Mindfullness is defined as a mental state achieved by focusing one’s awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one’s feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations, used as a therapeutic technique.
Here are some ways of being mindful when caring for your baby:
- Try to notice three things about your baby that you never noticed before. Does he wrinkle his nose when he smiles? Does he have a freckle on his knee?
- Try to take slow, deep cleansing breaths. In through your nose and out through your mouth several times a day. This will help to release serotonin, the calming hormone.
- Try to be present in the moment. Dismiss thoughts about work, chores, grocery shopping, and schedules and think about only what you are doing in that exact moment. As thoughts creep in, acknowledge them and dismiss them like clouds moving through the sky. Try to keep the sky blue.
- Try to think of five things you are grateful for. This act brings us into the present and makes us more positive.
- Try to tune into the sounds that you hear. Be very still and just listen. Try to identify three sounds in the distance.
Notice we say “try” for each of these. Mindfulness often doesn’t come naturally to a busy new parent and it can take some practice. Living in the moment has countless benefits to your health and well-being and even if you can try one of these practices every day, you may find it helpful.
References:
Moralis, S. (2017). Breathe, Mama, Breathe: 5-Minute Mindfulness for Busy Moms. The Experiment