After facing some health issues and surgery last year, I’ve tried to make a more conscious effort to put myself first once in a while.
I thought it would be fun to share a few of the things I’ve been doing lately to de-stress and relax.
Baths
A long soak in a hot bath is a classic way to unwind at the end of a long day. I’ve been trying to take the time to do this more frequently, and it’s amazing how a tub of hot water can soothe some of the day’s stress away.
Must haves for a relaxing bath include lavender bubble bath, candles, and dark chocolate.
Do yourself a favor and find this chocolate. It’s amazing.
This vanilla bean soy candle is in my house and nearly gone.
And this bubble bath has the greatest relaxing, calming scent.
Shop Dr Teal’s Lavendar Bubble Bath
Exercise
I have been taking a class at our local YMCA for a few months called BodyFlow. It includes a combination of yoga, tai chi, and pilates moves.
I am not the type of person who needs to take a five-mile run to feel as though my body got some exercise.
This class makes me feel composed and strengthened. Finding some type of physical exercise that makes you feel strong and de-stressed is key in keeping yourself healthy both physically and mentally.
If mama is stressed nobody is at their best. (That’s a saying, right?)
Fun with the children
Our daughter and I have been enjoying a mommy-and-me style yoga class the last four weeks.
It is geared toward 3-5 year-olds and has been a great way to share an activity I enjoy doing with our daughter. We go for half an hour on Wednesday mornings and just have fun.
I have learned, and am still learning, that having a child with special needs takes up a lot of time, and it can be difficult to prioritize time with your other children. My daughter needs to feel like her wants and needs are the most important thing sometimes too, so this class has been a great bonding experience and opportunity to have some time together.
Girls’ Night (recipe)
I am hosting a girls’ movie night this weekend, which is one thing I love to do. Having a few girlfriends over to enjoy drinks, snacks, and a chick flick is an enjoyable way to unwind at the end of the week.
A friend of mine shared this recipe with me, and I assured her it would be on the menu for movie night.
S’MORES NACHOS RECIPE Major yum, am I right?!