning. What day works best to organize or pick up. By creating a plan and working it into a schedule, you also create a “deadline.” By giving yourself a deadline or a weekly goal, you can accomplish tasks instead of continually putting them off.
What was your 2018 New Years Resolution? Did you achieve it? Let us know how you did it.
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