Quarantine Self Care for Moms

Hope this finds you all well and hanging in there. What a crazy time we're living in. Pretty certain us moms (and dads) are all operating in survival mode and just doing the best we can to get through. I love the saying "we're not all in the same boat but we're weathering the same storm." Hoping you're giving yourself tons of grace and doing whatever works best for you and your family right now.  Cooking dinner last night I cut two different fingers, a sure fire sign my mind was going in too many directions and it was time to throw in the towel for the day.

Crazy to me that Mother's Day is this weekend - I don't know about you, but I'm not looking for anything fancy. I'll take a few moments for self care to recharge. "Me time" is always important but even more so now that we're all together 24/7 in quarantine, navigating uncharted waters and wearing so many different hats. What are favorite ways to practice self-care lately? Here's some of mine:

First on the list, exercise is a must for me. It helps me feel strong, recharge and able to tackle the day. I have been a longtime fan of at home workouts so this isn't a crazy shift for me. There are tons of great options out there and in general can me a really affordable option -  many have great free trials, some even longer during this pandemic. If you haven't tried home workouts give it a go, they can be a game-changer!

My favorite and go-to app is Beachbody on Demand which has so many great workouts available including Barre Blend which I'm obsessed with right now. Barre blend hits your body, mind and spirit and the instructor is perfection for navigating this uncertain time. But really so many great workouts from yoga to weight lifting and bootcamp etc. Let me know if you want any recommendations! BOD offers a free 2 week trial!

The Peloton App is another one of my favorites. Note I do not have a Peloton Bike (though I'd love one its not in the budget right now). I do have an older spin bike and just pull the workouts up through the app on my phone or iPad which works great. I also recently tried and loved an outdoor running class. The app also have treadmill classes, bootcamp classes and yoga classes. You can get it free for 30 days too! I've also heard great things about the Less Mills on demand classes and that app has a 14 day free trial. 

If you like interactive classes, or miss your favorite instructors support small businesses in their online efforts! My favorite local Spot Strong Bodies has some great zoom class options - you may see me if you hop on Heather's 7am class on Mondays and Wednesdays. I also absolutely love Greener Postures for yoga and they've got an extensive schedule of online classes. 

I also love a good run or walk. If you're just starting out with running, try a run-walk, use your watch or even telephone polls to create a pattern for speeding up. Or set a set a goal like couch to 5k and download a free app or workout plan. Do whatever works for you during this crazy time. No-one needs to be setting records but I've found movement feels especially great in quarantine.

Most of us are enjoying quarantine treats, quarantine baking has been a big thing in our house. All things in moderation and he kids are loving it. But with the extra time it's also a good opportunity to make sure you're fueling yourself with nutrients and hydrating well. We balance the baking with also making a smoothie everyday - this is out go-to blueberry smoothie and this immunity boosting smoothie from Dr. Oz is great for the current situation to keep up our vitamin c intake out. Our whole house has also been trying to consume more water each day and I've been adding lemon to our water to make it more enticing for everyone. I've been drinking lemon balm tea at night after the kids go to bed and find tea and a good book a calming ritual. Also by good book right now I mean light beach read because real life is heavy enough... currently making my way through Elin Hilderbrand books. 

In Maine we had one the coldest and rainiest April's on record, May is looking slightly more promising which is good because when possible, getting outside is key to morale. A little bit of sunshine goes a long way. Whether it's a run, taking my workout outside, eating lunch outside, going for a walk, taking our classroom outside, or simply watching the kids play in the yard, spending time outside just feels good. I've also but plugging away at getting our garden ready which oddly enough feels like a break these days, also excited to have a mission for us to care for and maintain. 

Solo time is hard to come by these days, and this too shall pass, but in the meantime carving out even tiny moments of solo time is essential. You're probably more patience than me, but we all need just a little time. Even though the typical morning rush is over, and there's no bus to catch, I've kept up my early morning routine. I like getting up early so taking advantage of the time and getting in a workout and a cup of coffee solo is good for my soul. Maybe you're a night-owl or maybe your spouse is home during quarantine and you can sneak away at lunch..whatever works best for you, but carve something out.

Make-up seems to be a thing of the past right now but its a great time to take care of your skin. Skin-care is self-care! I find even doing a face mask at night and enjoying a cup of tea makes be feel pampered (bar is set low right now). Most of you know I'm a Beautycounter fan (and consultant). You can shop my page here. I just purchased a refill of the Countertime line which is my absolute favorite and makes skin feel great/actually makes me want to wash my face at night. Also highly recommend for pampering the Eye Revive Cooling Masks, Sugar Body Scrub in Lemongrass, the Overnight Resurfacing Peel, and all the masks.. I'm also a big fan of the Charcoal mask and body butter from Pure Haven Essentials, the masks and Line Minimizing Patch-Masks from Kiehls. the Satin Mint Facial Scrub from Young Living, the DERMA E Purifying Daily Detox, and the DERMA E Radiant Glow Face Oil, and Weleda Skin Food which I swear by for my hands. (DERMA E & Welda can found on Amazon or can be thrown in your next Whole Foods order). I also find giving myself a fake tan is a morale booster right now. I've been using the Isle of Paradise drops and spray in the light shade with success (and no funny streaks).

With kids home all day and all meals happening at home, there's a whole lot of cooking happening and dishes piling up. Sometimes we all just need a break! In this house we've had a few "whatever you can find in the fridge & smoothie nights" and we've had a couple great takeout meals from local restaurants which is a win-win (important to support local when we can). I've seen a great tik-tok friends have been posting where mom has an announcement to make ... "the kitchen is closed." Do it my friends - close the kitchen. 

What have you been doing in quarantine to practice self-care? Even if it's a few minutes a day - take the time to for yourself friends, you deserve it, you need it right now. Happy Mother's Day to all - stay safe and sane. Hang in there! Thanks as always for stopping by!