It takes more energy to dismiss your negative feelings than to express them either by talking about them with others or by writing them down. At the same time, take some moments to reflect on the parts of parenthood you enjoy. Also, allow yourself time alone with your partner, however brief it may be. Keep your expectations realistic Sorry, but you'll have to put away the list of tasks you expected to accomplish while you were on maternity leave. If you must add some tasks to the list, add only one or two to keep your expectations of yourself realistic.
Laughter is proverbially good medicine.
Take a cue from this new mother's story. On the day she was to return to her office job, the babysitter quit, her infant son had an earache, her toddler was throwing up, and the guinea pig died. She contends that if she hadn't stepped back and laughed, she'd have locked herself in a room and cried. Structure your day Try to write a plan for your day the night before, once your baby is asleep. While all is quiet, review your list of tasks, in order to keep them in perspective, and be sure to schedule in time for you and your partner.