{"id":129506,"date":"2025-03-13T00:10:18","date_gmt":"2025-03-13T00:10:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/peraltafinancing.com\/recipes\/category-a-b\/blw\/a-realistic-plan-to-get-me-time-when-you-have-a-newborn-the-5-20-1-rule\/"},"modified":"2025-03-13T00:10:18","modified_gmt":"2025-03-13T00:10:18","slug":"a-realistic-plan-to-get-me-time-when-you-have-a-newborn-the-5-20-1-rule","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=129506","title":{"rendered":"A Realistic Plan to get Me-time when you have a Newborn \u2013 the 5-20-1 Rule"},"content":{"rendered":"


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What every new mother looks like. Ha!<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n

Have you ever heard the term \u201cself-care\u201d? Well it\u2019s actually pretty obvious what it means \u2013 taking time to appropriately care for yourself. No advanced degree needed there\u2026<\/p>\n

Well 2 years ago \u2013 I had never heard this term before. Now it seems to be the focus of every other post on my Facebook feed. This is partly because I had kids myself, so became much more involved in parenting feeds on social media. But part of it is \u2013 \u201cself-care\u201d is a trendy topic in the Mom-opshere! #SelfCare #TreatYoself<\/p>\n

I totally agree with the principle! We all know we are better, more patient, more intuitive, more (insert favorite mothering buzzword) when we are well-rested vs. the stressed-zombie version of ourselves. But, if I hear one more podcast give the example of the public service announcement on the plane that says \u201cput on your mask before you help others\u201d, I may barf.<\/p>\n

But on a less-sarcastic, and deeper level \u2013 it is very common and normal to feel like you have lost your personal identity to motherhood. This is one of the biggest reasons that it\u2019s important to make time to enjoy activities that feed your soul and rejuvenate your zest for life \u2026 and for your offspring.<\/p>\n

But did you notice I used the \u201cT\u201d word there? Time. Taking Time. But I have NO time!<\/p>\n

If you\u2019ve got a baby in your house \u2013 your time is not your own. And \u201cself-care\u201d becomes a sickening joke. I have listened to countless podcasts (I am obviously a bit of a podcast junkie) that tout the benefits of maternal self-care and give the classic examples of: manicure, spa-day, massage, or even a 24-hour mom-cation in a hotel. When you have a baby (or 2), these suggestions can seem so ludicrous, it makes you want to evil-witch-laugh at the speaker \u2026 and then run away to ugly-cry in the bathroom.<\/p>\n

Well, first-off, take heart! The infant phase is temporary and you WILL eventually have time to pee alone, and even go to the gym again! I see the light at the end of my tunnel, and you will too!!! But in the meantime, we can\u2019t just give up on caring for our bodies and our souls, because our babies deserve that better-version of us.<\/p>\n

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Here\u2019s my real world self-care solution for parents in the baby-stage: It\u2019s the 5-20-1 rule.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Each partner writes down 5 activities<\/strong><\/em>, that each take 20 minutes<\/strong><\/em> or less, that are truly restful and\/or enjoyable to the soul. You put your lists on the refrigerator and each do 1 of these activities a week<\/strong><\/em>. That\u2019s it. 20 minutes a week. Schedule it! On Tuesdays at 6:30 \u2013 daddy takes baby for a 20 minute walk and Mommy gets her time.<\/p>\n

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That is manageable!<\/h5>\n

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You totally have my permission to do more than once a week! But honestly, planning for 1 activity is realistic enough to stick to, and is likely way more than you\u2019re getting now. And 20 minutes is that sweet-spot of enough time. It\u2019s enough time to really relax, but not so much time that the other care-giver feels overwhelmed.<\/p>\n

I encourage partners to gift each other additional sessions as a gesture of love. That\u2019s why you each have a list! If you notice your partner is particularly frazzled \u2013 take the baby and suggest an activity on the list. Here are some suggestions for activities that might inspire you as you make your list.<\/p>\n

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    • Gentle Yoga or stretching<\/li>\n
    • A walk outside (alone!)<\/li>\n
    • Reading your favorite book<\/li>\n
    • Reading your favorite blog (NOT a baby or mommy blog)<\/li>\n
    • Painting your nails (top on my list because it reminds me I am a woman.)<\/li>\n
    • A bath or shower<\/li>\n
    • Dance party to your favorite music<\/li>\n
    • Adult coloring book<\/li>\n
    • Quick baking project (one of my favs IF you can be alone in the kitchen!!)<\/li>\n
    • Making a cup of hot chocolate in your favorite mug<\/li>\n
    • A 20-minute Netflix show! I think it\u2019s important this be upbeat \u2013 no depressing downers. Some of my favorites are: The Office; Parks & Rec; American Housewife (hilarious<\/em>!!)<\/li>\n
    • Tabata or HIIT workout (those very short but intense workouts)<\/li>\n
    • Meditation<\/li>\n
    • Call with a good girlfriend<\/li>\n
    • A glass of nice wine (depending on the time of day)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

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      Have another activity I should add? I\u2019d LOVE to hear it! Tell me in the comments!<\/em><\/p>\n

      Self-care is important! But unrealistic expectations can do harm. I suggest acknowledging that the infant phase is going to be hard \u2013 but it\u2019s temporary!<\/p>\n

      Making a plan to care for YOU (that person who existed before you birthed a baby) is important. Making that plan realistic \u2013 is crucial. I find the 5-20-1 rule can work wonders. Share it with your partner and let me know how it goes.<\/p>\n

      xo Dr Young<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

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