Tag: self care for moms

How to Take Care of Your Mental Health as a First-Time Mom

The pregnancy period, labor and caring for a newborn are all challenging parts of a new life as a mom. These parts take a toll on both our physical and mental health as a first-time mom. When mom is happy and healthy, so is the baby. Hence, new moms should pay special attention to maintaining their mental health in order to raise a happy and healthy child. After giving birth, moms often focus on their newborns and neglect their needs. Due to those reasons, they often disregard their physical and mental health. That’s why postpartum depression frequently happens. 

How To Take Care of Your Mental Health as a First-Time Mom
*This is a guest post and all opinions are those of the author. This post may also contain affiliate and/or paid links. Rest assured that we only work with companies and individuals that we trust. While some of those companies and individuals may work in the medical field, this post is not intended to be a substitution for medical advice. Always speak to your doctor if you have concerns about your mental or physical health.

You have a lot to take in as a first-time mom. Regardless, you shouldn’t neglect your mental health. To avoid doing that, you should learn how to recognize a mental health issue, for starters. Then, you should reduce your to-do list. It’s essential to indulge in self-care to maintain your mental health. Decreasing the time you spend on social media can also have positive effects on your mental health. And finally, what also helps is practicing positive self-talk.

Recognize a mental health issue

To maintain your mental health as a first-time mom, you should first be aware of its importance. Only after you’ve grasped its importance can you focus on recognizing a mental health issue. The more you know about the most frequent mental health issues for new moms, the quicker you can start dealing with them. After delivery and follow-up appointments, most doctors discuss signs of postpartum depression with their patients. Typical signs of postpartum depression include lack of sleep, focus and overwhelming feeling of sadness and irritability. Other common mental health issues that can affect new moms are clinical depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder. There are therapies that can treat each of these.

no mood disorder vs the baby blues vs postpartum anxiety vs postpartum depression
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Reduce your to-do list

When you give birth and come home from the maternity hospital, you’ll have a lot of daily tasks related to your baby. And this should be your main focus. The baby requires constant care. It will nap, eat and need a frequent diaper change. That leaves you little time for other household chores. You shouldn’t force yourself to try and do everything, because it’s almost impossible. And what’s more, it can lead to mom burnout, which can cause other issues. So, to avoid this from happening, you can ask a family member to help you or hire temporary help. Try to minimize the necessary errands by shopping online for newborn baby clothes or groceries.

Indulge in self-care

Self-care is an integral part of our mental health. Everybody should indulge in some form of self-care, especially first-time moms. That doesn’t mean that you need to spend hours at the gym or spa. You simply need to do something that relaxes you. That can be reading a good book, taking a brisk walk, going for a swim or booking a relaxing massage. You shouldn’t feel guilty for doing this. You know what they say – a happy mom equals a happy family. Keep that in mind. You deserve to take a break and devote some time to yourself. 

Decrease the time you spend on social media

Spending way too much time on social media can have detrimental effects on our self-esteem, well-being and mental health as a first-time mom. To avoid that, it would perhaps be the ideal time to take a social media break and go offline for some time. In that way, you will be able to focus more on your newborn and nurturing yourself. You will also be less inclined to compare yourself to other moms and your baby to other babies. 

Unique Ways to Promote Confidence Postpartum

Practice positive self-talk 

Being a new parent, more specifically a new mom, as moms tend to spend practically their whole day together with their baby, is quite challenging. It is also exhilarating at times. This is all normal, most parents have good and bad days. One of the best ways to make yourself feel good about yourself is to engage in positive self-talk. It will be crucial in those moments when you’re having bad days. Positive self-talk will allow you to focus on the positive things and in that way, boost your self-confidence. It’s difficult to start practicing it, but once you have a grip, it becomes much easier.  
 
Being a mom is one of the best ‘jobs’ in the world. It is also one of the most important ones. That’s why you should do whatever makes you happy and calm. 

Author Bio

Jess Cooper is a part-time journalist and blogger based in Sydney, Australia. She is an energetic, creative highly motivated person with plenty of interests. The most prominent areas of interest include makeup and cosmetics, fashion, style, event organization and decoration, healthy food, fitness, learning languages as well as home improvement. Jess loves learning about new things and having the chance to combine those insights with her ideas and spread them to the world. She enjoys having a mindful and well-organized, healthy life, filled with all kinds of different activities and interwoven with close friendships.  

How to Stay Healthy and Fit as You Age

As you age, it’s more essential than ever to stay fit and healthy. Staying active and eating a healthy diet can help you stay strong and independent well into your golden years.

One of the biggest benefits of staying fit as you age is that it can help prevent chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Exercise can also help reduce the risk of falls and fractures and keep your bones and joints healthy.

Staying fit and healthy also allows you to look good. But you can also go through a non-invasive tummy fat removal procedure to make you look slimmer without exercising too much. The company performing the procedure should have the equipment and experience to ensure its success.

So, it’s essential to stay healthy and fit. Here are a few tips to help you do just that.

How to Stay Healthy and Fit as You Age
*This is a collaborative post and may contain affiliate and/or paid links which means that if you click on one of these links and buy a product, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Rest assured that we only recommend products that we love from companies that we trust. Furthermore, we are not medical professionals and nothing in this post should be taken as medical advice. Always speak to your doctor if you have concerns about your mental or physical health.

Exercise regularly.

Exercising regularly has many benefits, including reducing the risk of developing chronic diseases like heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. It can also help to control weight, reduce stress levels, and improve mental well-being.

If you’re not used to exercising, start slowly and build up gradually. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity on most days of the week. This can be broken down into shorter periods of 10 minutes or more.

Some simple exercises that can help to get you started include walking, swimming, and cycling. If you have any health concerns, talk to your doctor before starting an exercise program.

Eat a healthy diet filled with fruits and vegetables.

A healthy diet is important at any age, but it’s especially crucial as you get older. Eating a balanced mix of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains helps keep your body strong and functioning properly. A healthy diet can also help reduce your risk of developing chronic health conditions like heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. So make sure to fill your plate with plenty of healthy foods every day.

Drink plenty of water throughout the day.

Water is essential for our bodies to function properly. It helps regulate our body temperature, transports nutrients and oxygen to our cells, and flushes toxins. We need to drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay healthy and fit as we age. Dehydration can lead to several health problems, including fatigue, headaches, and dizziness. So, make sure to drink plenty of water every day. Aim for eight glasses a day.

Sleep Deprivation: How it Affects Your Daily Life

Make sure to get enough sleep.

Our bodies need more sleep to recover from the day’s activities as we age. Sleep helps to repair and rejuvenate our cells, muscles, and tissues. It also helps regulate our hormones and mood. Without enough sleep, we can start to feel run-down and irritable. Our mental and physical performance can suffer.

Try to get at least seven to eight hours of sleep every night. If you have trouble sleeping, talk to your doctor about ways to improve your sleep habits.

Stay active and don’t spend too much time sitting down.

Sitting down for too long can lead to a sedentary lifestyle, increasing the risk of health problems such as obesity, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. To stay healthy and fit as you age, it is important to stay active and not spend too much time sitting down. Try to stand up and move around for at least a few minutes every hour, and get regular exercise. Regular physical activity can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases and improve overall health.

There are a few things you can do to make sure you stay active and don’t spend too much time sitting down:
      • Set a timer to remind yourself to stand up and move around every hour.
      • Get regular exercise, such as walking, biking, or swimming.
      • Do strength training exercises a few times per week.
      • Stretch or do yoga every day.
      • Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
      • Walk or ride your bike instead of driving whenever possible.

25 Easy Outdoor Self Care Ideas

Talk to your doctor about how to stay healthy as you age.

It’s important to talk to your doctor about how you can stay healthy as you age. They can help you develop a plan to stay fit and healthy and ensure that you’re doing everything you can to stay in good health.

Your doctor can also help you keep an eye on any health problems that might arise as you age, and can help you catch them early. This is especially important for heart disease, cancer, and other chronic conditions.

Don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor about staying healthy as you age. They can offer valuable guidance and advice to help you stay in good health for years to come.

As we age, it’s important to stay healthy and fit. Following the tips in the article can help us stay active and avoid developing chronic health conditions. You can stay healthy and fit well into your later years with a little effort.

At-Home Activities To Improve Mental Health

Taking care of yourself and your mental health when you’ve just brought a baby into the world can be tough. Babies need a lot of attention, but that doesn’t mean you can’t give any attention to yourself. You can do these at-home activities to improve mental health in quick bursts or long stretches, and they’ll help you relax while having fun.

At-Home Activities to Improve Mental Health
*This is a guest post and all opinions are those of the author. This post may also contain affiliate and/or paid links. Rest assured that we only work with companies and individuals that we trust. While some of those companies and individuals may work in the medical field, this post is not intended to be a substitution for medical advice. Always speak to your doctor if you have concerns about your mental or physical health.

Read a Book

Reading can help decrease depression symptoms, blood pressure, and heart rate, resulting in a relaxing escape that benefits both the mind and body. You can read whatever interests you, but fictional books have additional benefits compared to nonfiction. Through fiction, readers of all ages develop social skills, empathy, and interpersonal understanding. No matter what you choose, reading can help improve focus, and finishing a book provides a great sense of accomplishment.

Get Active

With sleep deprivation and an active feeding schedule, most new moms dread hearing advice to “get active.” Despite this, physical exercise remains one of the best ways to improve mental health as it elevates your heart rate, which increases blood circulation and boosts endorphins. Aerobic exercises such as walking and dancing can reduce anxiety and depression, improve sleep, relieve stress, increase energy and stamina, uplift mood, enhance mental alertness, and encourage heart health.

If aerobic exercise doesn’t sound right for you, try yoga. This activity is ideal for people at any fitness level and can improve emotional balance and stress levels with concentrated breathing. It’s also good for your body, releasing endorphins and developing muscle tone and flexibility.

Self-Care Tips for Stay-At-Home Moms

Do a Puzzle

You may not think that you have the right type of personality for puzzles, but anyone who is imaginative, goal-oriented, meditative, or cooperative will enjoy a puzzle. Puzzles come in a variety of sizes and cuts, so you can pick something that will be both challenging and fun. No matter their size or cut, puzzles can improve cognition, visual-spatial reasoning, concentration, short-term memory, and problem-solving. Keep in mind that you don’t have to do a puzzle all at once either. You can piece together sections as you have time, enjoying both the process and the end result.

Take a Bath

While most new moms take quick showers to stay clean and move on to the rest of their routine, taking time for a bath has mental health benefits. A 30-minute hot bath can lessen depression and allow for meditation and deep breathing, which help improve mental health. Including calming scents, such as lavender and sandalwood, can also improve mood and reduce stress.

Make a self care sanctuary

Reading, exercising, doing puzzles, and taking baths are all at-home activities to improve mental health that you’ll find both relaxing and fun. Taking time for these activities will allow you to better care for yourself, which is essential as a new mom. 

Author Bio

Christina Duron is a writer living in the Chicagoland area. Her passion for writing and mental health help create thought provoking and engaging pieces and hopes to use them to empower mothers and women to embrace the beauty of motherhood.
 

Common Signs of Aging and How to Fight Them

As we age, our bodies change in many ways and the signs of aging become more evident.  We may start to see wrinkles form on our skin or gray hairs appear. Our metabolism may slow down, and we may lose muscle mass. These changes are natural, but they can be frustrating.

When these changes occur, some people suffer emotionally as well as physically. It’s important to remember that aging is a natural process, and there are steps you can take to help yourself feel better about the way you look and feel.

Fortunately, there are things we can do to fight the signs of aging. This article will discuss some common signs of aging and what you can do to help reduce their effects.

Common Signs of Aging and How to Fight Them
*This is a collaborative post and may contain affiliate and/or paid links which means that if you click on one of these links and buy a product, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Rest assured that we only recommend products that we love from companies that we trust. Furthermore, we are not medical professionals and nothing in this post should be taken as medical advice. Always speak to your doctor if you have concerns about your mental or physical health.

Wrinkles

Wrinkles are one of the most visible signs of aging, and they can be very frustrating. However, there are several things you can do to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

As we age, our bodies produce less and less collagen and elastin. This causes the skin to become thinner and less elastic. The result is wrinkled skin.

There are several things you can do to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles. One is to use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. This will help protect your skin from damage from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays, contributing to wrinkles.

Another thing you can do is to use a retinoid cream or natural alternative. Retinoids are compounds that are derived from vitamin A. They help stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, which can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

Some cosmetic procedures can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles. These include laser resurfacing, microdermabrasion, and chemical peels.

Age Spots

Age spots are another common sign of aging. They are dark patches on the skin caused by sun damage, exposure to chemicals, or other factors. The spots occur when the skin produces too much melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color.

How can you fight age spots? Here are some tips:

      • Use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to help protect your skin from UV rays. 
      • Use a retinoid cream to help stimulate the production of collagen and elastin. You can also use an overnight serum for the face to help brighten your complexion. 
      • Try a chemical peel to help improve the appearance of age spots. 
      • Use microdermabrasion to help exfoliate the skin and reduce the appearance of age spots. 
      • Some cosmetic procedures can help reduce the appearance of age spots. These include laser resurfacing, microdermabrasion and chemicals.

      6 Helpful Tips to Improve Your Skincare Routine

      Skin Dullness

      As we age, our skin can become dull and dry. This is because collagen and elastin production slows down, and the skin doesn’t retain moisture as well. Dull skin can make you look tired and can age you.

      You can do several things to help brighten your skin and give it a more youthful appearance. One is to use a retinoid cream. Retinoids are designed to stimulate collagen and elastin production, improving the appearance of the skin.

      Another thing you can do is to use a brightening serum for the face. This will help to exfoliate the skin and make it look brighter.

      Dry Skin

      Dry skin is another common problem as we age. The skin doesn’t retain moisture and can become irritated quickly. When your skin is dry, it can lead to wrinkles, age spots, and dullness.

      There are several things you can do to help moisturize your skin and reduce the appearance of dryness. One is to use a humidifier in your home, which will add moisture to the air and help to keep your skin hydrated.

      Another thing you can do is to use a hyaluronic acid serum. Hyaluronic acid is a compound that helps the skin to retain moisture. It’s found naturally in the body, but it decreases as we age.

      You can also use a moisturizer containing shea butter, cocoa butter, or jojoba oil. These ingredients will help to nourish and moisturize your skin.

      Sagging Skin

      As we age, our skin loses elasticity and can start to sag. This can be especially noticeable in the face, neck, and hands. Sagging skin can make you look older and can be very frustrating.

      There are several things you can do to help tighten your skin and reduce the appearance of sagging. You can use retinoid cream. It stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, which improves the appearance of your skin.

      Another thing you can do is to use a firming serum for the face. This will help tighten your skin and give it a more youthful appearance.

      Skincare Tips for Healthy Skin During Self Isolation

      The Bottom Line

      There are several common signs of aging, but there are also ways to help fight them. Use sunscreen, moisturize your skin, and use a retinoid cream to help improve the appearance of wrinkles. You can also try a chemical peel or microdermabrasion to help reduce the appearance of age spots. For sagging skin, use a firming serum to help tighten your skin. By following these tips, you can help keep your skin looking young and healthy.

A Mom’s Guide to a Sunday Reset Routine

As a new week comes creeping in, it’s normal for both moms and their kids to be consumed by Sunday dread. Let’s face it—your kids probably don’t want to go back to school, and you might not be mentally prepared to juggle pickups, drop offs, practices, recitals, and play dates. It’s overwhelming just typing about it. 

However, with a thoroughly planned schedule, you can turn the Sunday scaries into a time for self-reflection and knocking out the tasks that have been weighing you down. Keep reading to learn more about a Sunday reset routine, how to organize them, and how to set your family up for a successful week ahead.

A Mom's Guide to a Sunday Reset Routine
*This is a guest post and all opinions are those of the author. This post may also contain affiliate and/or paid links. Rest assured that we only work with companies and individuals that we trust. While some of those companies and individuals may work in the medical field, this post is not intended to be a substitution for medical advice. Always speak to your doctor if you have concerns about your mental or physical health.

What is a Sunday Reset?

A Sunday reset routine is essential for all busy moms and can help you center yourself for the week ahead. By listing out all of the things you need to do for the week and the order in which you’d like to complete them, you can become a taskmaster and supermom. 

Or maybe you have some chores you’d like to accomplish before the chaotic week rolls around. You can schedule large, medium, and small tasks to yourself so you can move forward through the week with a clear mind and clean home. 

How To Create a Sunday Reset for Your Family

Since a Sunday reset routine is all about tuning in to your personal and familial needs, it’s important to balance out the tasks you will choose to complete. You can do these in four simple steps:

1. Evaluate

First things first, take a deep breath and a look around at what you’d like to accomplish for the day and week ahead. It’s important that you reflect on your previous week and the various roadblocks that stood in your way, or the achievements that made you proud of your hard work. 

Were there any moments where you ran late for a practice or for dropping the kids off at school? Adjust your schedule and how you can herd your kids to get them somewhere on time. Did you not get enough alone time? Find a gap in the schedule where you can take a bath, get some fresh air, or read a chapter of a book.

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2. Plan

Planning is when you can take your evaluation stage to the next level. This is where you journal, write a to-do list, or comprehensively plan everything you’ll accomplish in the upcoming week. 

A tried and true method is the 1-3-5 rule: Pick a single major task (like scheduling a family doctor appointment or grocery shopping), three intermediate tasks (taking the family dog on a walk or cleaning the kitchen), and five small tasks (calling a loved one or doing your nails) to focus on during your Sunday reset routine. This can help you create a rigorous schedule that will give you a feeling of fulfillment before the work week starts.

3. Reset

The most important part of your Sunday reset routine is, well, the reset. Approach it with intentionality and purpose. Whatever is on your checklist should get done so it doesn’t keep you up at night.

Whether your checklist is full of busy work and chores or more focused on being a guided meditation for mental wellness, be present throughout the process. Putting your plans into action can be a fulfilling experience, and making it a routine can be a great way to inject this fulfillment into every week.

4. Rest

When it’s all said and done, you should end your weekly wellness reset on a relaxing note. Whether this means spending some quality time with your kids or getting some time away from them, make sure you find fulfillment in your resting time. 

Use this time to complete a relaxing small task that you assigned for yourself. Do some yoga, read a book under a fluffy blanket, or even take a small nap. This rest is an important detail when completing your routine and getting ready to tackle the next week. 

5 Self-Care Tips for a More Productive Week

Sunday Reset Routines for Busy Moms

If you’ve had an insanely busy week and feel like your hair is sticking up from all ends, then maybe organize your Sunday reset around relaxing. If you’ve ever had the “feminine urge to just not,” you might benefit from sleeping in or moving mindfully with a low-energy workout. 

Keeping a low profile and staying off of social media or technology may also benefit you. Why not nourish your body and mind with an empowering smoothie or other fresh food? Take time to reset your body and mind.

The “That Mom” Sunday Reset

Let’s be real—as much as you’d like to relax, there’s always something that needs to be done. If this sounds familiar to you, try the “that mom” Sunday routine.

Take advantage of the day by cleaning the house while your kids play outside. If your spouse is around, completing acts of service may be fulfilling for the both of you. Don’t make yourself anxious, though. Regulate your nerves by listening to an audiobook or guided meditation while you plan your next move.

Sunday reset routines are an essential part of creating a mindset of accomplishment to get you and your family ready for the work and school week. If you’d like, you can loop your kids into the activity, too. 

A family that resets together, can tackle anything together. 

 

Sunday Reset

Author Bio
Mona Freund | Author Bio
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Mona Freund is a San Diego based content marketing specialist. Her background in psychology and creative writing has led her to cover unique topics ranging from business to design to wellness. When she’s not creating new content, you can find her teaching kids how to swim, baking delicious desserts, or snuggling with her puppy Pesto.

 

5 Self-Care Tips for a More Productive Week 

Did you know that making time for soothing self-care comes with the added benefit of making you even more productive at home or work?  

When’s the last time you did a little something just for you? You probably already know that spending even just one hour without any distractions, crying kids, barking dogs and email notifications is essential for maintaining your sanity. But juggling your own well-being while still maintaining a productive work schedule can get tricky. Between soccer practice, Zoom calls, errands, and whatever else you have on your plate, you might feel like you just don’t have enough hours in the day to take a much-needed break.  

So whether you’re just focusing on the basics or are already a master of Zen, we’ve rounded up five self-care measures for a more productive week.

5 Self-Care Tips for a More Productive Week
*This is a guest post and all opinions are those of the author. This post may also contain affiliate and/or paid links. Rest assured that we only work with companies and individuals that we trust. While some of those companies and individuals may work in the medical field, this post is not intended to be a substitution for medical advice. Always speak to your doctor if you have concerns about your mental or physical health.

Set Your Phone Down

You might think always being available to respond to every call, text, or email is the secret to becoming a productivity powerhouse. But the truth is, we can all benefit from a little focus-time throughout the day. Putting down your phone and turning on airplane mode is a great way to disconnect yourself from outside influence and step away to really focus on the task at hand. You don’t need to respond to your best friend’s brunch invite or your boss’s budget question right away. Instead, schedule some screen-free time to really get to work and knock some things off your to-do list.

Incorporate Exercise Into Your Day

At its root, self-care is about making sure that your body has the basic elements it needs to function at its best. Consider mindful movement as a way to unplug from your busy day and take a much-needed break when you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed. Schedule a yoga class or take a short walk outdoors to clear your head and refocus before getting back to your next task. If you find that spending an hour or two at the gym doesn’t fit into your schedule, there’s plenty of other ways to make sure you keep your body moving throughout the day. Consider buying a standing desk to upgrade your WFH setup and get your blood flowing throughout the day. 

Self Skincare Routine

Do a Skincare Routine

When you think of self-care, you might already think of fancy face masks and soothing bubble baths. But don’t discount these practices just because they’re cliché! Self-care is all about bringing your attention to the present and listening to your body. When you are applying your silky-smooth creams and serums, your attention is drawn to the feeling on your skin and the calming scent—not your to-do list. By taking a little time away and focusing on what you want to do, rather than what you have to do, you’re working on asserting your boundaries and making sure your mental energy levels are at their highest. 

Take More Breaks

Spending less time at work or on essential tasks may seem counterproductive to getting things done, but self-care isn’t about creating more time to be productive. Instead, it’s all about making sure you’re at your best to be more productive. Don’t be afraid to go on your lunch break or take a fifteen minute trip to the coffee machine to get away from your workspace or to-do list. These short blocks of relaxation can help your body and brain recharge and get you back in the focus mindset. Taking the proper time for you will let you glide through your day with less effort, meaning you’ll be able to work smarter, not harder.

Surround Yourself with Nature

If you can’t or don’t want to go outside, surrounding yourself with some calming greenery can help keep you Zen, too. Interacting with plants or even just looking at them can have an extremely calming and soothing effect. Consider placing a little green friend in your office or decorating your WFH desk with a sturdy indoor plant. If you’re a stay at home mom, there’s still plenty of ways to incorporate greenery in your home. Hang soothing eucalyptus in your shower or place fresh blooms in a vase somewhere that’s just for you and far away from your kids, pets, and stressors. 

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Why Self Care Matters

Most of us live with a ‘do’ mindset. Our sense of self-esteem and self-worth is often defined by what we’re able to do and accomplish. We may even live with the idea that slowing down or taking a second to breath is a sign of weakness or a failure to make the most of our day. While it can take time to unlearn these limiting beliefs, it’s important to remember that self-care is often the key to succeeding and living a happy, productive life and making sure you’re recharged enough to be the best mom, friend, or coworker you can be. 

Author Bio

Tess DiNapoli is an artist, freelance writer, and content strategist. She has a passion for yoga and often writes about health and wellness, but also enjoys covering the fashion industry and world of fitness.  Follow her on Instagram @TessLynne.

4 Ways to Treat Yourself When Life Gets Overwhelming

Everybody knows that life is stressful. Have you ever just wanted to stop what you’re doing and take a break from your responsibilities? If so, you’re not alone. Sometimes you need and sometimes you want a break, but that’s not always going to be easy because you can’t just stop your life and ignore your responsibilities. You need a moment to treat yourself, to recharge, and to focus on your wellness. But how do you do that?

4 Ways to Treat Yourself When Life Gets Overwhelming
*This is a collaborative post and may contain affiliate and/or paid links which means that if you click on one of these links and buy a product, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Rest assured that we only recommend products that we love from companies that we trust. Furthermore, we are not medical professionals and nothing in this post should be taken as medical advice. Always speak to your doctor if you have concerns about your mental or physical health.

There will be moments that you’re talking to the bank about your mortgage because you’re worried about making repayments. There will be moments when you find yourself looking at resources like Edmunds, to find out whether or not you could be getting a better deal on a car and then you can pay less than your current one. You’ll be doing price comparisons for everything from your groceries to your utilities, and all of this can manifest into a total stress fest.

You deserve to stop just for a moment, step back, and treat yourself to something that doesn’t involve paying bills or meeting responsibilities of being a parent. You’re still you, and while you have a range of roles to play in your life, you sometimes need to be a nurturer – your own nurturer. It’s important to treat yourself every now and then and engage in what you need. Here are four ways to do it!

Self-Care Ideas You Can Enjoy on a Budget

Outsource the help you need.

Whether you need to speak to a financial adviser, cleaner, gardener, or – extravagantly – a chef, you need to outsource what you need sometimes. There’s only so much that you can take on in one go and you need to learn what your own personal boundaries are so that you’re not taking on too much at once. A wonderful way to treat yourself is with help. It is not a weakness to ask for help and it’s the ultimate treat when you have had it pours on top of you for so long.

Eat a home cooked meal.

It’s often the case that we forget to take a moment to cook for ourselves. A wonderful way to treat yourself is with less convenient food and more home cooking. You are then in a better place to feel nourished and it’s so important that you’re able to nourish yourself, and if you find it’s too hard to cook, then use some of the meal services that provide you with the fresh ingredients that you need for your weekly meals and cook them. Planning ahead is not always easy and it’s okay to acknowledge that.

Just pause.

You do not have to be productive every minute of every day for the rest of your life. Set some time aside every week, even just 10 minutes, to take pause, to sit still, just be. Something simple like this has so many benefits for your mind and your body.

25 Easy Outdoor Self Care Ideas

Take a break.

A vacation is enough to be all you need to reset yourself, so what you need to do is plan this ahead. Make a budget so that you can set aside money each month for flights, hotels and spending money, and book yourself a vacation. You don’t need a gaggle of friends to go with you, just go by yourself and be in the world and be present with yourself. It’s the ultimate treat.

It’s not difficult to treat yourself, but often it’s the guilt that stops us from doing it.  Remember that you are worth every second of your time and putting yourself first means acknowledging that.  Lead by example for your children and make your mental and physical health a priority.

Tips To Maintain Healthy Nails At Home

If you want healthy and beautiful-looking nails, you don’t always need to get a regular manicure to have them. You can actually still get gorgeous looking salon-worthy healthy nails at home for a fraction of the money. Here’s how it’s done.

Tips to Maintain Healthy Nails at Home
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Keep nails dry

You should try to keep your nails dry as much as possible. Because pretty much anything that involves your hands getting wet can weaken even the healthiest nails. Household chores like cleaning bathrooms or washing dishes can be especially bad, as they involve constantly immersing your hands in hot water. That means you should always dry your hands for a few minutes after washing your hands, and every time you have a swim, shower, or bath.

Watch your diet

Remember that beauty is never only skin deep. So if you want to have healthy nails and maintain them, your diet should include plenty of foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids and protein like eggs, fish, nuts, and seeds. Calcium is essential for healthy nails, so add some low-fat dairy, and keep your nails hydrated by drinking plenty of water. A diet full of the right nutrients is the best way to maintain healthy nails at home in no time at all. 

Regularly trim nails

Just like a haircut helps make your hair look healthy and feel great, regularly trimming is just as important for healthy nails. Sure, having long nails looks amazing, but they’re also much easier to snag and break. 

Especially if you seem to always have issues with breaks, splits, or hangnails. By trimming your nails once every week or two to keep them short, you’ll give them time to grow stronger before letting them get longer, and ultimately help keep them from breaking. 

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Buff instead of color

Nothing’s worse than chipped nail polish only a few days after going to a salon. So unless you’re planning two manicures a week, sometimes it makes sense to buff them. Especially if you want a break from polish or a clean slate. 

Simply by taking the time to trim them properly, file them well, and buff your nails until they shine, you might be surprised at just how stunning they can look. While they may seem less stylish, the buff is basically the classiest way to have that naturally fresh feel.

Maintain nail hygiene

Ensure your nails are always hygienic by cleaning them regularly, and by using natural sanitizers to protect them from germs and bacteria. Remember too that long nails are much easier for dirt to accumulate under, so don’t let them grow too much. 

Only use sharp clippers or manicure scissors to trim them. It’s also very easy for microbes to be transferred from dirty nail tools, so make sure they’re periodically washed and properly sterilized.

Rethink polish remover

Never using nail polish remover again would be the best thing ever for your nails. But it’s unlikely that any of us will want to give up our manicures any time soon, you should at least avoid using nail polish remover with formaldehyde or acetone. 

These chemicals cause a chemical reaction which dries out your nails far too much, which is incredibly unhealthy for them. It’s much better to use acetate-based removers instead which contain added ingredients like hydrating oils.
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File nails correctly

When you’re filing your nails, it’s really important that you do it correctly. The best way to learn how to file nails is by completing an online nail technician course. That’s because using a rough grit file will most likely cause breakage, especially if you’re sawing your file back and forth because this action can quickly weaken your nails. 

The best way to prevent any damage is by always using a fine grit file in one direction, moving inward from the outer edge of the nail, and lifting the file on each pass.

Don’t shake polish

When nail polish sits for too long without getting used, the ingredients start to separate and settle inside the bottle. When this happens, don’t try shaking the bottle to mix up the polish so you can use it again. 

Why not? Because shaking it up actually creates tiny bubbles of air which will often end up as little bubbles or circles on your painted nails. The most effective way to mix nail polish together again properly is by putting the bottle between your hands and rolling it back and forth.

By following these tips above, you’ll have strong, pretty, long and healthy nails at home in no time at all. And not only can you learn how to look after your nails at home, but it’s going to cost you more in time than money.

7 Items that Should be In Every Mother’s Gym Bag

No matter what your age, you can always benefit from a good workout. For mothers, though, it’s especially important to make time for exercise. And there are some essential items that should be in every mother’s gym bag to ensure success. Not only does working out help keep you healthy and looking great, but it can also provide a much-needed break from the stresses of parenting.

In fact, studies have shown that regular exercise is one of the best ways to keep your mind sharp and healthy as you get older. And while it’s always important to consult with a doctor before starting any new fitness routine, there are some basic things that should be in every mother’s gym bag to make her workouts easier and more enjoyable.

7 Items That Should Be in Every Mother's Gym Bag
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Water and Sports Drinks

Water and sports drinks are two of the most important items to have in your gym bag. Not only do they help keep you hydrated, but they also provide essential nutrients that can help power your workout. If you’re planning on doing a particularly strenuous workout, it’s a good idea to drink a sports drink beforehand to give you an extra energy boost.

You can even bring coconut juice or Fit ‘n Right detox, which is a natural source of electrolytes while detoxifying your body. Electrolytes are minerals that help maintain the balance of fluids in your body, and they’re especially important when you’re working out hard.

Energy Bars and Snacks

Energy bars and snacks are an important part of any fitness routine, especially for mothers. They provide the energy you need to power through a tough workout, and they also help keep your metabolism going strong.

Plus, if you’re ever in a pinch and don’t have time to eat a full meal, an energy bar can be a great substitute. Just make sure you choose a bar that’s low in sugar and high in protein, so you can stay energized and healthy.

Phone Charger and Power Banks

One of the most important things to bring to the gym is a phone charger and/or power bank. Not only do these items keep your phone powered up, but they can also provide you with a much-needed boost of energy when you’re working out.

If you’re like most people, you probably use your phone for music, podcasts, or other forms of entertainment when you’re working out. So, it’s important to make sure your phone is always charged up so you can stay focused and motivated.

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Towel and Body Wipes

A towel and somebody wipes are two essential items to have in your gym bag. Towels are great for drying off after a workout, and body wipes can help keep you clean and fresh.

Plus, they’re a great way to avoid that “post-workout funk” that so many people experience. If you can’t shower right after your workout, body wipes can be a great alternative.

Extra Set of Clothes

It’s always a good idea to bring an extra set of clothes with you to the gym, especially if you’re working out hard. That way, if you get sweaty or dirty, you can change into a fresh set of clothes and avoid getting uncomfortable.

Having a spare set of clothes also comes in handy if you accidentally spill water or sports drink on your clothes. So, make sure to pack a towel and an extra set of clothes in your gym bag!

Yoga Mat

Bringing your own yoga mat to the gym is a great way to make sure you have a comfortable and stable surface to practice on. Not only does it provide extra padding for your joints, but it also helps keep you from slipping and sliding around.

Plus, if you’re ever in a bind and can’t find a yoga mat at the gym, you can always use your towel as a substitute.

Resistance Band

Working out at home can be a great way to save time and money, and it’s even easier when you have a resistance band on hand. A resistance band is a great way to add extra resistance to your workouts, which can help you tone up and burn more calories.

They’re small and lightweight, so they’re perfect for bringing to the gym or taking on the go. So, make sure to add a resistance band to your list of essential gym gear!

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Final Thoughts

So there you have it: the seven essential items that should be in every mother’s gym bag. By bringing these items with you to the gym, you’ll be able to work out more comfortably and confidently, which will help you get the most out of your session.

Top Ways to Relax and Unwind as a Busy Mom

Top Ways to Relax and Unwind as a Busy Mom
*This is a guest post and all opinions are those of the author. This post may also contain affiliate and/or paid links. Rest assured that we only work with companies and individuals that we trust. While some of those companies and individuals may work in the medical field, this post is not intended to be a substitution for medical advice. Always speak to your doctor if you have concerns about your mental or physical health.

Moms can attest that motherhood is not for the faint-hearted. Moms typically have a lot on their hands which can be overwhelming. It is especially true for mothers who previously suffered episodes of mental illness. Sadly, many moms will still not put themselves first because they want to nurture everyone else. It can cause immeasurable suffering, including burnout, fatigue, self-hate, or even sinking into depression.

To avoid this, moms must continually find ways to relax and unwind to become the best versions of themselves regardless of how busy they are. Unwinding does not have to be something complicated or expensive. It can be as easy as joining the best dating sites and finding company for coffee or a glass of wine. Other ways to relax include:

Enjoy a Spa Day

One of the best ways to relax when you are stressed is to set some time aside for a spa day. You do not even need to go to the salon or any other establishment. A home spa is an excellent idea for any mom who needs some me-time to unwind. You can easily create a relaxing spa by:

    • Light up some scented candles or incense
    • Put on comfy slippers
    • Run a warm bubble bath
    • Drink your favorite beverage
    • Apply a face mask
    • Get a massage from a loved one

Spas are one of the best ways to relax because they allow you to rejuvenate your body and recharge your batteries.

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Engage in Light Exercises

Exercise is one of the answers to the query of what are good ways to relax. A study from Harvard confirms that exercise can be relaxing and reduce stress. Different activities make up the solution on the best ways to relax. These include aerobic exercises, breathing exercises, and mental exercises.

Just be sure to engage in the exercises that you can comfortably perform. Where possible, consult with your physician or a professional trainer to pinpoint the activities you will be doing. It is a sure way of benefitting from exercising as an option of ideal ways to relax.

Read a Book

Reading an enjoyable book that does not induce stress is one of the ways to relax when nervous. Reading books offers a healthy escape from daily stressors, making it one of the ideal ways to relax.

University of Sussex 2009 study revealed that you could reduce stress by up to 60% simply by reading a book. Reading a book can also work faster than other ways to relax, such as drinking tea or other relaxation techniques. moms should dedicate at least 30 minutes daily to read without any interruptions.

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Pursue Fun Hobbies

Spending time doing what you love also counts among the best ways to relax. It normally counts as part of self-care, seeing that finding fun hobbies can enhance mental health. Depending on what you like, there are tons of relaxing hobbies to pursue, such as:

    • Gardening
    • Scrapbooking
    • Photography
    • Playing games
    • Drawing
    • Learning something new, etc.

You can pick something that makes your heart leap with joy to enjoy hobbies as one of the ways to relax. Always find time to pursue hobbies so that you do not end up being an over-stressed mom, an aspect that can be detrimental to your health.

Conclusion

All moms, even those with the busiest schedules, need to find ways to relax. Above are the top ways to relax moms can explore. Unwinding helps a person reset and get the energy to continue playing their roles in the best possible way. Do you always wonder how to find ways to relax? Was the article above helpful? Which are the ways to relax you will be adopting from now on? Let us know in the comments.

Author Bio

Mrs. Davis is a freelance writer sharing the insights on how couples can shake up their love lives in and out of the bedroom. Mrs. Davis enjoys researching, discussing, and writing on the topics of wellness, relationship, sex, psychology, parenting etc. She is currently doing specific research on the topic. Mrs. Davis loves sport, traveling and knitting.