This last year has been a whirlwind for everyone, and if you’re a mother, chances are it has redefined your roles in ways you would have never imagined. Now that we’re over a year into this pandemic, most of us have our comfort levels figured out, our new routines, and some tricks to help us stay centered and positive during all of this. But, sometimes, it’s nice to add a few more tips and tricks to our arsenals. Or, maybe you just need a gentle reminder that despite all the hectic things going on around us, as mothers, we are allowed and should be taking time to make ourselves feel good too.
Start Within
It’s so easy now that we’re at home most of the time in our tie-dye lounge sets (did you buy one?) to go for the quick sugary snacks in the pantry and refrigerator instead of eating a more healthy meal or snack. Now more than ever, it’s essential to fuel our bodies and immune system with whole food meals. Whether that looks solely plant-based to you or not, you want to be eating the rainbow every day. Not only will you feel fantastic for doing it, but you’re also going to look amazing too. And make sure you’re drinking that recommended 2 to 3 liters of water a day, which could be more than that based on your activity levels.
Treat Yourself!
2020 was definitely the year that we were forced to sit in our homes and sit with ourselves, making us do some serious evaluation and decision-making. Maybe that decision-making led you to declutter your entire house, or perhaps it turned you into a shopaholic. If you’re part of the latter group, maybe skip this advice! If you were focused on everything else going on in the world aside from yourself, now is the time to splurge on something to make you feel good. Whether that’s a significant purchase like a new bike or kayak to enjoy the hot weather or just a pedicure, treat yourself! You, as a mother, worrier of everything aside from yourself, deserve that same love you’re giving to everyone else. So, buy it already!
Take Time Every Day
Remember when you first became a mother and everyone said things like, “Sleep when the baby sleeps.” You quickly realized how unlikely that indeed was. Now more than ever, modern mothers get pulled in so many directions that generations before us weren’t. But, if you can master slipping away from your little ones, even for only ten minutes at a time, it can make a significant difference in your world.
Subscriptions
So many of us signed up for things like Shipt and Instacart when lockdown first started. We quickly saw the benefit of avoiding crowded spaces and the time we saved running to stores. The time we gained with our families. As a mother, this time is, of course, invaluable. Try adding some more convenience subscriptions to the mix. It’s even better if it’s to something you utilize every day, like a coffee subscription or toy subscription for your children or pets.
Work it Out!
At this point, we’ve been locked down for a year now. We no longer have an excuse not to move our bodies. The loungewear is comforting to sit and binge a show at night after our littles have gone to sleep. It’s also great to get a move on in. Now more than ever before, there are so many different options for at-home workouts. If you don’t want to pay for a service, there’s plenty to be found even on YouTube. Ensure that you give yourself enough time for your at-home workout to break at least a little of a sweat and get a little endorphin rush. Those endorphins will absolutely help you stay focused and grounded as a mama.
Get Outside
Make sure you’re taking time alone or with your family to get outside and absorb that Vitamin D from the sun. Vitamin D plays so many vital roles in our overall health, and we have to get it where we can. So, take time each nice day to get some sun!
