Five Steps to Mommyhood Self Care
Give your stress wings, and let it fly away.
Motherhood is a hands on job. There's no vacation, no sick days, and no 401k. Being on call 24/7 can drain any mom - with constant diaper changes, breastfeeding challenges, and transitioning back to the office - and with the added stress of the changing seasons, it's even more important to make time for self care.
Taking a few quiet moments to reflect on your thoughts and feelings helps you to be a better partner, wife, and woman. Self care doesn't have to be extravagant - these simple rituals can help you to incorporate taking care of yourself into your daily routine.
Image via @amyklogan on Instagram
Schedule time to reflect.
There are days when I feel like I'm constantly moving. From my morning commute to answering tons of email, to laundry, homework, and dinner, it can be difficult to get a moment to myself. Treat self care like an important meeting by writing it down in a pretty planner.
Almost every mom I've spoken to recommends the Erin Condren Life Planner. The custom cover options, stickers, and dividers help you keep track of pediatrician's appointments, business meetings, and your daily mom time. Schedule a few minutes in your day to allow yourself to rest.
Image via @kristinmcgee on Instagram
Exercise.
Regular exercise helps us to relax, build muscle, and get better sleep. Yoga, kickboxing, and belly dance are ways that I relieve stress and get my heart rate up. If you can't make it to the gym, try some simple stretches in your living room. Gaia's yoga videos are way to get your Om on.
Take a nap.
Some days are so hectic that I can't wait to collapse in bed. Wonder why you sleep so much better at a hotel? Research shows that the pressure of heavier blankets help the body to release serotonin, making for a more restful sleep. Make your bed a comfy retreat with bedding from Williams Sonoma. The hotel-inspired collection is sewn in Italy, and can even be monogrammed with your initials.
Image via Neva Michelle Photography
Take a bath.
My most brilliant ideas only seem to happen in the shower. Studies show that creativity is sparked when we relax. Soothe tired muscles and let your imagination soar with a relaxing soak from Molton Brown. Rich in vitamin C, flavonoids and saponins, The Bracing Silverbirch Thermal Muscle Soak has been named a winner by several magazines for its relaxing and revitalizing qualities.
Count your blessings, and write them down.
Recognize your blessings each day by writing them down in a gratitude journal. Kate Spade offers pretty notebooks in bright shades to help you remember all the things you're grateful for.
Welcome fall in and say goodbye to stress! These simple rituals will help you embrace self care this season.
Tiffani Greenaway is the wife and mom behind MyMommyVents.com, a site inspiring, empowering, and informing mothers. Her parenting advice has been seen on Yahoo! Parenting, Mommy Noire, and Fit Pregnancy, but she spends her Saturday nights sitting on the couch folding laundry, like everyone else.