When was the last time you had “me-time” and how did you spend that time?
As of today I’m a little over 7 weeks post-partum and have not had any true “me-time.” My post-partum journey has been a whirlwind and all of the unexpected happened. I wound up spending a week in the hospital due to major blood clot issues so it kind of threw me off. Over July Fourth weekend I’m travelling back to my hometown of Cleveland, Ohio and staying with my parents for a month. I don’t have too many plans but I def have some scheduled “me-time” and hope to relax with a new book by the pool!
What are some of your favourite ways to practice self care?
Although routines don’t work so well with a newborn, like how sometimes I don’t brush my teeth or have a coffee until well after noon I really try to keep to a skincare routine morning and night (whether morning means 6:00 AM or 1:00 PM). I also due to the health issues I had after pregnancy have to retrain my lungs so I recently purchased a jogging stroller that is carseat compatible so I can begin to exercise regularly and not have to worry about anyone watching the baby. Lastly, speaking of doing something for myself, I signed up for a 5K and am really trying to make time to train for it which also helps me get back to being healthy and have strong lungs!
What advice would you give to mamas struggling to create “me-time”? How do you make time in your schedule for yourself?
Ask for help! No-one warned me how crazy and exhausted you are from having a newborn. Everyone just talks about how cute their kids are but to be honest I was miserable and utterly exhausted. I suggest asking people close to you to help you, my mom was a godsend and next time around I want to hire a night nurse because I now know I will be a much better mother and person with proper sleep and recovery (I had an emergency c-section).
As for making time for myself - my husband works crazy hours so we both try to coordinate our calendars so that we can each fit in something we both want to do a few times a week. Whether its me cooking a meal I saw on Instagram or him going to the gym.