If you're anything like me, you're on the pulse of the latest wellness trends and are, therefore, very familiar with how popular ‘self-care’ has become.
I’m not going to lie to you, I love it. I love everything about it.
Give me all of the at-home Spa DIY treatments, the best serums, and the funniest looking face masks. I’m here for it and everything else health and wellness-related.
The narrative about the importance of taking care of yourself is critical and, in my opinion, was long overdue as an up and coming trend.
However, somewhere on the timeline of ‘self-care’s’ popularity, the narrative shifted to focus more on the external elements (ie. products you need, pictures you take, luxury you treat yourself to) and less on the internal healing and reflection elements.
As a mom, fitness expert, entrepreneur, and wellness enthusiast, trust me when I say, the internal stuff is just as fun and infinitely more rewarding.
Here are 6 ways you can integrate healing and revitalizing self-care practices into your daily routine.
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
Okay, okay, I know this sounds really simple but honestly, drinking water is one of the best ways to take care of yourself and to feel better in your body and in your life.
I start every morning with a large cup of warm lemon water.
I even have a rule for myself that I won't pour my first cup of coffee until I finish my large lemon water.
It just helps me to start the day off on the right foot because in addition to fueling my body, I am also sending a message to my brain that I choose to take care of myself before I jump into the day.
Get Grounded
One of the best ways to reset and feel calm and grounded is to come down to the floor. If you're unable to do that you can sit in a chair feet on the ground. Close your eyes and just move around a little bit taking some deep breaths.
As a mom I know it's hard to integrate meditation into your day and for some people that just doesn't feel like something they want to explore.
But, treating yourself to a little mindful break and a few deep breaths will do wonders for your state of mind as well as help you just check in with yourself to better understand your needs.
Looking for ideas on how to make your breath-work even more impactful?
Check out some of my favorite breathing exercises here (link to breath-work on Mindful Classroom blog).
Explore Your Curiosity
What are some things you're interested in, just for you?
Is there a hobby you’ve always wanted to pick up? Is there a subject that just fascinates you?
There are so many amazing free resources and even if you’re little one is running around you can always put one headphone in for half an hour during the day or while you're doing the dishes and just have it playing in your ear.
Think about it like spending time with a really interesting person.
Your time is precious so choose carefully.
Make Yourself a Cozy Corner
Create a space in your home that feels really comfortable and cozy. A place that entices you to sit down and allows you to decompress.
Whether you are sitting down with a cup of coffee or reading the next chapter of a book, having a dedicated place to come back to can help your brain recognize when it's time to pause the never-ending to-do list so you can reset and find a few moments of peace.
I know this is challenging with littles running circles around you, and more likely than not, they'll probably end up in your cozy spot with you.
Proactively create a space for them to exist in this moment of peace with you. Invite your kids to join you with a book or quiet toy.
With time and consistency they will learn the quiet time cue, too!
Go for a Walk
One of my favorite things I used to do when my daughter was little was put her in the stroller and go out for a walk or a little jog.
Getting out in nature and breathing the fresh air is such a great way to refresh and reset and take a break from whatever else you need to do in the house.
Move Your Body
No matter how often you move your body now, I highly recommend adding in a segment into your movement practice that allows you to feel tuned into your body. Find an instructor whose message you love and whose philosophy about self-care resonates with you.
Exercise doesn’t always have to be about pushing yourself to the limits.
Integrating movement that reminds you to take deep revitalizing breaths, to move from your center, and to connect with your body as you go, can do wonders for both your mental and physical well-being.
There are so many yoga teachers out there and a lot of great content to search through.
I would love to have you join me for a class on my platform Mindful Movement with Maggie which offers anti-anxiety workouts for moms!
I hope this was an uplifting reminder that taking good care of yourself benefits everyone around you.
You've heard that quote that you can't pour from an empty cup.
Fill up that mug (lemon water, then coffee), take a deep breath, and enjoy being you.
You are pretty darn great, after all.
As I mentioned before, I love hearing about what wellness trends are working for others! If you have something to add to the list, let me know!
Visit me anytime at mindfulmovementwithmaggie.com.
