by Lisa Doherty

Created on: June 16, 2009

As with most new experiences, becoming a mother is tremendously exciting and wondrous in those first few weeks. However, once the new wears off and the routine sets in, we have to adjust to the fact that life will never again be as it once was. The spontaneity that we enjoyed as childless women is now replaced with diligence and care of the little person who relies on us for everything.

So, what do we do when our lives, which once revolved around us, now revolves around someone else? Preventing boredom is essential in keeping a happy, mentally healthy mommy who still maintains her own sense of self and purpose, while multi-tasking the needs of her baby. Here are a few ways to help ease this difficult transition.

WORK: Work does not mean, go back to the office. Work means, Find something meaningful to do. Keeping meaning in your life will prevent you from thinking that your life ceased the minute you gave birth. Whatever it is that you choose to do, make sure it is a passion and that when the day is done, you can look back with a sense of satisfaction and pride in accomplishment. Some great work ideas are:

1. Research your genealogy.

2. Scrapbook

3. Garden

4. Write, draw, or do something creative just for you.

5. Think about starting your own at home business.

Whatever it is you choose to do, make it a reflection of the person you were and are; this will ensure that you keep an identity all your own.

PLAY: Finding time to play is key. The demands of motherhood are immense and if you cannot find something to do for pleasure, resentment toward your child, spouse, or situation will build and eventually infect your relationships. Whether it is Bingo on a Friday night or a Girls Night Out with your friends, make play a part of your week. It gives you something to look forward to and by the end of the week, you'll really feel that you deserve it!

GIVE: Giving of yourself is a sure fire way to feel better about your new role as mother and caregiver. Baby-sit for a friend while she has a spa treatment. You can be certain she will do the same for you! Volunteer. Giving back to the community is something that your child will benefit from as he or she grows. Seeing your dedication to those who are less fortunate in any form will instill a sense of compassion and community that cannot be taught in school!

CLASSES: While most of us feel like our educated minds become like the mushed carrots we feed our babies, nothing staves off that feeling like continued education. Look into taking online courses or simply become an expert in a field that you enjoy by doing independent research. You will be surprised how this will come in handy once the children hit school age and you are able to lend your expertise in areas that you studied while they were babies. This can be done during nap times or before they get up (once a set sleep schedule has set in.)

EXERCISE: Many gyms now provide childcare for a nominal fee. You can exercise, which will help you get that pre-baby body back and will also make you feel like a million bucks! Exercising has so many benefits. From the endorphins released, which will help you fight that nasty post-partum depression or the obvious physical benefits, exercising will also give you at least one hour where you are doing something positive just for you. Plus, with baby just a few feet away, you can keep and eye on him or her and be there when they need you.

No matter what you choose to do to keep from being bored with your new lifestyle, do it because you want to and because you are driven to do it.

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