irishmomusa

Sometimes being a mum is not all rosy in the garden and it is so important for the family to take time for yourself. It is not selfish and is an absolute necessity for not only your wellbeing but the wellbeing of the entire family. 'Happy wife means a happy life' right? That is our household motto.

Also, what springs to mind for me is what the flight crew ALWAYS remind us of on every flight. That is ''You must take care of your own oxygen mask first before you assist your child'' I try to say that to myself every day and take simple steps to put myself first sometimes and not always Harry and Jonny. Often from the moment I wake up, I am running around preparing breakfast for Harry, getting him washed, dressed and watered and before I know it, it's already nearly mid-day and I often haven't eaten a single thing! Now I leave Harry's milk with him in his room before he wakes and I make sure to have a bowl of cereal and a cup of tea for myself before I even take him out of his bed in the morning. I notice that I am in a far better mood to start my day because of this simple change. I guess the step I'm talking about here is STOP SKIPPING MEALS!

Below are some other steps I'm taking to make time for self-care so that I can be the best version of myself. I would love to hear how you make time for yourself. Let me know in the comments below!

1. EATING HEALTHIER

Buying organic when I can and preparing home-made healthy meals for the family. Baking my own bread so I know what I am putting into my body. Not only is it beneficial to my body on a nutritious level, it also helps my mental wellbeing as I feel a level of satisfaction after cooking a meal. Also, just knowing that I am doing the best I can for my own body and for my family's health and wellbeing is enough to make me feel happy and healthy.

2. EXERCISING

Working out and exercising at least 3 times a week. Whether it be a walk or jog in the park or a simple yoga class at a nearby gym or at home on youtube in front of the laptop. Just working out for me and not for Harry or anyone else gives me the headspace and peace I need to rejuvenate and gives me the energy to smile and refocus on the important things in life. Your health is your wealth!

3. BALANCE

Starting my day with a smoothie and ending it with a glass of red wine at dinner ( just 1 glass) is really a good way to feel balanced and relaxed :) Listening to pop, 80's and rock in the morning and classical and jazz in the evening. Having some quiet, headspace moments in the day and then have a good natter with your family and friends on a whatsapp call or audio! You get the picture.

4. GOOD UNDERWEAR

Investing in good quality underwear always picks me up and makes me feel so body confident. Throw out all those discolored panties and lose fitting bras and go get measured. Less is more!! I personally love Victoria's Secret and they always have good deals on! Better to have fewer pieces but great quality. While I have my 'soft' parts and un welcomed dimples in certain places, it always feels better when you are wearing well-shaped and correctly- fitting underwear. My body is far from perfect now after Harry but I have learned to love it again in its new form as it gave me my beautiful little baby boy.

5.INVEST IN A FEEL-GOOD ITEM TO WEAR

For me it's good pair of skinny fitted pants, leather or otherwise. They are a great, timeless staple for your wardrobe to make you look and feel your best. These pair I found online and are vegan leather pants that just seem to suck my legs in and are elasticated around the waist so they really are comfortable and flexible at the same time. I will link them here. They are kinda pricey but price per wear..trust me, they're worth every penny! Dress them up or wear them casually with flats

6. BREATHE & PRACTICE MINDFULNESS.

After having a baby, sometimes it's normal to feel anxious and get bouts of 'baby blues' so from me, I encourage you to join mom groups for support or even a therapy session with a professional to help keep your thoughts on track and give you tools and strategies to overcome it with ease! Never feel ashamed as it is completely normal and I myself indulge in therapy sessions occasionally. Thanks to Obamacare it is completely covered by my insurance company although I don't know how long more that will last!! My key in getting back to a good positive mental place is to bring yourself back to the present. Use all your senses; What do you hear, what you smell, what are you thinking, feeling...allow the thoughts and feelings to come and then let them leave and replace with a positive thought.

7. DO ONE THING FOR YOURSELF EVERY DAY.

For me that is having a bubble bath and doing a face & hair mask as often as I can! Unfortunately it doesn't happen daily but I try to squeeze it in when Harry goes to bed on time at 8pm. I light the candles, turn off the lights and listen to a good podcast or some jazz. Sometimes I might read a book in the bath or other times I might do absolutely nothing just sit in silence and breathe. No technology or phone. Just my mind. I find these times I get creative and come up with fun ideas for blog or activities to do with Harry.

8. SUPPLEMENTS

Take some vitamins/ continue with prenatal supplements. I never felt as good as I did when I was pregnant. I felt soo healthy and my hair was shiny so I started taking my pre natal tabs again to perk me up and I really find they help! My mood and energy also feel good too.

9. ONCE A MONTH REWARD

Sometimes being a stay-at-home mum can be a real pain because you don't get any recognition for your hard work. There are no monthly salaries ( although I have started working part time as a substitute teacher so I do get a little income which is nice) but before this, I found it hard having no pay-day to look forward to. I had always worked before so it was a real shock to the system. I was supposed to be somehow just delighted and satisfied with Harry's smile as my reward or seeing his first steps, which don't get me wrong is absolutely amazing and I feel so blessed and grateful for this but it is still hard to not have the feedback or reward of a monthly salary. To ease this, I treat myself usually on the same day of every month, to a massage of some kind. Whether it be a foot massage or a back and shoulder massage. Carrying around a 26 lb baby on my hips isn't exactly good for my posture so I really think it's essential. I don't go clubbing, to the movies or even out for dinner that much anymore so instead I make sure to make time for my massage! What would you treat yourself to once a month??

10. READING, WATCHING TV SERIES & LISTENING TO PODCASTS

This takes care of my creative side and allows me to become absorbed in another world. I'm currently reading 'The Little French Bistro' by Nina George which transports me to France! Podcasts I am listening to are all 'social media marketing' and I am currently in love with the TV show on Amazon Prime called 'Catastrophe'. Funnily enough, it is all about the dramas of motherhood and marriage and is absolutely hilarious! Jonny and I find ourselves falling around the place laughing at it and it's our time at the end of a long day where we come together with some decaf tea and a square or two of chocolate and put our feet up. My favourite part to the day!

Hope you enjoyed my blog post and that you have a wonderful day! I would love to hear your feedback and remember, be kind to yourself!

Alison xoxo

All Photos taken by Chicago based photographer, focal.vision. Check out instagram @focal.vision