Wellness

  • Blog, Self-Care

    16 Things Stay-At-Home Moms Can Do Now Kids Are Back in School

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    It’s officially back-to-school season! The two months that you spent with your children non-stop making seemingly endless meals have come to an end. I’m not saying that you didn’t enjoy being with your children but let’s be real, there were times you couldn’t wait for them to go back so that you could get a moment to yourself. You’re human and it’s normal to feel that way. It doesn’t make you a bad mom, I promise. That said, I’m going to compile a list of things stay home moms can do after morning drop-off.

    Go Out And Treat Yourself

    When was the last time you purchased something for yourself? No, I’m not talking about personal items. I’m talking about treating yourself to something that you’ve wanted for a long while or purchased on a whim. Take the time to enjoy the peacefulness of a department browsing aisle by aisle. Go on, treat yourself. You deserve it! I personally love to go to the store right after drop-off as the stores are mostly empty and quiet. Even if I don’t buy something treating myself to a few hours of wandering the mall always lifts my spirit.

    Meet up with friends

    During the summer it can be hard to meet up with friends due to the difference in summer schedules but once school is back in session it can be easier for moms to meet up. Coordinate your schedules and after drop-off meet up for a meal and conversation. Connecting and catching up with friends without children around means you can have adult conversations and be as carefree as you want to be. Make it a standing weekly or monthly gathering as it’s important to maintain and nurture relationships with our girls.

    Workout 

    Keep your mind and body active with daily body movement. Keep your mind sharp and your body healthy with a minimum of 20 minutes of movement a day. This is not a one size fits all routine as everyone’s body is different and requires different needs. The benefits of active body movement are a stronger body, improved sleep quality, decreased stress with the release of endorphins, and eases joint pain and stiffness.

    *Health tip: Check with your physician before you begin any workout routine.

    Take A Nap

    This is actually one of the most consistent things I do. Waking up early to get the kids ready for school morning after morning can take its toll on you, especially if you don’t have good sleeping habits. Taking a nap before pick-up will give you that much-needed boost of energy to get through the rest of the day. Just remember to set your alarm so you don’t oversleep.

    Take An Online Class

    You’re never too old to return to school or learn a new trade. There is no law that says if you’re over a certain age you can’t be in school. That’s hogwash. There is no better time to get or complete your degree or certifications than during your child’s school hours. The quietness of the house will allow you to focus on your course and get it completed before the kids get home from school. With coursework being online you can tailor your school schedule to your home schedule allowing you to dedicate certain days to your education and doing things around the house.

    Start A Small Business

    Not everyone is built for the daily 9 to 5 grind with micromanaging boss hovering over their shoulder every five minutes. Some people are meant to work for themselves. Access your skillsets and look into how you can turn that into a profitable business. If you’re a blogger/influencer who knows the ins and outs of the business you can consult and help other bloggers/influencers hit their goals. If you have corporate talents such as project managing, marketing, or information technology you can utilize your experience to independently aid local businesses.

    Start A Blog

    Speaking of blogging and content creating, you can create a little pocket on the web by creating your own blog or social media channel. The beauty of blogging is it allows you to talk about whatever topic you want and it works around your schedule. You talk about your family, yourself, or a topic that interests you as little or as much as you like whenever you like.

    Binge Watch A Series Or Watch A Movie

    Ahh, yes the pleasure of watching a movie that isn’t the same cartoon your child has made you watch for the thousandth time in a row. Catch a matinee or stay home and watch on demand. We all have that one movie or series that everyone has seen except for you, with the kids in school now is the time to peacefully press play.

    Mom walking children in to school

    Read A Book

    Just like television shows and movies, we all have that one or hundredth book on our shelf that we purchased but haven’t read yet. With the kids in school, you can blow the dust off your to-read list and get a few chapters in. If you’ve read all the books on your shelf (you haven’t) take a ride over to the local bookstore and discover a new author or two, or three. Treating yourself to books is always a good thing.

    Have Sex

    If your partner if you and your partner are fortunate to be home together, take advantage of having the house to yourselves by partaking in a little afternoon delight between meetings.

    Go Out With Your Partner

    Getting out in the evenings can be hard if there is no sitter available which makes day dates a great alternative. Go out to lunch or take a stroll around your neighborhood. Sure you could chill in the house together you always do that. Getting out to connect with one another and talking about things that are important to the both of you that are not related to the kids and house help keeps a relationship strong and the excitement alive.

    Get A Part-Time Job

    Being home all day can be boring and at times feel unfulfilling, especially if you once had a career. Keep your skills sharp and your experience current by getting a part-time job. For a few hours out of the week, you will connect with other adults outside of your personal relationships and earn a little money. In these times, it’s hard for families living on one salary. The second income will be a welcomed addition and takes some of the financial weight off your partner. Make sure to be firm about what times and days you can and cannot work.

    Volunteer Your Time

    If returning to the office isn’t in the cards then consider volunteering. You can work on fulfilling projects that are close to your heart at your leisure. You can volunteer at your child’s school to help execute events and chaperone events. As an alternative, choose a charity, shelter, or join your block association as a way to give back to your community.

    Deep Clean And Organize Your Home

    Trying to deep clean and organize your home can be a difficult task when you have kids around. You pull things out and get too tired to finish because you’ve gotten caught up with them. Ask me how I know. But once they’re back in school you can pretty much do whatever you want with no interruptions. Rearrange a room, clean off your office desk and declutter the drawers, mop the floors without worry of seeing little footprints before it dries, etc. whatever big house project you’ve been meaning to get to, with school back in session now is the time to check it off your to-do list.

    Learn A New Language

    You don’t need to be taking an international trip to learn a new language. People learn new languages to help them move up the corporate ladder, improve one’s memory, integrate themselves into a new community, and for pure fun. There are a number of popular second languages to choose from like Chinese, Spanish, French, Arabic, Italian, German, and more!

    Bask In The Silence

    Do you hear that? Yeah, it’s the sound of silence. Enjoy every moment of it.

    Mom walking children in to school

    As you can see there is a long list of things stay home moms can do once the kiddies head back to the classroom. Which one are you planning to do first?

  • Blog, Self-Care

    You Deserve Me Time! Here’s How You Can Go About Getting It

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    Being a mom is no walk in the park. There will be occasions when you’ll feel tired, irritated, overburdened, and so many other emotions in between, and for those reasons, one should never feel guilty about putting themselves first from time to time.

    It cannot be stressed enough, that if you don’t carve out time for yourself, you’ll find yourself continually fighting (and failing) to maintain your senses. Of course, your children are your first priority, but we should also remember not to neglect our personal pleasures and desires. That said, let’s talk about why moms deserve me time and how you can get it in spite of your hectic schedule.

    Pros For Taking Me Time

    A Chance To Recharge Your Energy

    Between work deadlines, running the kids between school and their extracurriculars, to caring for other family members who depend on you, your week (and sometimes weekends) is jammed packed. This full schedule makes it highly probable that you’re too exhausted to even function by week’s end. Nevertheless, you push yourself to go above and beyond to satisfy your obligations. By taking some time for yourself, you will regain your energy In the end, this will encourage you to pick up where you left off and finish the tasks at hand with enthusiasm.

    In What Seems Like a Fraction of Seconds, Your Child Will Grow Up

    Every mother’s greatest fear is that their child will grow up too quickly. You will miss out on a lot of these critical memories if you are continually too exhausted to pay attention to the tiny things. Additionally, you will find it difficult to maintain your happiness once your child leaves the house. As a result, it’s crucial to have some independent activities that serve as your motivation.

    Your Child(ren) Benefits From Your Me Time as Well

    This is two-fold. First, you’ll be more encouraged to set aside some me time once you realize how important it is for you to allow your child to be self-reliant. It will be challenging to teach your child to do activities on their own or to entertain themselves while you take a moment for yourself.  Secondly, because you’re taking time for yourself and refilling your self-care cup your child(ren) will see you more relaxed, energetic, and engaged.

    It Allows You to Reconnect With Other Loved Ones

    When you are so busy caring for your babies, it sometimes seems impossible to keep in touch with everyone else. But this type of disconnect can affect you mentally in the long run. If you keep aside some “me time” – you can utilize it to reconnect with old friends or simply spend time with family members you haven’t seen in a while.

    Ultimately, You Progress As A Mother

    You must have the stamina to cope with the frequent changes and difficult obstacles if you want to be the best mother you can be. You finally allow yourself to become a better version of yourself when you allow yourself the time to accomplish the things that bring you joy. In this way, you will have the patience necessary to support your child in every way. In order to finally become a better mom, you must prioritize me time.

    Woman resting on couch with eyes closed

    Getting Me Time: How Do You Do It?

    Time to Reconsider Your Sleep Routine

    How are you winding down before bedtime? Are you creating an atmosphere that tells your body that it’s time to wind down for rest? Having a sleep routine not only prepares your body for sleep. It also helps your body sleep peacefully once your body is in the bed.

    My personal sleep routine consists of a warm shower, a cup of hot tea or cold water (depending on the season), moisturizing my skin, and I listen to relaxing instrumental sounds. This routine takes less than an hour to complete. Create a bedtime routine that works for you, tweak it, and most importantly – stick with it.

    If Necessary, Officially Include Me Time In Your Schedule

    I’m here to tell you, get your me time in whenever you’re able. Schedule it if your schedule may not leave room for spontaneity. Never feel bad for scheduling a brief period of time to do nothing but what you want. To focus on your activities without distractions, leave the kids with their dad or you can ask a loved one to watch your child during that time. Seeing that free time on your calendar will give you something to look forward to.

    Your Free Time Should Be Used Sensibly

    It’s so easy to just lounge around without realizing how much time has passed. Nonetheless, it’s paramount that you utilize your spare time to complete tasks that make you feel satisfied. Don’t get me wrong I’m not knocking a good nap but it’s good to get out of the house for a little fresh air.

    Before you leave the house, plan in advance how you want to spend your free time. Think about whether you want to concentrate on a hobby or take a long walk. Whichever you choose, make sure your free time will be spent doing things that will bring you joy.

    If you really want to stay in the house (as I’m prone to do) you can use the time for yourself to work on projects that you’ve been putting off. It could be working on a family photo collage, organizing your work area, or tending the garden.

    Feel Free to Request Assistance Occasionally

    Because we don’t want to burden others with their duties, most moms frequently prefer to manage everything on their own. But on occasion, it’s totally acceptable to request assistance from loved ones so that you can take a short breath. Your family and friends care about your well-being they will not mind watching the little ones for a little while, trust me.

    Never Forget That You Are the Best Mother for Your Kids!

    You’ll have days when you feel like you’re not taking the best care of your kids. On those occasions, you should be kind to yourself and keep in mind how well you’re doing.

    I shared why you deserve me time and I’ve also provided you with some strategies for finding that time, even on the busiest of days. Hopefully, you can now routinely allow yourself to relax and enjoy your life as a mother.

  • Health & Wellness

    Soak Up The Sun With These 12 Summertime Wellness Activities

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    Summer is in full swing and just because the kids are home that doesn’t mean you have to deprive yourself of these summertime wellness activities. Take some time to recharge yourself with these fun things to do that’ll get you feeling rejuvenated.

    Visit Farmers Market

    If you love experimenting in the kitchen trips to the farmer’s market will surely be among your favorite things to do. There you’ll be able to find fresh seasonal produce and other products from local businesses and farms. Additionally, these markets provide an opportunity for you to sample the foods and partake in a few fun activities.

    Enjoy Some Summery Delicacies!

    Speaking of the farmer’s market, take those newly purchased ingredients and create a delicious dish with them. Depending on your mood, you can spend time in the kitchen creating alone or invite family or a few friends to join you. If it’s too hot to put the stove on, go out and sample some summer-themed cuisine. Whether you cook or go out, you can instantly improve your mood with food, plus discover some new recipes along the way that you might just adore.

    Outdoor Fitness

    If you don’t want to spend money on a gym membership or are tired of working out in the house, opt for a new change of scenery and go to the park. Summer is the ideal season to work out outside and take advantage of the wonderful weather. If you have a backyard, even better, especially if you’re someone who prefers their privacy. But if that’s not an option for you then public parks, it is! Did you know, that public parks host fitness classes and also have fitness equipment that you can use? It’s true. If you’re an NYC resident, the Parks & Rec site offers a plethora of outdoor fitness activities that are worth checking out. You can check your own local Parks & Rec site for activities near your home. This summer (and every summer), you should absolutely make it a point to exercise outside.

    Health Tip 1: While summer provides an opportunity to take your fitness routine outdoors, avoid working out in excessive heat as it can cause a myriad of health issues such as heat cramps, heat-related collapse, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. Warning signs include excessive sweating, dizziness, headache, nausea or vomiting, fatigue, vision issues, low blood pressure, and confusion. Read more on Mayo Clinic, on how heat affects your body. 

    Health Tip 2: Avoiding the sun at its highest peak between the hours of 11am and 2pm, drink plenty of cold water, dress lightly in breathable pieces of cotton to avoid heavy sweating, and eat a popsicle or drink a smoothie, not just because they’re tasty, but because they will help cool you down. 

    Challenge Your Photography Skills

    Whether a novice or an expert behind the lens, if you love taking photos summer is the perfect time to rediscover your city. Take a few hours, regardless of weather, to visit locations you regularly frequent or seek out places you haven’t previously been to and capture what makes these places unique and special to you. If you’re new to photography this will also be a great learning approach while you enhance your skills.

    Bike Ride

    While all of these activities are fun, bike riding has long been my personal favorite. You can see a lot more of your neighborhood on a bike than you can on foot at any given time. Check your neighborhood for the Citibikes if you don’t own one and get out there and discover the world around you. Even if you’ve been a part of the area for a while there is a slew of health benefits associated with such as reducing stress, it will help you sleep better, and can boost your energy.

    Personal Tip: Sometimes I like to combine walking and cycling. I’ll usually walk until I’ve decided I’ve walked far enough then seek out a Citibike to ride back home. 

    Start Home Garden

    Starting your own home garden is a lot of work I’m not going to lie to you, but it can also be super beneficial and fun. Not only can a home garden give you something to do regularly, maintaining a garden can also improve your mental and physical wellness health putting you in a calming mood. According to a meta-analysis from a 2017 Preventative Medicine Report, gardening has shown a  reduction in depression and anxiety, while showing an increase in life satisfaction. Not only do you get to grow whatever you want, but you also have a great activity to keep you busy throughout the summer and beyond.

    Take A Road Trip

    When you go on a road trip with family or friends, you can create priceless experiences that you can look back on. Along the trip, you get the chance to catch up with friends and relax. Road trips are year-round fun but during the summer months can be even more enjoyable. Depending on where you travel the summer months are ideal for road trips across the U.S. World of Wanderlust has a fantastic listing of 15 places to road trip during the summer that is absolutely worth checking out. While I enjoy a good spur-of-the-moment local road trip if you set aside enough advanced time with thorough research your next road trip will allow you to explore various parts of the country.

    Health Tip: Ensure you get enough sleep before getting behind the wheel. Driving for long hours can take a toll on your back and legs be sure to have proper driving posture. Download road trip-based apps like Roadtrippers. It allows you to plan your route showing you how much time it will take and things to do between your start point and your destination. Make a playlist or listen to an audiobook to starve off boredom. In the event, your body starts to get tired you can do some car stretches for relief.

    Reminder: Don’t forget to bring your charger!!

    Go for a Neighborhood Walk or Hike

    It goes without saying that summertime walks and hikes are more enjoyable because of the warmer weather. Wandering around the neighborhood has always been my personal favorite. It’s what I consider an easy way to escape the confines (and noise) of the house. It’s also a great way to discover new local businesses. If you want to venture a little further away from home, you can go on a hike. See your town in a whole new light from on top of a mountain.

    In addition to being incredibly physically gratifying, walks are known to be a fantastic way to decrease anxiety, burns calories, boosts your creativity, clears your mind, and release endorphins to make you feel happier. Walking is truly one of those activities that can lift your spirits and put your mind at ease.

    Health Tip: Avoid walking and hiking on extremely hot days. Being outdoors for too long can cause heat cramps, heat-related collapse, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. Warning signs include excessive sweating, dizziness, headache, nausea or vomiting, fatigue, vision issues, low blood pressure, and confusion.

    Organize A Picnic Alone Or With Friends

    Everyone loves picnics, and summer is the perfect season to head outside with some delicious food and soak in the surroundings. Nothing can bring you more joy than dining with the people you care about. You also get some free time to relax and chat while enjoying the lovely weather. Picnics are very inexpensive and simple to set up. Make it a potluck in which everyone brings a dish and a drink so this way one person isn’t doing all the preparing. These outdoor meals can be as fancy or simple as you want, and they can even have a theme to make them fun. The goal is to eat good food, sip delicious drinks, and enjoy everyone’s company.

    Spend Time In The Park

    Parks are such peaceful and healthy places to visit. There are so many things to do from walking, biking, or laying on the grass. According to the National Recreation and Park Association, people who spent time surrounded by greenery saw “improved blood pressure and cholesterol levels, reduced stress, improved general health perceptions, and a greater ability to face problems.”  That said, grab a blanket and head to the park, find a shady tree, and spend the time taking in the scenery around you. Bring a snack and a drink along with a book, journal, or some music that’ll put you in a good mood.

    It’s Time to Cool Off in the Water

    Swimming is a great summertime wellness activity, and no list would be complete without it. Pool time is not only a perfect way to beat the heat, but it will also allow you to unwind after a demanding day or week at work. If you’re lucky enough to have a pool in your backyard or in your building make some time to escape whenever it best fits your schedule. But for those of us who aren’t so fortunate, you can seek out community pools or your local hotels. During the summer some hotels, with outdoor pools offer day passes so you can lounge all day.

    Additionally, swimming is packed full of health and wellness benefits such as reducing stress, providing you a full-body workout, you can burn calories, increasing your energy levels, and as a whole is great for your overall well-being especially when paired with healthy eating habits.

    Try A New Flavor of Ice Cream

    Whether from an ice cream shop or off of a truck, enjoying an ice cream cone is an ultimate cool-down snack escape. Get a couple of scoops of your favorite flavors or you can be bold and daring and try something completely new. The only health benefit of ice cream is that it makes us happy, and that’s the ONLY benefit that matters.

    What summertime wellness activities will you be partaking in?

  • Blog, Self-Care

    Simple Morning Self-Care Routine Ideas To Help Get Your Day Started

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    For most of my life, I’ve never been a morning person. As a mom, that’s changed. Getting up before the sun is all a part of parenthood. Despite the mental pains of rising early, I discovered some positives to it. I realized after school drop-off I fell into specific habits which ultimately became my morning self-care routine.

    This routine consisted of taking a slow walk around the neighborhood before heading back home, showering, having breakfast with a cup of tea, listening to meditative sounds, and putting on my diffuser to signify the start of my day.

    The thing about a morning self-care routine is that it doesn’t have to take all morning. It’s whatever you want it to be for however long you want it to last. It’s about ensuring you’ll be starting the day feeling at peace with yourself. Without my morning self-care routine, my day would seem incomplete.

     Morning Self-Care Routine Ideas To Get Your Day Started

    morning self-care routine

    Make breakfast / Hydrate

    You cannot start the day without breakfast. Make a little something to eat that will give you a morning energy boost that will last the morning. Don’t forget to remain hydrated throughout the day.

    Make bed / Tidy space

    When your space is tidy your mind and spirit will be clear as well. So make your bed, sweep the floors, fluff the pillows, remove dust from your furniture, and crack the window to let a little fresh air in. You’ll be shocked to discover that you won’t be tired but instead full of energy – enough to tackle the day.

    Exercise / Yoga

    Get your body moving with 20 to 30 minutes of exercise or yoga. Working out stimulates your body and gets you feeling in a better mood, boosts energy, and improves your body’s overall health.

    Meditate / Pray

    Meditation can help you clear your mind of stressors and organizes jumbled thoughts and ideas. It also allows you to really tap into your deepest thoughts and feelings.  You can meditate anywhere in your home or even outside. Choose a spot either on the floor sitting or laying the floor, whichever is comfortable, set a timer, play music or not, take note of your body and breath, let your mind wander letting thoughts come and go with ease. Praying works the same exact way instead you can read religious verses to gain wisdom and to connect further with the higher power above. Meditate and pray for as long as necessary.

    Spend time outdoors

    Going outside, especially in nature, has a number of benefits from improving your overall emotional mood, lowering stress, and helps you find inspiration. You can connect with yourself and the outdoor world around you by going on neighborhood walks, sitting in the park, going on a hike, and even sitting under a tree in the park. The possibilities for outdoor fun are endless.

    Play music that makes you feel good

    Aside from working out, music that makes you feel good is another way to get the body going. Dance around letting the music take hold of you. Use those happy vibes to release anything that’s pent up inside you.

    Take an indulgent shower or bath

    Showering is an ultimate act of privacy. Bathing is more than just washing away the dirt and sweat. It’s really about connecting with yourself and being fully present in the moment. Showers can alter our whole mood for the day. We start out feeling sluggish and unwilling to do anything but after showering we’re given an instant pick me up and are ready to face the day.

    Read / Journal / Update planner

    Read books that will feed your soul. Whatever topic or genre you feel compelled to read, dive into that. If you choose not to read then you can journal your thoughts and feelings. Oh, and don’t forget to keep your planner up to date for the day, week, and month so no appointments are forgotten.

    Unplug from social / Turn off ringer

    Unplugging from social and/or keeping your ringer off is a way to guarantee that your morning routine will not be disturbed. Social media timelines can be overwhelming at times and that’s not the first thing you want to look at in the morning.

    Set goals for the day

    Have things to do for the day? Now is your time to map them out so you can clearly see how your time will be spent for the day.

    Recite positive affirmations

    Reciting positive phrases to yourself in the mirror may sound silly but I assure you it’s not. Telling yourself these positive messages will empower you, help your focus on your goals, and most importantly, removes negative self-doubt from your mind.

    Spend time on a hobby or new activity

    Working on a hobby or discovering a new one is always fun. Work on a puzzle, learn to knit, or take up photography – the possibilities are endless on how you want to spend your time.

    morning self-care routine

    Click For Free Printable Download: Free Morning Self-Care Routine (48 downloads)