It’s the little things that can get you through this time of readjustment- whatever works for you is an important thing to embrace.
Minimalism on Female First
I found minimalism to be hugely helpful while I was off work looking after my little girl- here’s why.
It gives you a sense of control: There is a perceived lack of control as a new parent- you don’t know when your baby will cry, fill their nappy, want a bottle, need to sleep or wake up. With all this uncertainly it’s good to have something you have complete control over- which is your surroundings. Despite the rollercoaster that is being a new mother- you can still keep your space under tight control.
Simple surroundings: Uncomplicated surroundings counteract the noise that is going on in your head. The endless questions and worries that come with taking care of a new human like;
‘Am I good mother?’
‘Does my baby need more milk?’
‘Is my baby warm enough?’
Sometimes having a calm environment can help to reduce your stress levels elsewhere a little.
It’s easier to clean and tidy: Let’s face it – when you are sleep deprived the last thing you need to worry about is a mountain of clutter- a minimalist home means less to tidy away and clean. The less time spent on this, the more time you can sleep when your little one goes down for a nap!
There is more time for your little one: If you don’t have to use your maternity cleaning and sorting out your home- you can spend more time with your baby and not dealing with meaningless stuff while they watch on by from their bouncer. That means more time for taking walks in the park, reading, playing games and enjoying cuddles together.
It gives you a chance to leave the house: If you are consistent minimalist- chances are you always have a donate basket or box on the go. If you do- once it’s full with things that you no longer need for you and your baby- you can take it to your local charity shop and donate it- giving you and your new-born an outing for the day- and contact with another adult!
It makes time with visitors more valuable: If you have friends and family who would happily clean and tidy for you because you are so busy with your new bundle- they won’t need to do this if you are a minimalist mother. They can come over and spend the time chatting with you, holding your baby and enjoying a brew.
You don’t need to purge at the end of your leave: If you keep on top of the things that no longer fit your baby or that have become redundant by removing them from your home as and when- there isn’t a need for a huge declutter before you go back to work. Your baby will have everything they need and use- and the rest will be serving another family well.
