Self-care during the Fall: What I’m doing
Autumn is a season of change. The leaves are changing colors, the air is getting crisper, and everywhere you go, tis the season for all things pumpkin spice. Fall is hands down my favorite season and I look forward to it every year. There’s something so peaceful about going outside and seeing all the beautiful colors, plus you can wear a light jacket and be comfortable. Fall is also a season where the holidays are quickly approaching, you begin to juggle all your kids’ activities, and as a mom things just automatically get busier this time of year. I’m definitely feeling that way and Blake and Blaire aren’t even involved in sports yet. When life does get busy it’s easy to push ourselves to the bottom of the priority list as moms. We say we’re too busy, have too much to do and looking after ourselves can wait. If there’s anything I’ve learned over the past couple of years, it’s that there is never a perfect time to do something. We are all busy but it’s so important to make time for ourselves as moms, even just for a few minutes every day to relax, recharge and reset. I have felt less stressed and feel more energized for whatever my day might throw at me by doing so. Self-care doesn’t have to be this big thing, but simple practices you can implement during your days to feel less stressed and more energized. Here are some things I will be doing this fall in regard to self-care.
Getting outside, even if it’s for 10-15 minutes a day. It’s amazing how much fresh air (especially that cold air) can do for you when you’re in a funk. I remember when I was pregnant with Blaire my doctor would always tell me to go sit outside, even if it was for 10 minutes to clear my mind and boost my mood. It’s such a simple thing, but fall is the perfect time to do so. Also, for someone who struggles with seasonal depression, I make sure I get outside every day, even if it’s a short walk. I will set small/realistic goals for myself (5-7K steps per day) so that makes me want to get outside even more so I can hit my goal. I noticed when I would set unrealistic goals, I would stress out over not meeting them and honestly wouldn’t even go outside because I already felt defeated and exhausted by the kids.
Keeping up with healthy eating habits. It can be so easy to indulge this time of year, especially with Halloween and Thanksgiving approaching, but I do try and focus on whole foods that will give me energy and avoid me getting sick. Don’t get me wrong, I love all things pumpkin spice this time of year but fueling my body properly has helped with my mental clarity and I notice I have more patience. I also have celiac disease, and after my recent gluten flare up, I’ve become more in tune with what I’m putting into my body. Balance is key.
Taking time off social media, even if it’s for a day. I have a love-hate relationship with social media. As much as I love connecting with friends and family, it can be very detrimental to my mental health. Studies have shown how social media has increased depression and anxiety disorders. I’m not surprised because I’ve fallen victim to it at times. Social media can be overwhelming as we are exposed to so much content all at once and try to process what we’re seeing. Always remember it usually is a highlight reel, and no one’s life is “perfect”. We are all human at the end of the day.
Reconnecting with friends. I’m so grateful for all my mama friends. I’ve met and connected with some amazing moms over the last couple of years. We are all on the same journey together, so when we get together my spirits always feel lifted, and I don’t feel alone. If you have friends that live far away, schedule a time to talk on the phone to catch up, even if it’s for 15 minutes. It is an instant mood booster, and there’s usually a new story about the kids to bond over!
Decluttering my home. I found “less is more” to be even more true after having kids. Cleaning and organizing is so therapeutic for me. You don’t have to take on any big projects but taking a look around your home and identifying some decluttering projects is such a great form of self-care. I always feel so accomplished after doing so and feel like my brain feels less chaotic.
Last but not least, getting ready for the day. When I was working in an office full time, I always used to dress up and do my makeup. I stopped doing that when I started staying home with the kids but didn’t realize how much it was having an impact on my day. Now when I wake up, I try and make time for my skin care routine, putting on a little makeup and making my bed. So simple but can go along way and start your day off with a sense of accomplishment.
As moms, self-care may seem difficult, especially with little kids or a schedule that’s jam-packed. We push ourselves to the end and then wonder why we’re feeling so worn out, tired, and stressed out. Again, self-care doesn’t have to be anything big, but implementing these practices into my daily routine with the kids has been so impactful. Always remember that self-care isn’t selfish and that we as moms need to take care of ourselves too.
