After posting yesterday that my daughter and I were having a “Little House tea party” …I have never received so many messages asking what this was?!
It’s simply watching Little House on the Prairie with snacks. I know groundbreaking.
We have been having “Little House tea parties” for years now. I think it started when she was 4 and I was pregnant with our third child, Beau. I needed to rest and she needed time with her mama.
For as long as I can remember, I rest best in bed doing something relaxing or watching a movie. My parents always tell me this is how I was as a child too—you always wanted to get in a bed or have a movie to rest. I think it’s so beautiful when we can allow our body’s to breathe and we know what helps us rest.
My daughter is the same. I find her in bed doing crafts or listening to an audio book. We are identical.
All these questions yesterday really made me think…
Self care doesn’t have to be this grand or expensive moment that requires planning and a babysitter or happens in a bubble, void of people or noise.
Self care is anything that fills you up.
Self care is anything that brings out the best in you so that you can love on others better.
Self care is anything that allows you to reset.
While I will always advocate for moments of quiet and calm, you can hit reset throughout the day in little moments that add up!
As a holistic nutritionist, I know the value of brain breaks, moments of pause, creating, accomplishing and pouring in.
One-on-one time with my kids: Goodness, I am realizing more and more how one on one time with my kids fills up my cup, and theirs in big ways. It’s this reset button that makes me appreciate their uniqueness, gives a moment for a deeper conversation and seeing a difference in their behavior makes it SO worth it. Last week traveling with just Jameson for a few days, despite him being a baby, was total bliss to me. A precious moment when everything else seems to stop—all you can do is focus on them and I adore it. I’m realizing more and more than self care doesn’t have to be done in a bubble or solo, so plan those one on one moments, even if it’s sitting and talking at night in your kid’s beds.
Flowers: Our neighborhood has bloomed to life lately. My daughter and I took a walk on Easter Sunday and we both were SO happy after. She was twirling around the blooms and noticing every hue and detail. As humans, we are wired to crave nature (a concept called biophilia). Nature’s spring blooms in the trees outside or in a bouquet on your kitchen counter creates a restorative brain and visual break from the harshness of screens and your to-do list.
Planting books everywhere: I started doing this a year ago when I was pregnant and exhausted. I would bring a book to the park and read for a few minutes while my kids played, then after feeling refreshed, I would jump in and play with them. I keep a book in my car and my bedside table. Anywhere I am tempted to pick up my phone, scroll and zone out…I plant a book. Boosts dopamine and calms cortisol in the best way! The Correspondent and One Good Thing are currently on my shelf.
Making dinner I want to eat (despite reviews from the audience): I always tell my kids, they don’t have to like the meal, but they do have to try it and be grateful. If they give the meal I made a good effort, then I will get them something in addition. I’ve learned that with 4 kids and varying taste buds, I’ll never please everyone. So I make what my husband and I like. I make sure I am nourished so I can pour into these little ones. With toddlers you never know, so I don’t make my plans around them. This is so mentally and physically freeing—because if I’m going to spend time making dinner, you better bet I’m going to enjoy it despite reviews from the audience.
Building in nature + exercise to everyday routines: I love a good run or dedicated workout, but with 4 kids that is often not a reality. Talking the longer route to the park, doing lunges while the kids are playing in the park, walking to get a snack at our local coffee shop, or squeezing in a home video workout are all ways that I can make exercise happen even with little feet around me.
Naps: I have zero issues turning on a movie for my older kids if I want to nap with the baby. I always say, use screen time to your advantage—use it when you need it, not when they need it. A good weekend nap keeps me afloat for the whole week!
Afternoon chocolate: Been indulging in a sweet treat in the afternoon for as long as I can remember. An afternoon treat doesn’t just create a pause, it also creates anticipation…anytime you create anticipation you boost dopamine, which calms cortisol. Many cultures around the world pause in the afternoon for rest and a treat—tea time, siesta hour, you name it.
Sunshine: When in doubt, take it outside…it’s the instant refresh button! Sometimes in the afternoons if my husband is heading home from work, we will sit on the front steps and wait for him. Being outside calms everything for me physically and mentally and both nature, sunshine and the anticipation of daddy coming home resets my kids.
Facial ice rolling in the car line: In the mornings, I’ll grab my facial ice roller (CAROLINEP15) out of the freezer and roll my face in the car line. It’s such an energy booster and helps with lymphatic drainage and release tension. And if you spotted a lady ice rolling her face on a walk this morning…guilty!
Working on my business: As women, God designed our brains to create and accomplish. My children are my greatest ‘work’ but equally I CRAVE building a business that honors my family, my boundaries and my brain. If you are craving accomplishment outside of your children, that is beautiful and does not make you less of a mom…it makes you a real mom! I am thankful for the clients I get to serve and help them feel their best so they in turn can serve their families better. I am thankful for my Atmosphera teammates I can cheer on in building their businesses in a way that honors their need to create and accomplish as well. I am thankful to be able to do this from home, while walking with the baby and in time pockets when able. Thankful that modern times has allowed moms to do motherhood with a splash of business too!
What’s one way you pour in? xx
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