Take Care of Yourself, Momma
Raising tiny humans, pressures of a full-time job, the seclusion of being a stay-at-home-mom, married life, aging parents - it all weighs on the matriarchs of the family. Heavily! We often tell everyone “I’m fine”, but most of the time, we are not, and that is the reality for countless numbers of moms.
We lose our glow, we lose ourselves. With everything to do we become, well, basic for a lack of a better term.
A quick facewash with hand soap, unpainted nails, clothes we have had for twice as old as our children, messy bun, very little makeup, I think I brushed my teeth, but I am also on my third cup of coffee that is now cold.
We used to take pride in our appearance; we moved throughout each day with intention.
Motherhood is often the greatest gift to many women. We just need a gentle reminder how to be us again.
I have been stuck in this rut for a while, I discovered. I thought I was back to my “old self”, but the truth is I was far from it. I only realized this when my daughter hit her preteen years. Makeup, skin care, wanting to pick out her own clothes, exercise, nails, all the good things.
Making changes as a mom is sometimes overwhelming. We do not know where to start with everything else we have going on. It seems so daunting.
What to do?
Take your Momma Glow Up one step at a time!
STEP 1: Physical Health
You are not going to feel like doing anything if you do not physically feel good. I am not saying to join Crossfit or get a personal trainer. Build on small steps to create new and healthy habits.
Drink plenty of water
This is the ultimate broken record saying. When your body is hydrated, it functions better and your skin looks better.
Take your vitamins
I admit - this one I have a hard time remembering. I have to have a pill organizer that I set up each week and carry in my purse with me because by the time I get home to take them my brain is already on something else.
Limit alcohol consumption
This was huge for me. Not to just limit but cut out altogether. I enjoy wine. I love the taste of different wines. I am not able to have only one glass. How did I fix this? Making mocktails and tricking my brain to mind over matter. I think I am having a relaxing glass after work, even in my wine glass, but it is alcohol free.
Take walks
Walks are amazing for mental wellbeing in addition to exercise. Especially if you need time without the over stimulation of screaming, everyone talking at once, dog barking, TV or stereo blaring, etc.
Try to get 7-8 hours of sleep
I know for busy parents a lot of times this is the first to go.
Stretch
Keep your body flexible. I began taking yoga classes after my mom passed from Alzheimer’s Disease several years ago. It has helped me physically and has helped my emotional healing.
Eat more vegetables and lean meats
Like I tell my daughter “eat the colors of the rainbow”. Fresh fruits and veggies of every color.
STEP 2: Mental Health
Are you in a good place mentally to make these changes? Do you know the reason why you want to make these changes?
Read a book
Any book that appeals to you. A novel, book of quotes, a feel-good book, romance novel, crime investigation. Anything that you want. Reading exercises your brain. I enjoy the aspect of reading that I am forced to sit in one spot for more than two minutes. It allows my body to take a rest while stimulating my mind.
Sit alone and meditate
Sometimes I love to just sit in the quiet. Especially at night in the dark. I make a cup of my favorite tea and just have a moment of peace. This is usually when everyone else is asleep in my household.
Journal
This is a HUGE one. There is something about journaling that feels like a much needed release. At times my journaling is composed. On overstimulated or stressful days, it is a little all over the place like a child that has word vomit. Either way it is still impactful and very good for my mindset.
Listen to a podcast
Find a self-help or healing podcast that speaks to you. This may be something with comedy, has an artistic nature, or one discusses a topic that has been weighing on your mind so you can find clarity in others’ perspective. If you find one that is making you more agitated, re-direct to a calmer forum.
Do something that brings you joy
This is one that I discuss with my preteen daughter often. If you are sad, stressed or overall just in a bad mood, switch to something that brings you joy. Paint, go for a hike, volunteer, the list is endless. Feed your soul and positive mentality to schedule time to do this on a regular basis.
One of our favorite stress relievers is hiking. There is something for us that is so spiritual about being outdoors. My daughter and I talk the entire time about all of the things weighing on her and devise solutions.
I also give her the space if she wants to work through things alone first in which then she will read or draw. When she is ready to discuss, she knows where to find me.
STEP 3: Time for Self-care
Now that we have taken the steps to improve our physical and mental health, let’s discuss the beautiful part - the “Glow” of the glow up.
These are the little things that have slowly slipped away in the past until you ask yourself years later “What happened?”
Skin Care Routine
I do not mean a bar of soap in the shower and whatever lotion you may already rub all over your body.
This one I am surprised I let slip away. In my past-life before my current career I was the manager of a day spa. One of my favorite perks of the industry was trying the new products and crafting new, creative services.
I only got back into this recently to a full routine since my daughter is getting into skincare.
The best way I have found to revitalize your skincare routine is to get travel or mini packs of products. Try different items and mix and match to what your skin needs and with what you see the best results.
With a Spa background and trying mini packs below are the links to my favs! Keep in mind this portion is going to be your biggest investment but for me has made the biggest difference in feeling like myself again.
Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash https://amzn.to/480NyJt
Glow Recipe Fruit Babies Gift Set https://amzn.to/49KMomC (great little pack to pick your favorites. My skin loves the Watermelon Dew Drops (Full Size at https://amzn.to/47Zax7I) and the Vitamin C Bright Eye Cream!)
Glow Recipe Watermelon Facial Mist Spray https://amzn.to/3WJMuDz
Elemis Pro-Collagen Night Cream https://amzn.to/47yyotu (a little goes a long way!)
Image Skin Care Prevention + Daily Ultimate Protection Moisturizer SPF 50 https://amzn.to/3WIiKHg (I never leave home without putting this on!)
Red Light Mask
There are a lot of new studies out regarding the rejuvenation of cells with red light therapy including for injuries and even cold sores. There are so many different types on the market at price ranges for the full spectrum. The model I have is older and still plugs in but I am loving the reviews of this one if you need a recommendation. I am thinking I need to put this on my list for Santa for Christmas https://amzn.to/3JAe6rO.
Foot detox pads
This is new for me and the jury is still out, but I am finding they help me rest more at night. The foot pads I have tried can be found here: https://amzn.to/49Fk8BX
Hot bath with Epsom salts
My favorite! Quiet mom time in a hot bath with lavender or eucalyptus salts is my absolute favorite! Dr. Teals is always my go-to https://amzn.to/43MqVWK.
If you are not a bath person, my second go-to are shower steamers also in eucalyptus or lavender. https://amzn.to/4osWjlC
A great body lotion
I feel so much more feminine and rejuvenated if I am using my own body lotion, body butter or body oil instead of the plain my husband uses.
Take a nap!
This is not one that is possible for me. As much as I want to be, I am NOT a good napper! It takes me a good hour and a half to fall asleep and then I need a good 2 hours to sleep. Those of you who can pass out in a great sleep for 15 minutes and be rejuvenated, I envy you!
It is difficult to sometimes find the “time” to fit this all in, let alone to be able to sit and let freshly painted nails dry, but the time investment will be so worth it. Remember, you have little eyes watching you. They want a strong, healthy, and confident momma to be there to guide them.
If it is too much to try all three steps the same week, or even the same month, break it down into chunks. Start healthy new habits one week or month at a time to allow yourself to adjust. Make it manageable to build long-term success.
There is no need to have to wait to make it a New Year’s Resolution, begin with healthy habits now. I hope this inspires any momma who needs a pick-me-up to feel like herself again!
XOXO Lainie
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