Self care as a dad feels impossible

2w ago·1 min read

Everyone says dads need to take care of their mental health and practice self care but like, what does that even look like? I can't take a 3 hour weekend to myself without feeling guilty. The 30 minutes I get to work out feels stolen. I don't remember the last time I did something just for me that wasn't a solo trip to the grocery store. How do you guys actually make time for this stuff without feeling selfish?

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Comments(4)

RRobertNew Dad1w ago

I get maybe 20 minutes a week of actual me time, usually just sitting in my car before I go inside. It's not much but it keeps me sane. Self care doesn't have to be fancy, just something that gives you a second to breathe.

DDanielRegular1w ago

I started going to the gym at 5am before the kids wake up. One hour just for me, feels selfish but I come home a better dad because of it. Maybe there's something like that you could squeeze in?

TTomNew Dad1w ago

The guilt around taking time for yourself is real and it sucks. But you can't pour from an empty cup. Even small things help - a walk alone, a hobby, just sitting outside for 10 minutes.

RRicardo M.New Dad1w ago

Real talk, my self care is a hot shower with the door locked and my phone on silent for 15 minutes. That's it. Some weeks that's all I've got, and I'm okay with that.