How Parents of Children with Disabilities Can Treat Exhaustion

Parenting is one of the most rewarding experiences in life, but it can also be exhausting. For most parents, fatigue is limited to the early years, but for parents of special needs children, weariness and stress can continue for decades. Research shows that these parents not only carry a heavy load but are also at an increased risk of burnout.

If you are the parent of a special needs child, don’t despair. Today, Nuthatch Naturals shares some tips to help you evaluate your level of fatigue, as well as strategies to reduce stress and exhaustion.

Assess Your Current Condition

The first step in improving your life is to make an accurate assessment. Ask yourself several questions:

• Are you enjoying time with your child?
• Do you think your parenting is effective?
• How much of the parenting burden do you carry?
• How would you describe your sleep quality?
• Are you pursuing any self-care?
• Do you have enough time and energy for personal relationships?
• Are you suffering from fatigue, stress, anxiety, or depression?

The answers to these questions should help you get a clear picture of your situation. If you discover that your life is centered solely on your child, and you are left feeling exhausted, anxious, and stretched too thin, take steps to reach a healthier balance.

Skin Care is Self-Care

One way to reconnect with a self-care routine is to focus on your skin care routine. Having a daily ritual to focus on for yourself can help break negative thought cycles, and treating yourself well can boost your mood. You can find great products for both you and your child to help you invest in your skin’s health online.

Invest in Self-Care

If you think you are too busy to devote time to yourself, it’s important to realize that self-care isn’t a luxury. Rather, Waterford explains that you can reduce fatigue and become a more effective parent by taking care of yourself. Self-care strategies include:

• Aim for at least 7 hours of sleep per night
• Avoid eating processed foods and choosing healthier options
• Make exercise a consistent part of your day
• Take time to meditate regularly
• Take breaks throughout the day

It’s a good idea to invest in products for the home that facilitate self-care, such as a sunrise alarm clock or a rowing machine. With so many options, it can be difficult to know which choice is best, but reading user reviews can help you get a good idea of what will work best for you.

For some, making these changes may not be enough to help them turn the corner, especially if they are experiencing symptoms of depression. Fortunately, telemedicine can offer medication for depression available same-day if circumstances would otherwise prevent a trip to a doctor’s office. Patients can meet with board-certified physicians from the comfort and privacy of their own homes.

Set Personal Goals

While it can be tempting to give 100% of yourself to your child, this self-sacrifice can be detrimental. It’s better to set and pursue personal goals because you gain a greater awareness of yourself and, in turn, become a more effective parent. If you’ve always dreamed of being your own boss, for instance, consider launching a home-based business. Starting an LLC is not as hard as you might think, especially if you already have a good business idea.

If starting your own business doesn’t sound like the right option right now, this might also be a great time to go back to school. If you’d appreciate the benefits of a master’s degree in special education, for instance, check this out. You could learn from home at your own pace, then use your degree to help others, thanks to the flexibility of online programs. Higher education can help you advance your career, and an online institution provides you with the flexibility you need.

Assess the Balance

As you make the shift toward a more balanced life, you may discover that you’ve shifted too far. Don’t be afraid to continually assess your situation to ensure that the workload is fairly distributed. With the optimal balance, nobody carries too much of the load, and everyone has the time they need to take care of themselves.

Find Your Personal Balance

Parenting a special needs child can be difficult, and you may find that you neglect your own needs when trying to properly care for your child. By giving yourself the attention and rest you need, you can reduce fatigue and live a happier and more fulfilling life so you can ultimately be at your best for your child. Don’t put off your personal goals any longer. If you’ve wanted to start a business or go back to school or find a better job, now is the time!

This post by Emily Graham of MightMoms.net.