As a business owner and mom of a 9-month-old, life can sometimes feel like a juggling act; and not just any old juggling act. I often feel like I am juggling Jell-O. Picture that. Ever feel as if everything could slip right through your hands at any given time? I sure do. Just as I start to get the laundry pile down, the dishes overflow. When I feel like I’ve found the right balance spending quality time with my little one, the length of my work to-do list gets overwhelming, and date nights are few and far between because we sacrifice the family budget every time we go out and hire a sitter. Whether you work out of the home or in, I know you can relate. We spend our days giving, giving, giving because it is what we are wired to do.
Every Mom I know is so busy taking care of everyone around them that it seems unrealistic to squeeze in “me time” to the day. It is easy to put your own needs on the back burner when you have so many other responsibilities. While it may seem counterintuitive at first please hear me out on this one. We really need to practice self-love so we can give our best to all the relationships in our life. When we are mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually healthy, everyone around us benefits. I know what you are thinking- “This Carly girl is crazy. I don’t sit down from the time I get up to the moment I go to bed. And now she wants me to add a manicure into the schedule?! Ha!” Yeah, I guess I kinda do. It does not have to be a manicure. It doesn’t have to take an hour of your time. It does not even have to cost money. But it is important to find at least a couple moments of peace and serenity each and every day so you have more patience and loving energy to give your partner, children, co-workers, home, friendships, and work.
Don’t even know where to begin? I have some ideas for you, momma! Don’t get overwhelmed! You don’t have to do the entire list. These are just a few examples of ways to practice self-care. Try one or try them all on and see how they feel. More importantly, notice how your interactions change with your children after doing something special for yourself and make sure you give us feedback. If there is something you already do that leaves you feeling uplifted please share in the comment section below. We love fresh inspiration!
–Look in the mirror and find something on your body you love and appreciate.
There has to be at least one thing. Keep looking until you find something. Hopefully your list grows overtime. Confidence is incredibly sexy and your kids will benefit immensely from a mom who has a positive body image.
–Book your next vacation.
–Download Gabby Bernstein’s “Spirit Junkie” App.
Read her daily affirmation first thing in the morning to start your day with a positive mind-set. Repeat the affirmation either out loud or in your head when you feel your energy start to shift. Best $1.99 you have ever spent.
–Meet your partner for lunch.
If you stay home, ask a fellow mom to trade services. If they will watch yours for an hour to grab an adult meal, you will watch their kids for an hour while they run errands, work out, or take a nap. Heck , you may even inspire them to prioritize their relationship. And dress up for the special event. Take a shower, get out of your yoga pants (I know! It is an effort for me to wear jeans too), and even throw on a little lipstick. You do not even have to go anywhere fancy or spend much money. You can pack a lunch from home and meet up at a park. Might as well take advantage of these last few warm-ish Michigan days.
–Listen to your favorite song.
“Shake It Up” By Taylor Swift is a feel-good-mood-booster that can be enjoyed by all!
–Schedule a spa service for yourself.
I love Beach House Spa in Birmingham. The ambiance is so relaxing you will feel like you left a beach vacation when you return home. If you have a gift certificate you have been savoring for the “perfect time,” activate it now girl! Chances are you will be rushing through your errands if you wait to use it before vacation or a special event. Ask your partner to watch the kids on a weeknight so you can get a massage. You will come home with a pampered and grateful heart. Everyone benefits from a blissed out mom.
–Call your best friend.
–Schedule 3 workouts this week.
-Meet a friend at the park for a play date and walk there and back. Try to make it a brisk walk to get your heart rate up. Lunge your way down the drive way while you push the stroller to really get your endorphins going.
-Go to a work out class. My favorite is definitely The Dailey Method in Birmingham (I may be a tad biased because I own it, wink, wink). One reason is because it works my mind, body, and spirit in one short hour. Another is because it offers child care so I can bring my baby to socialize with other kids while I reenergize for the day. While it is technically my “job,” it is also my happy place and I know I am a happier person to be around after I sneak into class.
-Get up 30 minutes earlier to work out before the household wakes. I love to stream yoga classes from YogaGlo when I do not get a chance to get to a studio. The first 15 days are free, so it would give you a chance to try it before you invest. You can choose your style, level, and duration and you get to learn from some of the best teachers in the country. Don’t worry, you do not have to be a yogi to benefit. Beginners welcome!
–Eat something live, real, and extremely nourishing.
How often do you sit down to eat a healthy meal of your own? Most moms I know fall victim to the Momnivore scenario where they settle for the kid’s leftovers. Good food can make a huge impact on how you feel and who knows, your family just may get curious enough to try your green smoothie one morning.
–Download the book you have been hearing great things about.
My personal favorite is “Miracles Now” by my girl, Gabriel Bernstein. I try to read one of the 108 Miracles each morning. Correction. I do not always get to read in the morning but my best days begin with a passage from this book. And guess what? The digital version is under $10 on Amazon!
–Meet a girlfriend for a coffee date.
-Take time to be spiritual.
Wherever you may find inspiration- through nature, religious services, workout classes, or literature. Uplifting your spirit will automatically help you uplift all those around you.
