For The Love Of Parenting

Beyond Sleep: 4 Ways to Recharge When Baby Naps and You’re Not Tired - Episode 75

Kimberly Myers, M.A.Ed., ICCE, IBCLC Season 3 Episode 75

What's Up Wednesdays!

Listen up moms!

You don’t have to sleep every time your baby sleeps—especially if your body isn’t asking for it. In this episode of The Love of Parenting, we explore four restful, grounding ways to recharge your energy during naptime without forcing yourself to nap. From quiet moments in a recliner to music, good company, and joyful screen time—consider this your invitation to pause and care for yourself in a new way.

Mentioned in This Episode:

  • How to create your own rest rituals
  • Why you don’t need to “earn” downtime
  • Small sensory resets that make a big difference

👉 Feeling depleted? Give yourself a softer way to recharge.

Want a deeper dive? Check out our other episodes.

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Remember, as parents, do your best—there are no perfect parents, but countless ways to be loving and supportive. Signing off from the For Love of Parenting podcast. Thanks for listening. Until next time.

Title: Beyond Sleep: 4 Ways to Recharge When Baby Naps and You’re Not Tired

Intro Summary

Rest doesn’t always mean sleep—and as a new mom, you need both. In this episode, we share four easy, feel-good ways to recharge your energy during baby’s nap without having to close your eyes. This one’s for the moms who just need a break, their way. 

Podcast

We’ve all heard the advice: “Sleep when the baby sleeps.” And while it’s well-meaning (and sometimes exactly what you need), let’s be honest—what if you’re not tired? Or your mind is racing? Maybe you’ve already been up for a while, thinking about all the things you could be doing, and now sleep just isn’t in the cards.

The truth is, new motherhood is physically and emotionally demanding. Your body is recovering, your mind is recalibrating, and your life has just expanded in a beautiful, exhausting way. Sleep is golden—but rest is more than just sleep.

Here’s the reframe: when baby is sleeping, you don’t have to be productive. You don’t have to catch up on laundry, emails, or scrolling TikTok like you’re on a mission. You also don’t have to fall asleep on demand. What you can do is recharge—intentionally, gently, and on your own terms.

Here are four restorative ways to reset your energy during naptime, even when sleep isn’t in the cards:

1. Create Space for Quiet

Sometimes the most powerful form of rest is simply doing nothing in peace. No agenda, no stimulation—just quiet. Maybe you sink into your favorite chair with the lights dimmed and let your thoughts settle. Or you sit by a window with a warm drink and breathe. Giving yourself permission to just be—no multitasking—is like hitting the reset button on your nervous system. You don’t need to accomplish anything in these moments. The pause itself is the purpose.

2. Let Music Lift You

If silence doesn’t soothe you, let sound do the job. Music has a way of reaching us when words can’t. Whether it’s soft instrumental tracks, a favorite throwback playlist, or something soulful and steady—let it flow through your space. Music can energize, calm, or help you feel a little more you again. Just hit play and let the rhythm do the rest.

3. Watch Something Gentle or Joyful

Yes, this is your official permission slip to watch something simply because it makes you feel good. Nature documentaries, lighthearted shows, old concerts, funny animal clips on Instagram—anything that makes you exhale or even giggle. A short break to watch something comforting can lift your mood, distract your tired brain, and refill your emotional tank.

4. Enjoy a Little Ritual (with or without Company)

If you're craving connection, even a short visit or phone call with someone who brings ease into your life can do wonders. Or maybe it’s just sipping your favorite coffee in your favorite mug while watching the world outside your window. A small ritual—done regularly—can help anchor your day, remind you of who you are beyond the diaper changes, and offer a moment of delight just for you.

A Gentle Reminder…

You don’t need to “earn” rest. You’re doing so much already. And while sleep is wonderful, it’s not the only path to restoration. So, the next time your baby drifts off and you’re not ready to nap—don’t rush to fill the time. Pause. Ask yourself: What would feel good right now? Then do that.

Because a rested mom—mind, body, and spirit—is the foundation for everything else.

Thank you for joining me today. Until next time, take care.

👉 Want a deeper dive? Check out our other episodes.

Tags

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