Getting some down time could be as simple as taking an extra-long shower or bath. If you have a little more time (and baby coverage), you could try a self-connecting activity such as taking a walk, journaling, or crafting.

This may seem counterintuitive, but you can prioritize rest by finding moments of decompression, whether lying down to rest, listening to music, or even—yes—scrolling through feeds on your phone to check on the rest of the world.

Hydration and nutrition are key to maintaining healthy systems and energy levels. If you’re drinking enough water, your urine will be a light yellow. And if you’re consuming enough protein, you will have stable blood sugar levels and better energy reserves to get you through sleep-deprived days. So snack if you need to—and keep reaching for (and refilling) your water bottle!

It’s tempting to want to squeeze in another load of laundry or sinkful of dishes. But make a rule for yourself that you’ll rest, if you can, while your baby is sleeping. Sleep is great, but rest in and of itself is restorative.

Research shows that lying down with your eyes closed for 20 to 30 minutes in a dark space can be as beneficial as sleep—and can give your brain cells, muscles, and organs a break, reducing stress and improving mood, alertness, and creativity. (This is often referred to as “quiet wakefulness.”)

Let’s say your baby is sleeping, and you would love to rest but are feeling that awful combination but “tired but wired.” Naps don’t always come easily. You might instead need to regulate your nervous system with some mindless feed scrolling or gaming on your phone, knitting or crafting, or maybe even stretching on a yoga mat or taking some deep, controlled breaths.