5 Daily Tips to Help with PPD (Post Partum Depression)

 5 Daily Tips to Help with PPD (Postpartum Depression) 

Postpartum Depression is a serious condition and isn't something to take lightly. If you think you or someone you know has it, get some help or talk to someone. You have nothing to be ashamed of either. It happens to about 15% of women postpartum.  But here are five tips that you can implement daily to help deal with it a little more easily.

1) Routine/Schedule

This one is the most important when dealing with PPD or even just depression in general. Your routine or schedule doesn't have to be anything elaborate or fancy. It doesn't mean that you have to do something in a certain amount of time either. It can be as simple as waking up, feeding the kids/yourself, chores, errands, park/craft, kids play, lunch, nap, etc. I find that having nap time and bedtime at the same time everyday for the kids really does make my life easier though. When you have someone to feed in the morning, you have no choice but to get up in the morning.

2) Getting exercise in daily! 

You don't gave to go out and get a fancy gym membership, buy a crazy expensive workout program, or work out for more than an hour everyday! I find that even a 10 minute walk gets my endorphins up and running. The fresh air is also an excellent mood booster. Just feeling the cool air on my face, warm sun on my skin, and blood rushing through my body is enough to make me feel better. I know walking with kids in tow isn't exactly ideal but it helps them get their energy out too. Even if it means putting my toddler in the stroller and the baby in the baby carrier. Yoga is also a great way to get you moving. There are a ton of free yoga videos on youtube that are very helpful. You can even just sit down and stretch your muscles out. Whatever get's your blood pumping!

3) Eating healthy foods (Remembering to Eat) 

Eating healthy can be a difficult job all on it's own, especially when you have other mouths to feed. It doesn't have to be difficult though. Just adding in vegetables to every meal will increase your energy. Eating lots of healthy fats like coconut oil, avocados, coconut butter, butter, full fat greek yogurt will help as well. Cool fact, our body burns fat for energy! If your short on time, grab something easy. A handful of nuts and blueberries is a great snack and isn't hard to prepare either. You can even prep a few meals on the weekend to help you out throughout the week. Food doesn't have to be fancy, you just need to eat the right ones for more energy. Our body craves more carbs when were tired, so load up if you need to. Toast with peanut butter or coconut butter in the morning is an excellent choice or shredded baked sweet potato with cinnamon and coconut oil.

4) Getting Enough Rest 

This may be the hardest thing to do as a Mom, especially if you have a newborn in the house. Sleeping when the baby sleeps in the first few weeks is essential to Mom's well being. Your body is still healing and if you are breastfeeding, you need it so your body can make fatty milk. Once you get a schedule going for the baby though, it gets easier. Sometimes, the dishes and laundry can wait. Sleep is very important especially if you suspect you have PPD or are depressed.

5) Taking time for yourself

That doesn't mean you have to have a whole hour to yourself (although that would be awesome). It can be as simple as drinking a cup of coffee/tea on the porch before the kids wake up. For me, this is almost impossible because my kids are always up before me. Setting an alarm to wake up 15 minutes before the kids may be worth it though. Writing in a journal or taking a bath with essential oils helps! Whatever it is that helps you relax and gets you into a better place mentally is worth it. Don't forget that you are your own person too and not just a mom. It's OK to take a few moments for yourself each day.

Note: Don't be afraid to get help. I know how hard this can be in itself. Getting counseling or getting on medication short term may be all it takes. I am not a medical professional, whatever I have posted on my blog is from my own experience and opinions.

Brittany