Because it ’ s a hot topic , there ’ s no shortage of advice being offered to worn out and desperate parents . Most say things like go to bed earlier , get some exercise , put down your phone , eat nutritious foods , etc . The hope , it seems , is that , if we give ourselves these very basic occasional boosts , perhaps we can go on living the same depleting , soul-sucking existences . Talk about high hopes .
The truth is that we are barely skimming the surface of this issue . The trouble runs so much deeper than not spending enough time on the yoga mat . Let ’ s be honest about what we really need , and that ’ s a life that doesn ’ t require us to google quick self-care tips . We need lives that are nurturing and fulfilling , full of joy , rest , and human connection , but we deprive ourselves of that in the name of so many things - money , busyness , notoriety , perfection , shame , love , appearances , and so forth . Then , we search for fast fixes to tide us over . Just a little hit of dopamine will get us through because fixing the root of the problem seems impossible . After all , it is easier to take a long bubble bath than it is to fix that troubled relationship . It ’ s quicker to do 30 minutes of cardio than to affect real change in your household . It ’ s safer to go to bed an hour earlier than to quit the job that makes you dread each day . However , we are reaching a critical peak , and it ’ s time to stop sugar-coating the truth .
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