Self Care: New Mom Style
Happy Tuesday ya’ll! I am focused on writing a blog EVERYDAY because it has given me so much joy after baby Mercy joined us Earthside. I will have her birth story written by the weekend so please keep your eye out for that. I would say that I write these at 3am feedings but this is the FIRST baby out of my four that sleeps through the night. Y’all… I don’t even know what to do with myself. Today we all woke up at 8:30 and it shocked me because we had to be out the door by 9! (I am always late and I blame… KIDS ;))
Life has definitely slowed down since Mercy joined us and I am 100% ok with that. Every day, I find small “mom wins” and focus on them verses what all I wasn’t able to accomplish. The only thing that I am not loving is being able to randomly hit the beach or the pool but I know soon enough that will be back in our routine. So, for now, I’m going to share a few things that I am enjoying in hopes that it inspires you to find joys in everyday things and moments.
1. the power of a hot shower – ya’ll… this is my “spa” treatment on the reg. haha! I am still dealing with PP hormones raging so my deodorant working is questionable (although I have found a great brand that is helping) and I am covered in breastmilk and spit up by the afternoon. Taking a hot shower alone has worked wonders for my mental and physical. I hop in and lather down with the Beautycounter charcoal bar under my arms (to detox the stink) and my face, neck and chest for that hormonal acne. It hasn’t completely cleared it but I can tell a huge difference in using it. I take a few minutes to shave my legs with the Preserve razor from Grove then I work the Beautycounter sugar scrub all over my body for silky smooth skin. I’ve shared that I don’t get to have actual spa days so this is my version! It makes my skin so soft and smells delicious! I can honestly say that it does perk me up!
2. lavender iced coffee – no matter what type of coffee is your fav, I suggest taking a few minutes and making your own or heading to your local coffee shop to get one. I only drink one small cup a day and I’ve traded regular milk for almond milk but ya’ll… that one cup of coffee is heavenly. Recently, one of my friends shared about her love for lavender coffee and a local coffee shop here makes it. GAME CHANGER! It has quickly become my fav and I get one a few times a week. I don’t drink coffee every day but whenever I feel like I want one, I do indulge. I normally hit the drive through window after I’ve taken the older three kids to camp and then ride around for a few minutes talking to my Beautycounter team on the phone while the baby naps in her carseat. HASHTAG WINNING! ha
3. don’t forget to treat yourself – I am trying SO HARD to cut back on online shopping. It’s such a hard habit to break. I’m focusing on really looking at my purchases and deciding if it’s something I need/want type situation. In most cases, I can talk myself out of purchases but recently I did turn 30 and have my fourth baby so I splurged on a few things. I found this company with an amazing mission called Sseko Designs and I LOVE all of their items. I needed a new wallet so I purchased this gorgeous leather one that I could double as a clutch when I don’t feel like taking my purse with me. I also scooped up a pair of their camel colored sandals because they go with everything and are very comfy. These are two bigger investments than I normally make but I knew that I would have them for a long time so I felt comfortable buying. On the opposite end of the spectrum… I loose sunglasses all the time so I don’t feel like spending a lot on a pair is justifiable. I found these on the J Crew Factory website for $15 and had to get them! I love them and get compliments every time I wear them out. I think as a Mom it’s so much easier to spend on your kids than yourself and sometimes you have to pep talk yourself and say “I am worth it!” and buy that thing you’ve been wanting. This doesn’t mean balling out and getting 76,837 packages from Amazon but just a few things every once and a while.
4. make yourself a playlist of your fav tunes – NOT “the wheels on the bus” which I do enjoy singing with my kids but I digress. How about your favorite Backstreet Boys song from when you were 12? Or that rap song that takes you back to Spring Break in high school? Yes… I’m talking about those! Whatever songs make you sing and dance, get those on a playlist and listen to them throughout the week. It’s amazing what a little music therapy can do for you as a Mom. Right now, I am loving the new Drake album just as much as Chris Lane’s new song “I don’t know about you.” My music tastes are all over the place but I love a good playlist. I recently made one with a few favorites from my high school Spring Break memories… Ludacris “Diamonds in the back” and Outkast “So fresh, so clean.” I’m also loving the new Ciara song “level up!” talk about moving and grooving… I love it!
5. don’t over commit – I am the WORST at this and I honestly end up canceling most of my plans last minute. Instead of having to cancel, why not just say “NO” in the beginning? I have so much happening on the daily that I have to remind myself, it’s ok to say “no.” The world will keep spinning and people will understand. I just had a baby. That’s my excuse. PERIOD. I mean, come on. As much as I’d love to go do 454 things on a Monday, it’s just not possible and it will drain me more than anything. There’s nothing more important than your mental health so remember that and learn that it’s okay to say “no.” It’s okay to not spend time with people who take more from you than you have to give. It’s okay to stay home instead of going to four different birthday parties. IT’S OKAY Y’ALL! Maybe, you just need to hear that justification from someone else so let me be that voice… do what’s best for YOU! You are the leader of your pack and if you don’t have it together, it will mess with your people. In the end, that’s all that matters so remember that!
I would love to hear of ways you practice self care as a new mom! This time is fleeting but it’s important not to forget to take care of yourself during it.
