A Love Letter to the Super Mom
Are you in your self-care mom era?
Whether you are a first time mom, a mom of more than one child, or taking care of your spouse or pet, oftentimes you don’t think about taking time out of your day for yourself. Typically as someone who takes care of others, the question of “What about me?” is rarely asked.
Trust me, I, myself, did not find enough time to do the things necessary for myself, even before having children. Through meditation and self-awareness, I realized that if I don’t try to take time for myself, that I am not able to take care of others optimally.
There are so many benefits to overall health when activating your parasympathetic nervous system. By opposing the sympathetic nervous system, this helps to keep the body in a more calm and relaxed state. As parents, we are always more prone to hyperarousal which acts mostly on our adrenaline and stress hormone, cortisol. Stress can have profound impacts on our sex hormones such as estrogen as well as suppress our parasympathetic nervous system. The daily goal should be to reduce stress on your bodies. I know, easier said than done but in order to be successful as parents, this is a MUST.
Therefore, here are some ideas to help you be in the present moment and/or still do something for yourself while you get chores or other tasks done in your day. This can take 10-20 minutes to help get you into a calm state.
Read or listen to a book or podcast.
Do a quick workout - whether yoga, high-intensity training, jog or walk outside
Use a hydrating face mask, clay face mask or under eye patches to reduce some of those dark mom lines under your eyes. You may be tired but no one else has to know that. Giving love to your skin helps you feel good both on the outside as well as inside. “Love the skin you are in.”
Do an epsom salt foot soak, even if you are at a computer desk during the day.
Give yourself a manicure or pedicure. Even if you can’t afford or have time to go for a treatment, you can always do this at home.
Sing/Dance/Listen to your favorite songs that remind you of your youth.
Talk/Facetime to loved ones on the phone - to check in, feel like you are connecting with others. Use those social skills. Hearing their voices can be therapeutic.
Write in your diary or planner your thoughts, feelings or goals that you may have. This is a great way to reflect and be present.
Meditation or prayer - Needless to say that by doing this you are regulating your breathing as well as feeling more in the present moment.
Breathing exercises - take a deep breath in for 4 seconds, and breath out for 6 seconds. Complete this 6 times. Notice what happens to your body at the end of the practice.
Laugh out loud. Giggle to yourself for no reason at all. This is not only a great way to instantly secrete endorphins in the body but it is also a great way to get out of bed in the morning, especially if you are not a morning person.
Massage - using a device or having your partner massage you. Physical touch can help to relax your mind and body.
Eat high protein/high fiber foods. Sometimes, nourishing yourself with a good snack can help increase your mood and energy.
Access your acupressure points. There are 3 acupressure points that help to stimulate your vagus nerve. Just hold these points for 1-2 minutes on each side of the body. Don’t forget to take nice deep breaths and exhale slowly while holding these points.
Concha cymba point - the cavity above the ear canal.
Stomach 36 point - 3 finger widths down from your wrist in between the 2 large flexor tendons of the wrist.
Nei Guan P6 point - 4 finger widths down from the bottom of your kneecap on the outside of your shin.
