Due to the nature of the world we live in, I started off this MotheRoad blog tackling Pregnancy & Postpartum wellbeing during COVID-19 from a general and practical standpoint. That got me thinking – moms need general and practical support for everything right now. I’m going to devote the next few blog entries to the most important aspect of all of this – YOU. Caring for YOURSELF at this time is paramount and I want to give you some simple, easy ways to start doing that right now. So, sneak away from your family, give yourself a few minutes to read, and implement some self-care rituals to help YOU!
Momming During A Pandemic – Tips for a good enough morning routine paving the way for a better day
Let me be clear, I wish everyone had fabulous mornings. Waking up feeling refreshed, energized and excited about the day ahead – yes, sign me up! Now let’s talk about mornings with a baby or small children during a global pandemic, social unrest, and economic collapse. Ugh. I really can only imagine what it must be like. I remember waking up in a thick haze, feeling the weight of the day, hearing my baby crying, wishing someone could take my place. Trying to calculate how much sleep I got, barely being able to remember that last time I laid back down, grasping for something to make me feel better, something to give me hope. And that was happening in a pre-COVID world when I could go anywhere, have people over without worry, hang out at Target without wearing a mask, walk my neighborhood without crossing the street to avoid other people, gather in groups with other moms and babies…
So what’s a new mom in these times to do? Start simple and start with you. I’m sure you’ve heard wellness and self-help coaches touting “how you start the day sets the tone.” While that sounds great, it’s also the hardest part of the day when you are a new parent. Sometimes morning is 4am, sometimes morning happens over and over like groundhog day. That being said, there’s all kinds of research and strategies out there for how to start the day, but let’s start with the basics.
First and foremost, your preferences and interests will largely dictate what is best for you. Yes, YOU know what is best for YOU because you know you better than anyone. Doing what is best for ourselves is and remains a challenge – that is OK! Perfection is not what is needed here. Good Enough is the prescription.
There is a reason that during the 3-minute safety instructions before a flight, which no one listens to, flight attendants remind us to put our oxygen masks on before helping anyone else. What does that needed oxygen mask look like for you? What would you do first thing upon waking that feels like you? Keeping in mind that you are basically a houseplant in need of water and sunlight…
Here are a few recommendations for a 30-minute morning routine for a good enough morning to lead you into a better day:
Basic Tools needed
- An alarm clock (Wake up 30 minutes before everyone else)
- A music listening device with headphones
- Easy to prepare breakfast food (oatmeal, yogurt, hard boiled eggs, protein bar)
- Supplements & Vitamins (you do you here – stay tuned for a future blog with more details)
Extra Credit Tools needed
- Organic Apple Cider Vinegar in a glass bottle with the Mother (my personal favorite brand is Bragg’s OACV w/mother – raw and unfiltered)
Hydrate: Upon waking (yes, after emptying your bladder) head to the kitchen and drink a much water as you can stand – 8oz, 16oz, 32oz… Our organs are all slightly dehydrated after several hours without drinking. Hydrating first thing in the morning with plain water helps restore optimal physical functioning. We are made of mostly water, especially our brains. Dehydration contributes to heart disease, high blood pressure, brain fog… Drink water like your life depends on in it, cuz it does. Extra Credit: Check out more about drinking water here: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/how-much-water-should-you-drink-per-day
Fresh Air: No matter what the weather, step outside and breathe in fresh air. Literally stand outside on your porch, walkway, curb, whathaveyou, and take 5 slow deep diaphragmatic breathes. Soften your belly while breathing in as deep and low as you can then completely release that breath. Take another deep slow breath counting to 4 or 5 as you inhale and then slowly release counting to 4 or 5 on the exhale. Continue for a total of 5 breaths. Then just stand there and listen for a few minutes, eyes open or closed. Extra Credit: Check out more breathings exercises from Dr. Weil here: https://www.drweil.com/health-wellness/body-mind-spirit/stress-anxiety/breathing-three-exercises/
Music: Listen to your favorite song or songs. Give yourself the time to listen to one or two songs that get your hips moving and lips smiling.
Eat: Keep a stash of your favorite yogurt, hard boiled eggs, oatmeal… whatever sounds good to you that is quick and easy. Take 10 minutes to eat something by yourself. Drink your coffee or tea. Take your vitamins. Extra Credit: Take a tablespoon of organic apple cider vinegar (with the mother, shaken well) mixed with 4oz of water and shoot that lifegiving elixir. Find out more about the benefits of organic apple cider vinegar here: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/6-proven-health-benefits-of-apple-cider-vinegar#1
Brush, Fuss & Gratitude: Give yourself 5 minutes to brush your teeth, pick your hair, wash and moisturize your face, and look at your beautiful, life-giving, goddess face in the mirror. Tell yourself three things you are grateful for, smile at yourself and say “I’m gonna rock this day,” or “I’m a badass motherbirther,” something to that effect.
Try this routine for 3 days and notice how you feel, how your day unfolds, and give yourself some grace.