Investing in Yourself, Investing in Your Family BY AMANDA CIANI PHOTO BY FREEPIK.COM
24 COLORADO PARENT NOVEMBER 2024 Having a family is a busy business! There are people to feed, bathe, teach, play with, transport, etc. Having children is life’s great- est gift; every moment can be a memory made. But! In all honesty and transparency, it can be tiring. And stressful! So, when does normal parenting worry and exhaustion cross over to something slightly more concerning? W e have all heard versions of, “It is hard to fill someone else’s cup if yours is empty!” Sometimes par- enting feels like it entirely revolves around refilling everyone else’s cups all day long, literally and figuratively. Then at the end of the night, when a parent has time to sit down, they realize their cup is looking pretty dry. The good news is there are many ways for parents to fill their cups. The experts all agree–being fulfilled will not only put parents in a place to be the best versions of themselves, it will also make them great role models to their kiddos too. Being one’s best self truly benefits the whole family! Mental Health Matters
Mental Health Care Author and Therapist Alexandria Fields, MSW LISW-S of Inclusive Therapy, notes that “interrupted sleep, increased irritability, avoiding or canceling social plans, and feeling in a constant state of threat” are all red flags that may signify it may be beneficial to reach out for help and take the first steps toward healing. She also extends understanding by noting, “Please remember that any step toward self-care is going to be helpful, but the first step is often the hardest.” Fields suggests starting with individual therapy and then trusting the advice and rec- ommendations of the therapists. Tools such as journaling and meditation can help par- ents boost their spirits, but one of the most effective tools is the utilization of commu- nity. She goes on to recognize that “not all people who need therapy will require med- ication,” yet “if a therapist is suggesting a medication evaluation, hear them out! There is nothing to be ashamed of, just as there is no need to be ashamed of needing glasses, a cane, or medication for a heart condition!” Seeking counsel can leave a parent
feeling more optimistic, better rested, and approaching life with more calm. Therapy can help a parent feel more equipped to be a parent. For those who feel like the entire family itself is out of sync, do not fret! Family therapy is available at many mental health practices. “If more family members attend to their mental health, the ripple effect will be profound and can lead to faster and longer-lasting results for the entire family unit!” Get Moving With benefits like reducing cardiovascular disease, strengthening bones and muscles, and living longer, a little bit of exercise each day goes a long way. Of course, all of this will benefit both the parent and the family in the long term. But did you know? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that physical activity helps you immediately feel better, function better, and sleep better. Take tiny steps each day towards making more movement. Every able body is capable of adding a little bit of extra physical exertion each day; however, it may look different for each individual. Do some simple stretches
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