Elena Bosch This mother’s day, I hope all my mamas are taking time to practice self-care. Not just today, but everyday, it’s critical for the betterment your mental and physical state to treat your mind and body with the same gentle care you provide for your loved ones.So treat yourself and consider swapping champagne brunch out for one of these seven self-care techniques that are sure to release tension and anxiety.
Take a hike! Literally.
My favorite place to hike is near the beach or near a stream. I am always at my most relaxed when I’m near water. The sound of tide puts my soul at ease. For this mother’s day, the family and I went to Crystal Cove, one of the most beautiful beaches in Orange County. The views are absolutely breathtaking. If you don’t live near water, look up a nearby trail and get your family out of the house and into the woods. My favorite part about hiking is that you can make it as easy or hard as you’d like. Added bonus, hiking gives my muscles a challenging workout which helps me feel strong and confident. Win. Win.
Relieve stress with a yoga class
Yoga is one of my favorite ways to find zen. When my feet are planted and my mind is open, I find myself truly finding nirvana.
This Mother’s day, my local studio was having a special that I just couldn’t pass up; Moms and friends of moms were offered one free class as long as you were a new member. I took the opportunity to try a new slightly more difficult class and I’m so glad I did.If yoga isn’t your thing, rev up your endorphins with a new spin class or a morning jog. I promise your body will thank you.
Get a facial
I absolutely love facials. My skin is super sensitive so I tend to prefer booking an appointment with a boutique health spa with licensed estheticians. But if you’re a busy mama like me, an over the counter skin treatment will work too!I’m no expert in over-the-counter skin care products but luckily, lots of busy mamas are blazing the trails in this industry. Don’t believe me? Look up Rodan + Fields on Facebook and I promise you will quickly find your neighborhood mama can help you find a treatment that makes your skin glow.
Soak in an Epsom Salt bath
Epsom salt has naturally healing properties for those aches and pains. Add a bit eucalyptus oil or lavender and you have the recipe for the perfect bath.
And did you know honey and sugar are natural exfoliates? I didn’t until this weekend and now I’m obsessed. My skin has never felt so soft. Still nursing? Add a bit of extra breast milk to help soothe skin even more.
Tend to your garden
There’s something about putting your hands in Mother Earth’s soil that gives me a sense of connection to the universe. Knowing I helped a small part of our planet grow into beauty and nourishment gives me great joy.
Here in Southern California, the temperate weather allows for just about flower, herb or plant to thrive. I don’t have much of a green thumb, so I stick to succulents since they’re easy to propagate and require little maintenance. Plus, I get to swap cuttings with friends while soaking in some Vitamin D – big advantage since I work in an office most days.
Read a book
I have to admit; I don’t read nearly as much as I wish I could. But I make it a habit to read to the little one every night before he goes to bed. He enjoys the routine so much that once he starts to get sleepy and is ready for bedtime, he will bring me his favorite book to read him before bed.
As for myself, I often find that it’s really difficult to find time to focus on a novel so I invest in an Audible subscription and make it a goal to “read” at least one book a month. One of my favorite recent audible books is, “Love Warrior,” by Glennon Doyle Melton. Her brutal honesty balanced with unfiltered love is incredibly uplifting, especially for the sensitive mama’s soul.
Unplug and unwind.
Take an hour or a day to turn off the smartphone, tv screen and tablet. Engage in meaningful conversation with the ones you love. Take in your surroundings.
This one is important. Technology feeds our addiction to instant gratification and erodes our desire to long-term goal setting; a critical skill needed to plan for and raise a family. It also helps your children feel loved and supported, which should be benefit enough.This Mother’s Day, I was blessed enough to indulge in more than one of the above self-care tips.
Despite my love for champagne, I resisted brunch and opted instead for an activity that I know will do good for my body and soul.
How did you practice self-care this Mother’s Day?
