It’s almost Mother’s Day! Or as I like to think of it, “One Day of Credit for a Lifetime of Unappreciation.” Just kidding… kind of. And to celebrate, I have compiled all of my mom-centered articles. Get my recommendations for what to get that selfless mom who never asks for anything; hear about the tough truth of being a working mom and a stay-at-home mom; learn how I battled anxiety as a new mom, and how I’ve learned to trust my maternal instincts. It’s all about us ladies, and how to celebrate mothers, at least for 24 hours. Make the most of it, and have a great Mother’s Day!
Continue readingTag: self care (Page 1 of 2)
Being active is an important thing for everyone, but it’s doubly effective when your children get to see you model a healthy life. Exercising when you have kids is great and all, but it’s not always possible or desirable to dump your children off at a gym daycare, or hire a babysitter so that you can go for a run. But have no fear! It’s totally possible to work out with kids. Here are all of my cheap, easy, effective ideas to help you break a sweat – and a smile – and get your kids involved, too! Continue reading
Self care. It’s this term that has become dutiful and hush-hush and exclusive all at the same time. We’re told to practice it regularly, that we deserve it, and that it should be this major production. But I call bullshit. Look, self care for moms in 2018 doesn’t have to be a big fucking deal. It can be practical and routine and boring and cheap and fantastic. It’s just gotta get done. Here’s how. Continue reading
I am a mom. And I have anxiety. I don’t have a severe enough case that I need to take medications or see a specialist, but by the end of a long day I sometimes feel like I’m wound up and unraveling at the same time. Since my first pregnancy, I sporadically turned to meditation to quiet my mind and relax my body. But a few months ago I began a nightly ritual of stillness and meditation. And it has been miraculous. Here’s exactly how meditation calms this anxious mom.
From one friggin tired, friggin happy mother to another, I wish you a Happy Mother’s Day! May your special day be filled with ample time to poop alone, a hot shower where you can shave your armpits and your legs, clean kitchens and kids who love everything you do and say!
And as you sip your fresh, hot cup of coffee (or wine, whatever), be sure to check out my posts in the Just for Mom category. I’ve got funny and serious posts for all the mothers out there, to help you take care of yourself and remember that you’re never alone. Even when you’re going number two.
A mom can be the hardest person to shop for: they typically never ask for anything for themselves, and you’d feel like a jerk if you just gave them a new vacuum or blender. But the fact remains that you should get them something for occasions like Mother’s Day, their birthday, and Christmas. So what’s a well-meaning person to do when they need a gift for mom? Hence my list of the best gifts for a selfless mom. These items are frugal, useful, and promote self-care in even the humblest of mothers. Because even if she doesn’t say it, she doesn’t really want a dish scrubber for her birthday. Continue reading
I think that all parents have a vision of the best version of themselves. We want to do it all, and no matter what our lives look like, we find faults. I know that I did; that is, until I clearly defined what the best kind of mom really is… at least to me.
As a mother, I would often riddle my tired brain with “If I were a better mom, I would…” I had a perfect mother on a pedestal in my mind, and I constantly compared myself to her.
But not anymore. Continue reading
I’ve read about a thousand posts about self care for moms. And I always get anxious that taking care of myself means sacrificing quality time with my kids, or time to clean up and get work done. There are so many great ideas out there, but I feel guilty when I think about leaving my toddler crying on the floor so that I can sip my coffee while it’s still hot. I can’t enjoy my alone time with some of these extravagant ideas… and some I just plain can’t afford.
So here’s what I’ve done: I’ve looked at my own life and what works for our little family. I’ve looked at things which make me happy and recharge the batteries of my soul. And I’ve looked at things which are easily doable on a regular basis, when (gasp!) the kids are around. What’s made it into this article are the things which fit every one of those qualifications.
The result? Self care for the busy mom. These tips won’t make you feel like you’re a horrible mother, because your kids won’t suffer. You can take care of yourself while taking care of the kids, too.
Just remember: you can’t serve others when your cup is empty. It’s taken me years to admit this, but it’s true. So take care of yourself and be well, my friend. I’m in the trenches with you, but I’m still smiling! Continue reading
Happy 2017! Holy crap it feels like last year was about 1,752 days long. But now it’s in the past and it’s time to look forward. On to bigger and better things!
I’ve never been a huge resolution person. I start goals when I see fit and I change or erase them when I can tell that they’re not working for me. And now that I have children, it seems like I hardly have time to pee, much less sit and ponder what I’d like to accomplish in 2017. But it’s doable! And I think that writing – and sticking to – a set of resolutions can be good for body, mind, and soul. Especially as a mom.
Here are some of my tips for setting realistic resolutions. Continue reading
Unwinding in a fragrant, steaming hot bubble bath. Eating a delicious hot meal slowly and deliberately, savoring every bite and enjoying meaningful conversation. Getting a spa pedicure. Peeing alone. Apparently as a mom, I’m not supposed to want those things. Because if I do it means that I don’t love my kids. Mom guilt is real, and it sucks.
I don’t have anyone to blame for this mentality more than myself. Sure society can be a bit of a jackass sometimes, and make me feel like I should always be overjoyed to be trapped in my home 24/7 with my offspring. I don’t earn an income per se (though let’s not get started on the outrageous daycare savings) and I don’t have a “real job.” I mean, all I do is sit around and watch TV in yoga pants, right?
Cue hysterical laugh. Continue reading
