Losing your phone as a new mum.

Is “mum brain” a real thing? Or is it just an excuse? The brain totally does change for the primary care giver!

A study in 2014 looked at the brain of primary care mothers compared to primary care giving fathers from a homosexual relationship. They found that both primary care givers (male and female) had the same changes in the emotional part of the brain, however the secondary care-giving fathers did not (1).

So, this tells us that it's not the fact that the male brain isn’t capable of the same changes that a mother’s brain undergoes, it's just that women take on the primary caregiving role most of the time. 
 
Not only does the brain change, but also there is over stimulation and sleep deprivation, which accounts for the lack of focus.  To top it off if the mother has ADHD (diagnosed or undiagnosed), then it can be even harder as a new mum.
  
Here are some tips to help reduce the chance of >>> leaving the tap running >>> forgetting why you walked into the room >>> losing the phone
 
  1. Set you environment up for success- Babies are messy and create lots of clutter

1. Keep the clutter to the minimum- This will allow your mind to relax and think. 

2. Everything has a place- and return items each time you use. 

3. Get a Phone case/keys with a lanyard so as you can hang them around your neck when you have no hands..... it is life changing.

2. Eat a whole foods diet and looking after your gut health

1. Check you levels of: B vitamins, zinc, omega 3 fatty acids, and magnesium, all of these are essential for good brain function

2. Reduce caffeine, artificial sweetener, highly processed foods and alcohol. Increase water and fresh foods.

3. Focus on good gut health- Eat a variety of foods including: natural yoghurt, kefir, fermented foods, leafy green veg, nuts and seeds will create a good microbiome, improving the gut brain connection.

3. Breath-work and mediation:  If you can get this in at the start of the day, it will set you up and you will feel less frustrated if the wheels start to fall off during the day. 

4. Get out in nature: A frazzled brain and ADHD brains craves more dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin, and endorphins aka “happy hormones” 20 minutes out in the green will help satisfy these cravings.

5. Setting a bedtime routine and time:  This will have the biggest effect on your memory, although it is easier said than done as it's normally dictated by a little person! But if you catch yourself mindlessly scrolling on social media, just create a bit of discipline around that and your mind will thank you for it. 
 
I hope this helps; there is nothing wrong with your brain, its just changed a little. SO adapting by allowing and supporting your brain to create new pathways is the focus.