Overtired and overstimulated... 24/7 vibe with a baby

You have become a parent.

Life has changed 180 degrees, nothing is the same anymore. The hours of sleep are numbered, the coffee cups are cold, but somehow your heart is bigger than ever before. Every day you get to know not only your little cutie, but also yourself, a new version of you who is now a mother or father.

Routines are emerging, although they change faster than the Estonian summer weather forecast. Some days it seems like things are starting to go smoothly, the baby naps long enough, you manage to eat, maybe even lie down on the couch for a while. The next day is full of crying, a hundred diapers and the question: “Is this my life now?”

But that 's life, different, messier, deeper, and much more giving. And even though it sometimes feels like you're losing yourself in all those baby noises, baby bottles, and piles of laundry, in reality... you're just finding yourself in a new way. And this version of you is better than ever before.

But what if you feel like everything is just too much?

Being with your baby can be incredibly overstimulating. All the sounds, the touches, the cries and the constant need for attention, eventually you feel like your nerves are just... over :). If you feel overwhelmed, know that you are not alone. And here are some simple tips that can help in this moment:

Take short breaks.

Even for 2-5 minutes. Go to the bathroom, close your eyes, take a deep breath, and just allow yourself to be for a moment. It may seem small, but it matters.

Sounds out.

If possible, put the baby in a safe place, cover your ears for a moment, and take this moment to be quiet. Even if your baby is crying, it's okay to leave him in a safe place for five minutes. You can't be the best parent when your nerves are at their worst.

The cold helps.

Take something cold from the fridge (e.g. a bottle of water or a bag of peas from the freezer) and place it on your forehead, the back of your head, or hold it in your hand for a moment. You can also just splash cold water on your face. This acts like a reboot on your nervous system, the cold feeling stimulates and helps your body calm down. The cold can be just the shock your body needs to restore some balance.

Movement helps.

Not a workout, just movement. We're looking for simple solutions, we don't need a workout plan. Take a walk on the balcony, terrace, breathe by the open window, do some stretches. Body movement helps calm the nervous system.

Talk to someone.

You don't have to carry everything on your shoulders alone. Text a friend, send a voice message, or tell your partner honestly that you need a moment to yourself. If you're alone, even write in a notes app to get it out of your system.

Allow yourself to feel emotions.

You DO NOT have to be happy and grateful all the time. Feelings don't make you a bad mother or father. They make you human.

Reduce noise and visual clutter.

Dim the lights, choose one activity at a time, just pick up something off the floor. Less clutter = less irritation.

Give yourself grace.

You're already doing so much. Even when it feels like you're doing nothing. Being a parent is a constant balance of feelings, needs, and moments. And sometimes the best thing you can do is just breathe and start over.

You're doing great. Even when you feel like you're completely done.

Sometimes victory is getting out of bed. Sometimes it's making dinner. And sometimes it's just holding your child long enough. When you sit down at night, tired but grateful, remember that even if the day wasn't perfect, there were good things about it. Because there was something about it that made you a better parent and gave your child a little piece of security.

And tomorrow we'll do it all again. Not because we have to, but because love makes us stronger than we ever thought possible. :)