Evaluating Your Fatigue Level as a Parent of a Child With Special Needs
Guest post authored by Gwen Payne from Invisible Moms
Being a parent is a full-time commitment, but being the parent of a child with special needs is even more complicated. You may find your life now revolves around the needs of your child, and fatigue can become a problem. Ultimately, it's vital to assess your fatigue level routinely and take steps to minimize its impact on your physical and mental health.
Assessing Your Fatigue
Routinely evaluate your fatigue level. Consider how often you feel mentally or physically exhausted. Think about when you fall asleep. Do you randomly fall asleep at inappropriate times? Are there times when you can't fall asleep? Do you notice that you struggle to concentrate, or do you forget things often?
Other questions to ask yourself to gauge your fatigue level include:
• Is your parenting effective?
• Are you getting at least seven hours of sleep each night?
• What quality of sleep do you get?
• Do you have any symptoms of anxiety or depression?
• Does your child sleep well?
• What kind of behavioral issues does your child exhibit?
• Are you getting enough routine exercise?
Determining the Causes of Your Fatigue
Although the main cause of your fatigue might be caregiving, you may also be neglecting your physical and mental health, further worsening your fatigue.
Think about how often you exercise and get fresh air and sunshine. Evaluate your diet. Do you eat at least three well-balanced, average-size meals per day?
How frequently do you have time for yourself when you're not looking after your child? Ideally, you should have at least 30 minutes to yourself daily, even if it's not all at once. During that time, your focus should be on something other than your child. Whether it's taking a long shower or relaxing bath, reading a book, or crafting, take that time for yourself each day.
Potential Issues From Inadequate Self-Care
If you don't care for yourself, it'll take a toll on your mental health. It could lead to depression or anxiety. You may then not parent your child as effectively.
If you're relying on friends and family for support too frequently, you could exhaust your lifelines.
Creating a Self-Care Plan
Start a self-care plan. It should include a promise to yourself to eat healthier and exercise often. If it's difficult for you to exercise at home, use resources found in the city, such as Pearl Street Fitness, where you can receive motivation from others and meet new people.
At times, take a break to immerse yourself in what Denver has to offer, like the Denver Botanical Gardens or Rocky Mountain National Park.
Achieve Your Personal Goals
While child-rearing may be your top priority, consider returning to school to advance your career. Fortunately, you can take classes online in your free time and earn a bachelor's degree without ever leaving your home.
Open that business you always dreamt you'd own one day. Even beginning a new hobby, such as cooking or knitting, can be a pursuit that'll boost your confidence and fulfillment.
Improve Your Life and Parenting by Caring for Yourself
Gwen Payne is a stay-at-home mom with an entrepreneurial spirit. Over the years, she has mastered raising her two daughters while side hustling to success through small ventures based on her passions -- from dog walking to writing to eCommerce. With Invisiblemoms.com she hopes to show other stay-at-home parents how they can achieve their business-owning dreams.