As a mom, love is truly the underlying motive behind almost every action you perform daily. First you crawl out of bed to the unrelenting beeping of your alarm clock telling you to get ready for work. Or maybe instead you hear the screams of your baby wailing for your attention.
Downstairs you go to pack lunches or to fix the dirty diaper your screaming baby has left you. The day becomes a scrambled mix of driving, soothing and putting band aids on scraped knees. Before you realize what time of day it is you are crawling into bed. Yet another day has passed where you have not performed one intentional task for yourself.
Maybe you are rolling your eyes at me sarcastically for eluding to the fact that YOU time is on the table. (Hear me out) Giving something back to yourself is more important than you may think. Not only is it doing something intentionally for you - an act of self love - but it also gives you energy to optimally perform for everyone else. The old saying “You can’t pour from an empty cup” is true. You do not need a nanny or a meditation retreat to achieve a level of self love each day, you only need the right intentions. Here are some easy ways to do this everyday:
1. Self Appreciation
You are constantly complimenting those around you but when did you give props to yourself? And I'm sure you often say to yourself, "I will try to do, x, y, z," but when do you ever really get to it? Well, it's time you stop trying and start intending - a concept considered as the product of attention directed to an object (as described by Merriam-Webster), and that object is YOU!
Each day stop for a few moments to think of five things you love about yourself. Not only is this a quick boost of confidence but it also allows yourself to become aware of just how amazing you really are. Pro Tip: Try to mix physical attributes, personality traits and gold stars for your work as a mama.
2. Upgrade Your Day
What would a perfect day look like for you? Maybe you you feel you don’t have the time to go on that solo coffee date like you've fantasized about, but perhaps there is a way to bring this intention to reality. Get creative and work it into your daily schedule/routine you already have: Maybe you can grab a cappuccino in the drive-thru while taking your boys to hockey. Or, rather, sneak in a quiet moment in the car after dropping your boys off at hockey, and listen to your favourite song while the team warms up
Creating these little, intentional moments will eventually allow you to feel important as well as give you some time for reflection and rejuvenation.
3. Body Love
Try to set an intention (build a habit) of rewarding your body, in some way, everyday.
Sneak in a 10-minute bath with a few candles and Epsom salts 1-2x per week. Epsom salts help boost circulation and overall recovery.
Pro tip: Add in a few drops of lavender essential oil for deep relaxation
Get a magic bag and put it around your neck each night when you lay into bed for 10-15 minutes. Heat helps dilate your blood vessels causing muscles to relax! There is also something so relieving about having weight on your shoulders that can soothe you.
One day a week, forget about the dishes or the vacuuming and allow yourself (make an intention) to take a nap while baby naps. It could change your entire week!
Or you could treat yourself every 4-6 weeks to a Massage. If you do not have time to stretch regularly this can be an indulgence that will reap major reward in your body. Massage can help ease muscle tension and decrease cortisol levels (stress hormone!)
Pro Tip: Try an in-home Massage during baby’s nap time or after bedtime with Mama Mobile Massage. Rest easy knowing that you can check on baby at anytime during the treatment, Mama Mobile Massage schedules an hour after every treatment in case baby is fussy so that you get a full hour every time. I hope these tips allow you to put yourself on your to do list each day for a little slice of self love. I think you are pretty darn’ important and I hope you will learn to think so too!
If you would like more information on how Mamas can create a daily intention to make themselves a priority for a few minutes or for more information on Mobile Massages, you can check out Mama Mobile Massage's Facebook page or our website.
Take some time for you - you deserve more than you know! <3
Comments