99: How to even think about practicing self care as moms during a pandemic

The Soul Mammas Podcast

So how do we even begin trying to practice self care during a pandemic? Most of us have never experienced mandated social isolation and quarantine measures as we are seeing them now. The news is filled with stories of sickness and death and sadness and All of us are worried about the health and well being of our own families.

That being said, there is a lot to be thankful for and a lot to learn during such extreme and jarring times as this. With this forced "togetherness" we might be realizing that we can now focus on the things we were too busy for, or turn our attention to those things that truly matter.

There is a full spectrum of emotions experienced by mothers and fathers during a time like this, and I honor anything that is coming up for you now. I want to offer you some tactile tips to returning to a semblance of self care during this time.

Today I am going to talk about:

• If you are feeling lost, how to turn your attention back on the things that light you up
• NOT MOM GUILTING YOURSELF DURING THIS TIME
• Getting clear on what lights you up and what depletes you
• Finding 20 mins a day to do that thing that you were doing before that lit you up, or are wanting to do now. Doesn't matter what it is. But it has to be true to yourself
• Write down what those things are on a sticky note, or in the notes of your phone and try to give yourself mental and physical attention to it once a day
• If you are having a hard time focusing-that is NORMAL
• If you are feeling like you are returning to "bad habits" to deal with stress-That is NORMAL
• Remember, we are in a pandemic and many of us are worried about finances and health and livelihood. Whatever you are feeling is okay.
• You may need to do "that thing" that lights you up like painting, playing the guitar, cooking, crafting, etc. while your kids are around and that's okay too.
• Give yourself space and grace. These are new and unique times and uncharted territory
• Personally I have challenges with being around my husband so much when we are both independent people. I share about things I've resorted to (like wine) to process stress as well, and what sustainable practices work better for me.