The Early Days: Overwhelmed and Exhausted
When I first came home with our daughter, I wish I had gone back to reading, but honestly, I was running on little to no sleep and trying to understand our daughter’s needs while adjusting to the massive change in our lives. In those early days, doom scrolling didn’t feel overwhelming, but as she got older, I found myself mindlessly scrolling during naps, those few precious minutes alone in the bathroom, and even when she was falling asleep. I’d get lost in the endless Instagram videos and stories because they didn’t require much effort. But soon, I started noticing the negative impact this habit was having on me.
The Negative Impact of Doom Scrolling
I began feeling insecure about my parenting, constantly thinking I needed to buy the next trendy product—whether it was “enrichment toys” or baby guides. The list of things advertised to parents is long and overwhelming, and at 3 or 4 in the morning, my resolve was weak. Eventually, I knew I needed a change, not just for my wallet’s sake but for my mental health too. So, I picked up my trusty Kindle and started reading again.
Rediscovering the Joy of Reading
It began with just a few books, and soon Freddy and I started reading together (more on how that led to us feeling closer during this postpartum period and even starting a podcast here). The benefits of reading during our baby’s naps, especially when I was nap-trapped, were almost immediate. I felt happier, not constantly seeing others’ curated lives on Instagram, and the constant comparison was gone. I no longer felt the urge to buy things all the time. Now, the only trends I care about are the next book I’ll read or whether I’ll continue a series or explore a new world.
Finding Peace and Relaxation Through Reading
I feel more at peace as a mom, more relaxed, and I highly recommend this approach to other moms. I can’t express how much of a relief it’s been to be on Instagram less. And I’m not claiming to be perfect or calling for you to delete social media entirely. I still scroll from time to time, and I’m still on the apps more than I’d like to be, but it’s exponentially less. That change has made a huge difference in my mental health during this postpartum period.
A Gentle Nudge to Disconnect
So, if you’re thinking about picking up that Kindle again, go for it. Choose something light and easy to read if you’re worried about not having the brainpower to follow something complex. If reading isn’t your thing, try some headphones and a podcast, or maybe watch a movie. Whatever you do, try to cut back on the social media and ease out of the constant doom scrolling. From one mother to another, it’s not good for you. Everyone is on their own journey, and the curated lives you see on Instagram are often not real. Everyone is either trying to sell you something or painting a picture that’s far from reality.
I know this might sound strange coming from someone who makes videos and includes links to buy books or other items (can’t blame a girl for trying to have a side hustle), but take this for what it is—a gentle nudge to disconnect a little. Even if it means just sitting for a few minutes and enjoying your little one sleeping on you, take that time to soak it all in before they outgrow this stage.
Follow Along
If you’re interested in seeing what I’ve been reading this year, you can follow along with my journey here. Whether you’re looking for new book recommendations or just curious about what’s been on my Kindle, I’d love to share this part of my postpartum experience with you. Happy reading!
