A Busy Mommy’s inner thoughts:
“What time is it? What day is it? I’m so tired! Oh no the baby is crying! Where’s his blankey? What am I making for dinner? Did I shower today? How about yesterday? I think this shirt has spit up on it… Oh well. Where’s my brush? Forget it. I’ll just put my hair up. Did I mention I was tired? I need coffee and manicure but really who’s got time for that… “
Sound familiar? Odds are that if you’re a mom, your inner monologue is often hectic, scattered, disorganized and overwhelming. We juggle a lot each day and our needs are often pushed to the side for more pressing matters (usually ones that involve our children).
It’s not surprising that, as a mother, you often have to sacrifice a significant amount of personal time as we take on the wonderful challenge of raising children, but that doesn’t have to mean that we should forget about ourselves altogether. Even the busiest of moms need a pick-me-up from time to time.
Some days will fly by and we may just need a 2-minute breather, while others can leave us feeling like we need a few days to re-set and re-group.
Whether you have 2 minutes or 2 days, here are some tips and tricks we love!
Have 2 minutes?
Alternate nostril breathing has been credited to settle and calm an agitated mind and nervous system. After just 2 minutes, you will feel as if you hit the reset button. Not sure how? Here’s a guide:
- Use right thumb to close off right nostril.
- Inhale slowly through left nostril.
- Pause for a second.
- Now close left nostril with ring finger and release thumb off right nostril.
- Exhale through your right nostril.
- Now, inhale through right nostril.
- Pause.
- Use thumb to close of right nostril.
- Breathe out through left nostril.
- Repeat a few times.
*Please note – pregnant women and those with high blood pressure should not hold their breath longer than a few seconds.
See, you feel better already!
10 minutes
Get a 10 minute massage at the nail salon. It can do wonders for your mind and your back – after all, you’re likely carrying around an extra 10-25 pounds most of the day if you have a 0-2 year old. You can even do this when your baby naps in the stroller. $12 well spent!
30 minutes
A hot, steamy shower followed by a face mask and aromatherapy body lotion. Then crawl into bed in your robe for 10 minutes. Kind of like a spa day… minus the bill.
2 hours
Take a yoga or spin class and grab a hot cup of coffee alone. You will come back home feeling energetic and ready to take on the rest of the day.
2 days
With so much focus on your little one, sometimes it can leave few opportunities to connect with your spouse. Recharge your batteries and re-spark your romance by sending baby off to grandma’s house or a trusted friend or family member. Take a weekend trip to somewhere close by or even a stay-cation in your own home.
Whether you prefer to cook dinner together and rent a movie or spend a night on the town, it will be a welcome break… And don’t forget to take advantage of the opportunity to sleep in! (remember that luxury?!) Rested parents are happy parents!
Mommy tip:
Need an hour to get away and don’t have extra cash to spend on a sitter? Find a mom you trust to watch your little one while he naps or while the kids play together. You can take turns helping each other out. If you have a little extra cash to budget for a sitter you can easily find one through websites that post accounts of sitters or students in your area -with references and reviews.
Taking a few minutes or hours for yourself is not only well-deserved, but it’s so necessary! Banish the guilt. Your kids want a happy mommy, even if it means not seeing you for an hour or two here and there. Trust us – you may need a break more than you realize!
Xoxo,
Sierra & Effie
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Effie Sakellis is a born and raised New Yorker, pediatric speech pathologist, mom and co-founder of CityStork Stroller Wheel Covers. She loves spending her free time exploring NYC with her family which she captures through the lense of her son’s instagram account @instamikienyc. Effie lives on the Upper West Side with her husband and son.
Sierra Ovadia is a Yoga instructor, mom and co-founder of CityStork Stroller Wheel Covers. She loves green juice, cooking, working out and spending time with her family. Sierra lives in Brooklyn, NY with her husband and son.
CityStork was founded by two NYC moms to help make life with a baby just a little bit cleaner. CityStork’s Stroller Wheel Covers are designed to cover up dirty, germy stroller wheels and keep them concealed from clean floors, car trunks and curious little fingers. Check out more info at www.citystorkonline.com.
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