So often in my work at Mama Glow I have encounter mothers who are driven, hustling, making a difference in this world—but not extending that same energy and compassion to themselves. This is the month of mamas. Every day you extend yourself out of pure love and necessity and drive. But what is left when you give so much to others before filling yourself up? How can you be your most powerful if you don’t take care of yourself? That way you can support others in your life, amplify your impact in the world, and create a gratifying career. Here are our “glow tips” for mothering yourself.
1. Make yourself a priority. At Mama Glow, we call it “glow time.” It’s a self-care practice—whether that’s taking time for meditation, yoga, getting a massage, a foot rub, facial, reading a good book, or whatever helps you to relax and feel rejuvenated. Put an end time on your workday, cap it, and put it away so you can be present with yourself. It’s all about recharging the batteries—what makes you feel your most radiant? When you make time for yourself, you are recharged for work, your relationships, and most of all, your family.
2. Move your body. So many of us get stuck in our routines and forget that functional movement is really important to maintain a healthy, happy body. You don’t have to join a gym—in fact, you shouldn’t relegate your fitness to the gym alone. Blast some Beyoncé in your living room and dance for 30 minutes while dinner is in the oven. Race up the staircase during your subway commute (in sneakers, of course). Pedal your way around town via Citi Bike, or try something sexy like an S Factor pole dancing class, which will boost your endorphins and libido.
3. Try phone fasting. Tune all the digital chatter out of your life for one day. (If the thought gives you a panic attack, then try half a day.) Phone fasting includes iPads, computers, and video games. Take that time to tune inward, be with yourself and your family, go for a run, play Frisbee in the park, really experience that Mother’s Day breakfast in bed, write a letter to a friend, go to the theater, spend time doing what you love with who you love, and take time to appreciate the precious moment that is the present.
4. Nix multitasking. Women are masterful multitaskers. This skill probably evolved from ancestral times when we were in the cave, stirring a pot with one hand and fighting off a wild animal with another, all the while balancing a happy baby on one hip. With the busy, high-speed lives we are leading, we are often completing multiple duties at the same time. We overschedule, overcommit, and go to bed so late most nights that we oversleep. Much of our modern stress is caused by a feeling that time is escaping us and we are racing through life just trying to get everything done. No one internalizes this stress more than mothers. One really important lesson I learned during pregnancy and early postpartum was to slow down and complete one task at a time—and more importantly, master the art of delegation.
5. Schedule a play date. Not a play date for your child, but for yourself. Play is an essential part of your secret sauce. Play allows you to open up, take risks, stumble upon new strengths, and allows the mind to expand and be open to “aha” moments. It helps you to expand and be in the present moment doing something that you love. In a time where we are moving faster than ever before, our calendars are busting at the seams, leaving little to no personal time. When was the last time you took a trapeze lesson, went to a flamenco class, or sang the night away at karaoke? When you schedule every part of your life, it doesn’t leave much space for fun to weave its way into your day. It’s not just for little kids. Play is important in all aspects of our lives, including creativity, work, and relationships. Give yourself permission to play every day.