As an autism parent, managing your responsibilities and keeping yourself healthy and happy can be challenging, to say the least...
There are some days I feel so drained it seems there’s nothing left inside me to give.
I get tired of the constant emotional and physical demands placed on me.
I get stressed from trying to keep my kids safe while helping them navigate the world as the awesome autistic kids they are.
But then, there are other days when I wake up feeling fabulous! I feel like myself again.
And the difference usually has a lot to do with how well I’m taking care of myself.
As a parent, friend, or spouse, we often struggle to put ourselves first. Most parents of autistic children also struggle with the extra challenge of putting their children’s needs above everything else.
We often find ourselves overwhelmed by the demands of our job (whether inside or outside the home), the burden of household responsibilities, and the constant stream of activities that are part of the package when parenting an autistic child.
If you’re parenting an autistic child, it’s important to find a balance between caring for yourself and your children (and all the other eleventy billion things you have to do). In this article, I discuss building self-care into your daily life.
9 Ways To Bring More Self-Care Into Your Life
Find Moments of Mindfulness: Incorporate small moments of mindfulness throughout the day. Take a few deep breaths, practice grounding techniques, or engage in a brief meditation to center yourself and reduce stress.
Prioritize "Me Time": Set aside dedicated time each day for self-care activities that rejuvenate you, such as reading a book, taking a relaxing bath, or engaging in a hobby you enjoy. Figure out what makes you feel rejuvenated, and do more of it.
Delegate and Seek Support: Don't hesitate to ask for help and share responsibilities with your partner, family members, or trusted friends. This will give you time to focus on self-care without feeling overwhelmed.
Cultivate a Self-Care Habit: Establish a consistent routine that includes self-care activities. Whether it's making time to meditate or scheduling a weekly yoga class, having a regular practice helps ensure you make time for yourself.
Stay Active: Physical activity is a great way to relieve stress and boost your well-being. Find time for exercise, whether it's going for a walk, joining a fitness class, or following an at-home workout routine.
Connect with Others: Seek out a support network of other autism parents who understand your experiences. Join online communities, support groups, or attend local events to connect with like-minded individuals and share experiences. We have a great group going on over at Facebook, and I’d love to have you join us!
Practice Self-Compassion: We’re all doing the best we can with the resources and information we currently have. Treat yourself with compassion, celebrate small victories, and don't be too hard on yourself when things don't go as planned.
Explore Relaxation Techniques: Incorporate relaxation techniques into your daily routine to help manage stress. This can include deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery, or using calming essential oils.
Celebrate Achievements: Acknowledge and celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small. Take time to reflect on the progress you and your child have made, and give yourself credit for the dedication and effort you put into parenting.
Conclusion
We spend so much time and energy working hard to take care of our children, that we sometimes forget about ourselves. But we’re human beings, just like our kids! And we deserve time to nurture ourselves.
We must make sure that as parents, we don’t get so busy taking care of our kids that we end up neglecting our own needs.
That’s why I created a simple checklist of the 7 Simplest Ways to Reduce Your Stress: A Guide for Parents of Autistic Children. In just 10 minutes or less, this resource offers you easy-to-do ideas that actually help autism parents like you get the self-care they need…these are the top tips that I’ve put together during my 13 years (and counting!) as an autism mom.
You can grab your free copy by clicking here. I hope it helps you add a little more meaningful self-care time into your daily routine.
Meet your self-care coach!
