Ways to Cope with PPD.
There’s many ways people cope with PPD, mine are a little different only because I utilized the place where I live. I live in Hawai’i and have a family that loves being outdoors, yes that also includes my almost 19 month old son. We try to go to the beach at least twice a week and we strongly believe that the more sun your body feels the happier you become. It’s practically the vitamin D fact! So lets jump into some suggestions!
I strongly suggest that you find a Mom group to join, I know not all people are into this but, trust me it helps. There’s ladies in there that are either going through the same thing you are or have already gone through it. Facebook has tons of groups that you can join, I’m sure you’ll at least find one or two that you might like.
Take time for yourself, whither it’s waking up earlier in the morning or staying up later at night. Quality time by yourself does wonders! It can be painting your nails, enjoying a glass of wine, reading a book, scrolling instagram, watching trashy reality shows, editing photos, or like me, blogging.
Go out with friends, time away from your baby and significant other has never been a bad thing. I don’t care what anyone else says you deserve to get dressed up, throw some makeup on get out of the house with friends. You don’t have to go to a bar or have an expensive dinner, just go for brunch or grab coffee. The point is to leave your house feeling pretty and very KIDLESS. My favorite thing before having my son was going to coffee shops and either doing homework or blogging, now that’s the first thing I want to do when I don’t have my son.
If my son is fussy or just over being in the house, I love to just get in the car and take a drive. He’s normally quite when we’re in the car or he’s just talking and pointing at things. But he gets a break from seeing me and I get a little break too! Go through a drive through and grab food or a coffee and then hit the road.
Now I know some families only use one car so I’d suggest to take a walk. Again vitamin D is super important to your mind, body, and soul. There’s a ton of times where I didn’t want to get dressed and just wanted to chill at home, so walking was a perfect thing to do on those days.
There’s a few hikes that I love but my husband says there too touristy or too easy, so sometimes you should take a hike. Of course if you’re going by yourself then make sure someone’s knows where you’re going and the approx. time on when you should be back. But, hiking with friends or with other mom friends is always nice. You can vent, you can enjoy the scenery without distractions, and you can get one with nature. I always felt super happy and energetic after my hikes, and it didn’t matter how short they were.
The next thing is my favorite, take a solo trip your favorite coffee shop. Let’s be honest it doesn’t have to be completely solo, if you’re meeting a friend arrive a few minutes early or maybe stay a few minutes later. It’s nice to just get out there and enjoy time to yourself, find your headphone you barely ever use anymore and put on your favorite jams that aren’t Disney related.
I know all Mommas out there have their own ways with coping with PPD, but these are a few things that have helped me. I definitely think talking to someone is one of the main things you should do. You may feel like you’re the only person feeling this way, but trust me you’re not. It honestly won’t get better till you acknowledge it and somehow find a way to let it out. I know it may be difficult to talk to someone in person, so if you want to, you can send me a message… I’m a great listener.