When was the last time you had “me-time” and how did you spend that time?
I try my best to steal little moments for myself through the week (I don’t think I can even say day!) and the last time I did something quite impactful for myself was about 2 weeks ago when I was seen by Margot Leviton (@vancouverhealer on IG). She introduced me to the healing world of Myofascial Release, Craniosacral Therapy and Visceral Manipulations with a Healer’s touch. It was an extraordinary hour session of restoring my ribcage, hips and more to their rightful position after 3 years of my body going through the motions of pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, carrying my baby (now toddler) around and so much more. I didn’t realize how much of myself was thrown out of place. It made me realize I need to incorporate more physical and mental healing into my routine.
What are some of your favorite ways to practice self care?
When I don’t get the chance to have a massage or healing session, I have to content myself with great pampering sessions after Zoe goes to sleep. I might do a face mask while catching up on work or watching a series, for example. Lately, I haven’t been allowing Zoe to be in the bathroom with me while I shower because that’s a self-care moment for me too (although she knocks on the door haha). Doing my makeup is really calming and introspective for me too.
What advice would you give to mamas struggling to create “me-time”? How do you make time in your schedule for yourself?
I’m not the greatest person to be giving advice because I myself don’t make enough “me-time”! I think the self care promotion you see a lot of mothers doing on social media is also a little bit of a stretch because the reality is, it’s actually really hard to create that time with a young child. The encouragement of it is what matters and as mothers, we can aspire to it and remind each other how important it is. Our personal situation is a little tricky: We have no family in Los Angeles (they’re in South America and Europe) so we never have grandparents or uncles/aunts around to take Zoe. On occasion, I ask a close friend of mine to watch her for an hour while I skip to a massage or hubby and I get dinner. In the morning, I’ll ask my hubby to not allow Zoe to disturb my shower time! I work from home so I’m with her all day. I think leaning on your friends and family (if they’re close and in tune with your child) and partner is the best way to find that time. Also, look within the community. We have a YMCA membership and they have a daycare that will look after your child for 2 hours while you hit the gym or sauna! There are lots of options around if you look and do a little research!