- Katie
SELF - CARE
Self-care – funny name for something that is not selfish yet can be rewarding and essential to a better YOU. No matter what your schedule or lifestyle may be, working or caring for your family, the truth is…we get tired, we get worn down and we need to take time to re-energize emotionally and physically. Why is this idea so important? Prioritizing your emotional and physical wellness can help to motivate and encourage you to make healthy life choices. When you find the balance of self love you are able to increase your self esteem and establish better relationships with those around you. Women have the biological instinct to nurture. In order to nurture others you must first lead with yourself.
We took a pole to see how our girlfriends promote self love!
Mani Pedi / Bubble Bath / Zoom with friends / Dinner with friends / Glass of Wine / Cold Beer / Shopping and Target / Costco Trip / Massage / Exercise (ALONE) / Noise Canceling Headphones / Cup of Tea / Cleaning / Hot Shower / Good Book / Candles / Face Mask / Shop at Ulta / Skincare Routine / Yoga
Self Reflection: One thing I have learned this past year is how to become a better advocate for myself. A huge part of self-love is identifying areas you want to improve. Self reflection can be a powerful and eye-opening experience. Prior to having Remi I wouldn't speak up for things I wanted and I would let overwhelming emotions get the best of me. I am the epitome of an indecisive person and have trouble deciding what's for dinner on a daily basis. Becoming a mom and navigating a pandemic has helped me become more assertive and direct. I have learned to pay attention to my emotions and now make decisions with intent. I have also learned to ask for help. Some people have trouble asking for help or don't know how. Sometimes the sweetest words a woman can hear are, “I feel you, sister" or "I got you." I have always felt this to be true but this has been more evident this year than ever. These simple phrases and gestures of support are why I find my conversations with friends so LIBERATING!
Body Healing: In our home when we need some body repair or advice, we call Giulia. She has been our go to for years. We met through mutual friends and one of my favorite things about her is her high energy and zest for life. From just one conversation she can make you want to be adventurous and health conscious. She can make you want to LIVE! She has an abundance of knowledge when it comes to holistic healing and body mechanics. Through her studies and teachings Giulia has mentally and physically improved lifestyles for countless individuals and has presented alternative measures to implement a healthier approach to the mind, body and soul. With the understanding that not all bodies are the same, Giulia can focus on customized programs with intent and focus.
“What is the best advice you can give moms/caretakers”
"The majority of my clients are moms who have forgotten about themselves from one time or another. Most have spent much of their lives taking care of others and not themselves. Your body takes a toll. It is always a long and hard journey to put the body back together when you neglect it for so long. Yoga helps repair and I have watched the moms become restored through its teachings. Diving into the philosophy of yoga and relearning how your own body works is not easy and the longer you wait after giving birth, the harder it is."
"My best advice to new moms is to not forget about yourself. Create boundaries with your family that includes "me time". Create a sacred space in your home that you can move and connect with your own body. A great way to start your journey to a restored you is with stretching. This simple stretch routine will help everything inside and help discover the ways your body was designed to move. White agate is also a nourishing stone and all moms should wear it. When you spend so much time nourishing others, the body needs nourishment. "
"Massage therapy is a healthy way to reduce stress and promote overall wellness. Massage relieves many of the normal discomforts such as backaches, stiff neck, leg cramps, headaches, and edema. Massage encourages blood and lymph circulation, helps to relax nervous tension which aids in better sleep, and can help relieve depression or anxiety caused by hormonal changes."
Giulia owns PS Yoga in River Grove, IL. Visit the site and location to find a healer and schedule an appointment today! Promo code: "Hiccups" gives you 25% off all services through the end of February 2021!!
Ayurveda
Bodywork
Crystal Readings
Massage
Skin Therapy
Yoga Therapy
Emotional and Mental Healing: I am blessed to have known Nicole for more than half my life. Growing up everyone went to her for advice. She has a calm demeanor and offers a judgement free zone. I am not surprised she picked a profession that allows her to listen and help people each day, that is what makes her golden. Today Nicole is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor at Rachel Dubrow LCSW and Associates. Therapy and counseling sessions can help individuals identify triggers, establish interpersonal skills and alter paths of destructive behavior.
Health As women, oftentimes we are programmed to do for others before ourselves, and motherhood is no exception. As a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and mother of two, I know how this goes all too well, though the stories of my clients as well as my own life. Our “me time” turns into errands-Target runs and trips to the grocery store, rather than something that will really rejuvenate us. It’s so important for moms to take that time to find out what it is that fills your cup, and spend time doing it as much as possible. Here are some ideas for ways to try to bring us back to the calm, self-assured parent we hope to be.
1. Meditate- this can look different for people, but the idea is to focus on something other than the minute to minute, second to second, noise in our brains. Maybe sitting on a pillow with your legs crossed doesn’t work for you. Try active meditation by walking and listening to calming music. Focus in on a physical activity, and work to consciously quiet that inner voice. Doing this for even 10 minutes a day can lower stress and bring you more fully into the moment.
2. Self-care- A lot of times the idea of self-care is diminished to baths and manicures. Don’t get me wrong, these are great! Going deeper though, self-care can mean so much more. Having the awareness of how much energy you have is so important, especially as a busy mom. Picture a fuel tank in your chest. How empty or full is it? What would fill it up? What empties it? Having the self-awareness, about what it is you need to stay sane, calm, and joyful can be life-changing. Example- If your toddler is throwing extra tantrums on a particular day, allow her an extra episode of Daniel Tiger and allow yourself the time to recharge. Read, sip a warm drink, call a friend. Once you both have had that time it’ll be easier to return to the normal routine.
3. Socialize- Whatever this looks like for you is perfect! As moms, it can sometimes feel like our lives have been taken over by these beautiful, tiny people we’ve created. It can be easy to feel like we’ve lost ourselves in our role as a mother. Regular date nights with your spouse, weekly girls dinner with friends, solo trips to the gym for a fitness class. Anything that makes you feel back to your old self will be so refreshing, and will hopefully keep you energized to handle all the craziness that motherhood can bring.
These are just a few ideas to get you started. The most important takeaway is to find what it is that helps you recharge and DO IT-every day, every week, every time you can. We always hear how important it is to enjoy these years when our kids our young, but often we lack the balance to do that. So, create the space for yourself so that you can show up for yourself, your kids, your partner, and your community in the way that you want to.
To schedule an appointment or learn more about services offered
please visit https://www.racheldubrowlcsw.com/ or call (847)313-8074
The takeaway from this post for women and caretakers of all kinds, MAKE A PLAN. You are important. This is not a one size fits all remedy, baby steps each day to start will make a world of difference. Too often I hear that being a new mom puts you in survival mode but you can make the choice to thrive. When you say yes to others make sure you are not saying no to yourself.
It is not selfish to do what's best for you....
