We can agree this is a very unique, stressful, weird, and fearful time we're living. With so much uncertainty and unknown around us, the weight of the world feels like a lot. Trying to balance it all from home, keep your family safe, maintain our mama sanity, balance career ups and downs, and so much more in between, there's no better time for a simple pick me up. Personally the worry of what's ahead and accepting what I can't control is weighing hard, but I also worry about my family and friends who are healthcare workers as the stress they face is so much greater. Because of that, this is a time where I feel a huge calling to help, but most days I'm not sure how. We may all be experiencing different emotions around these times, but the one thing that's the same is that we're in this together.
So I've rounded up ideas to share that can hopefully make you feel better too, even an ounce better can make a days difference. Here are a few things that can help, and yes they are that simple but sometimes we all need a little reminder. ♥
But first, let's start with us mama's. I won't sugar coat it, this shit is HARD. Have I showered today? I don't know. Has my kid watched 4 hours of Disney+ today? You bet. Is this my 11th cup of coffee? Probably. We're all doing the best we can and there is no right or wrong way. Your kid needs to be happy, they don't need a perfectly color coded chart or extravagant crafts that you spent all night trying to prep to make them feel happy. This is a time we can let them be kids, use their imagination, watch tv, eat the snacks (but not too many because mama doesn't want to go to the stores okay), and run around in the yard past dinner time. If wearing their favorite Frozen nightgown over their Christmas pj's everyday is what they want, you say yes because it makes them happy. And that's what's important. It's trying times and we need to stop thinking we have to "do it all" in 24 hours, then wake up and do it again. And again, and again. Burn out is real. We need to take care of ourselves too. Don't be too hard on yourself mama, there are no rules to it. One day at a time, deep breaths, and a lot of coffee.
Ask for help. Hey this is simple, but why does it feel so hard? It's okay to rethink how things are done at home, times are different, ask for the help. Of course we can only ask those who live under our roofs but I'm sure that hubby of yours will be a team player and help his baby mama out.
Take a shower. Cue laughing out loud. Seriously. You deserve an uninterrupted, long, let me actually wash my hair, maybe sip a glass of wine during, kind of shower. Then, dry your hair. Make yourself feel like you, no don't put jeans on just shower.
Go for a walk, solo. Pop on your favorite playlist and zone out. A quick 20 minutes will even do the trick. If you can't go kid free that's okay, fresh air and moving is key.
Podcasts or read a book.
Cat and Nat's #MOMTRUTHS and Kaityln Bristowe's Off The Vine always give me a good laugh. Another favorite is Bachelor alums Carly and Jade's Mommies Tell All.
I'm reading Mom Truths for the 2nd time because it's that great. Grab your copy online at Amazon or Target, giddy giddy.
Untamed is my next read.
My best friend recommends All These Beautiful Strangers, An Anonymous Girl, and The Perfect Couple, all on my must list now.
Wine down. Literally. Oh look it's 5:00, time for Josh. A glass to relax and treat ourselves for all the craziness we handled like a badass from the second we wake up to the second we fall asleep (after we've allowed our brains to run crazy for an hour) is well deserved. Pour yourself another.
Candles. This is very simple, but makes me happy. Light a few candles at the end of the day, because let's be real the only thing getting lit lately is that $10 candle you bought in February from TjMaxx (miss you...).
Alexa, play Justin Timberlake. Play some music and pick up the mess your toddler left for you 4 hours ago. Feeling organized, not staring at or stepping over 100 toys, is one way to feel better. My 2 year old turns our home into a zoo and I try to pick up at the end of the day. Does this actually happen every day? No... But when it does my, "head is spinning" level has lowered.
Bake. I am no 5 star baker but I'll give it a whirl during this new normal. Have your little one help, it's also an easy fun way to kill some time if you're stuck in doors on a rainy day. Just keep your cool as the flour is spilled everywhere and gooey chocolate is in your two year old's hair. That chocolate chip cookie is worth the clean up.
Like many, Zoom and FaceTime are our go to's for keeping in touch with family and friends. Now If you're looking for some kid free fun, try playing Jackbox via Zoom with a group of friends. Mama hasn't laughed this hard since quarantine life began.
Color, it's surprisingly relaxing. You can find some free printables or purchase coloring books, I've linked some on Amazon here. I love to color with chalk in the driveway, maybe I have a White Claw in my other hand, maybe I don't.
Join a free virtual workout class. There are hundreds of workout videos to access at home. I did a virtual hit workout last weekend run by my cousin and it was just what I needed! Even a quick 15-20 minute workout a few times a week can help kick start those "I got this" feelings.
Turn your Friday night into game night. I can't tell you the last time I played Monopoly, it's been so long my hubs and I had to read the instructions (embarrassing I know). We also love a good card game like Rummy. It's a fun way to take a break from our good friend, Netflix.
Date night in. Order take out and have a date night in. You can even get dressed up, do your makeup and hair, and give your comfy lounge wear a night off. I don't think any of us have put jeans on since early March, so if you're feeling brave go for it sister, I will virtually applaud you.
Try something new. Maybe it's a simple change to your day to day like waking up early with a book and a side of coffee before touching your phone or the news, or maybe it's a new hobby. Yoga, drawing, sewing, following a new YouTube tutorial, mastering an at home manicure, testing out a new skincare routine, or maybe it's learning a new TikTok move.
Disconnect. Try for a little less technology, and a little more fresh air.
Start an at home garden. I'll be the first to admit that I am no Joanna Gaines in the garden department, but it's something I'm itching to try. If you have any tips, help a girl out.
Give back. Whether it's a making a donation, checking on your neighbors, or supporting your local small businesses by ordering take out or purchasing a gift card for later use, this can bring an instant smile. We recently participated in the #FrontPorchProject. We supported our local photographer and also the Massachusetts Nurses Association by doing so. Sure we walked away with memorable social distanced photos, but the feeling I had after donating was even more memorable.
Sometimes doing things for ourselves brings nothing but mom guilt. It's more important than ever right now to know that you can do something for yourself. Allow yourself to go there. Try something new. Take a nap if you can. Binge watch Love Is Blind. Blast 90's rap. Bake the frozen pizza. Go for a car ride to absolutely no where and back. Order that tie dye top you've been eyeing online. If you watched Tiger King more than once I won't judge. It's okay.
But at the end of the day, be grateful. I think we can all agree after this chapter is behind us we have made a promise to ourselves that we will be more thankful, more present. We won't take things, people, jobs, moments, for granted ever again.
From one quarantine gal to another, slow down, be gentle on yourself. Pray hard, but pour the wine. This too shall pass.
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