Burnt out? 10 best ways to practice self-care according to Reddit

2. Don't be afraid to do nothing.

By Motherly Updated Oct. 14, 2021

Table of Contents

American humorist Josh Billings said something over a century ago, and it still remains today: “Advice is like castor oil, easy enough to give but dreadful uneasy to take.” Advice is hard to take, but so easy (and often fun) to give. But,
when it comes to parenting advice, most mamas are all ears. We’re always ready to get the best tips on how to raise happy, successful humans.

That’s why we looked to the parenting threads on Reddit where mamas discuss their cures for mom burnout.

Here’s the best parenting advice Reddit mamas swear by to cure burnout:

1. Hire help

“Get yourself a mother’s helper. They’re someone who’s there when you are for the most part. They can supervise, play with the kids, take to the park, make lunch, help with chores and sometimes if they’re old enough watch them while you shop/run errands. I used to find them at the high school in my area that ran a child development class, they had background checks and training in child development. You could also try local daycares to see if anyone wanted hours outside of those. Everyone needs a break sometimes.” — Mudd82

2. Don’t be afraid to do nothing

“You need the time to rest in the evenings. After kid goes to bed, take a bath. Run an errand if you need to. Maybe husband can take over bedtime and bath every other day so you get to sit on the sofa and do nothing.” —
KatesDT

3. Share the load

“My wife and I go every other night with the toddler. I do bed time one night and she does bed time the next night.

Gives a few hours of alone time.”—
jonahsnarc

4. Take advantage of nap time

“During his nap time, try to do things that will help you recharge. Reading, a long shower, painting, gardening, whatever hobby you have that is fulfilling for you. I know for me that nap time is valuable time for chores or sleeping.” —
etherealbadger

5. Have a baby proofed room

“Aggressively baby proof one space in your house just for the kiddo. Get rid of all chokeables, protect the outlets, anchor the furniture. Having a room where the worst that can happen is they fall over of their own accord can give you a little mental peace.” —
avesmaria

6. Drink water

“Drink water. The health and beauty benefits are totally worth having to pee.” —apotatopirate

7. Encourage independent play

“Start teaching your child how to play alone. Maybe with a kitchen timer and start with small increments of time. They can play by themself for X minutes and then when the timer goes off, you play with him a little. Gradually increase the amount of time as you go. While they are playing, do something for yourself.” —Domina_Mollia

8. Take a shower—alone

“My self-care consists mainly of uninterrupted showers! My husband knows that’s my tiny slice of sanity.” —moondruidmum

9. Find a quiet place

“Sometimes my self-care is as simple as going through the drive through at Starbucks, parking on a quiet street somewhere and watching Netflix on my phone while I drink it. I also enjoy baking, walking around places like Hobby Lobby or Target, or just taking a long bath.” —MrFoxSox