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(MUM FRIENDLY) Self Care Tips To Keep This Year
Research has proved that the more we make time for our own SELF CARE, the more productive, energized and over all, healthier we will be. I know plenty of us find it hard to find the time to do so.
Becoming a new mum myself, I can definitely say this is a lot harder as the shift in my routine is focused entirely on my baby and no longer on myself. However when I realized that I was not giving myself any self care, I was very tired, unhappy and very unproductive. So as previously mentioned to my Instagram followers, this year I did not want to make any New Years Resolutions, but instead set a New Year's Intention, which after having a baby for me, I chose the word NOURISHMENT. I needed to NOURISH my body again, both physically and mentally, through recovery after labor, without any pressure on myself.
So once my routine with my little one began to settle in, I started to appreciate the little self care time moments and time I got for myself, I was more mindful about them and realized that no matter how little it was, every little bit counts.
* PLANT A SEED. Plants produce cleaner air and exposure to plants and flowers can boost your mood. So whether you decide to grow a new plant or if your like me, ( not much known to keep them alive ) then purchase a small bouquet of flowers instead........these aesthetically will brighten up your room as well as your mood when you see them. Flowers sent to me after I came home from hospital, worked so well for me when I was stuck at home recovering.
*GET OUTSIDE. A short visit outdoors makes a huge difference to boost your mood and energy. a breath of fresh air can help when you feel that cabin fever by staying inside for long days at home or long periods of time in the office. Grab your bag or your baby and head for a walk around the block, you will be surprised how much better you will feel out in the sunshine and in Malta we are lucky to have plenty of it.
*EXERCISE REGULARLY. NO matter how long or how short your session is, every movement in the body counts and will bring on those happy hormones. Get your body moving while your baby is having a nap OR while he/she is awake and get him or her involved, they will love it. You will definitely feel more confident, stronger, energized and in a better mood when you get the heart and blood pumping. By doing this you are also setting a good example for your kids. Check out my FREE home workouts that are short, fast and effective ( child friendly too!) here.
* SAY NO. Sometimes we put more pressure and stress on ourselves by saying YES to everything and everyone. Then the tension and stress builds when we are trying to keep up with everything, all the deadlines and all the social events. So manage your time with people and your to do list more effectively and do not feel guilty for saying NO when you need to. I learnt this when I did not feel like visitors or had no energy over the holidays since I was still recovering and I did not feel guilty at all as it was the best thing for me and my baby.
* MEDITATE FOR 5 MINUTES. We have all heard of the benefits of mediation. Sitting or lying down in a calm and deep breathing position, focusing only on our breath and emptying our mind, works wonders! You do not have to do it for that long. You can start with 5 minutes any time of the day and build it up from there if you can manage. If you struggle to shut off your brain, then you can listen to a soothing song or even focus on an Affirmation or Mantra or listen to your breathing. My son brought me this calm feeling, when he falls asleep in my arms and I sit and focus on our breathing for a few minutes.
* MAKE SURE TO TAKE A BREAK. Schedule in that exercise session or arrange to take your leave from work, book that weekend break or vacation, book in that massage. If your on a budget, have a weekend where you do absolutely nothing at all. Having something to look forward to gives you a greater sense of pleasure and boosts those happy hormones as you de- stress.
* GRATITUDE. At the end of the day, while you brush your teeth or get ready for bed, or as you lay your head down on the pillow, think of 3 things you are grateful for that day. Practicing gratitude brings us more abundance in our life. This helps decrease anxiety and depression and increases our mindfulness. No matter how small or big, we all have something to be grateful for in a day.
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