Few things are as rewarding as being a proud dad. Alas, it sometimes seems like an unpaid full-time job. When you add housework and a real 40+ hours/week position to the mix, it can become too much to handle.
Well, let me assure you wanting time for yourself isn’t selfish. However, it shouldn’t make you forgo your family responsibilities. On the contrary, it is highly beneficial, allowing you to keep your sanity, stay in shape, and touch with your inner self.
So, what you need to do is change the mental tape and get smart about managing your time. Here are five reasons why you should rethink your ways as a working parent.
Self-Care Makes you a Better Caretaker
Many stories of newfangled dads start with waves of nurturing enthusiasm and end up with a crash and burn scenario. The daily hustle and bustle have a way of getting to you when you least expect. This predicament reminds us caring about oneself enhances our ability to care about others.
In other words, you may want to stop forsaking relaxation and self-care. Don’t let others guilt you into doing just the typical dad stuff.
Free up some time in your busy schedule and foster a positive change in your day-to-day life. Use time-management apps or a good old pen and paper to get on top of this task.
You Have a Chance to Boost your Mental Health
It’s easy for dads to get caught up in family obligations and lose touch with the outside world. Alas, over a long haul, this way of life can impede your mental balance and wear you down. It’s estimated that 20% of men suffer from depression after becoming dads.
The good news is there are many ways to go about relaxation and actively deal with stress. For instance, you can get out of your home and be on your own. Do some running, meditation or simply take a long walk in nature.
You could also go out with your friends, some of whom might be dads too. Share your experiences and act as a support group.
You can Lead a More Fulfilled Life
Constantly juggling different life priorities is a treacherous endeavor, and putting yourself last all the time is not sustainable. Sooner or later, you must pause and have an open conversation with your spouse. Tell her you want to take on a hobby you neglected for the longest time.
You can even pursue new experiences and do an extreme sport. For instance, recruit a family member to help with kids.
Take a short vacation, stock up on scuba diving gear, and descend into the underwater realm. Develop new skills and interests, and when the time is right, transfer them to your kids.
Being in Balance
Along similar lines, make work-family balance your top priority. This can empower you to ward off negative emotions, burnout and anxiety.
The trick is to integrate four major areas: job, home, community, and self. Make an effort to draw lines and respect them.
Resist the urge just to sit back and do nothing. Sometimes, especially after a long day at the office, it’s best to push through this inclination and actually blow off some steam.
Staying in Shape
This brings us to another point. As a young father, you need to stay active and physically strong. Among other things, you will be able to play with your kids without getting exhausted.
So, hit the gym, go cycling or exercise at home – whatever works for you. Even 20 minutes of workout will do miracles in the long run.
On top of that, build a healthy lifestyle as well. Most importantly, make sure to get enough sleep and eat properly. You will improve your energy levels, preserve overall well-being and get more things done every day. It is a clear win-win.
Finally, drifting around without a plan is no way to approach the biggest role of your life. Bringing up the little ones inevitably takes a toll on moms and dads alike. Besides, nobody needs a father constantly at the verge of breaking down.
You will be doing everyone a favor by organizing your days properly. Schedule your downtime and explore new ways of doing things and tackling obligations.
Break a sweat, hang out with the mates, and take a well-deserved break. All these activities will breathe new life into routines and ultimately make you a better parent.
In addition to being a better parent and keeping fit, you should stay informed on some of the health-related challenges modern dads are facing. Here are five silent killers of modern dads.
