Wellness tips for moms on the go
We spend spring running from recitals to field trips. Mix in scheduling summer activities, juggling jobs and home projects, and you have one hectic season. Self-care is key to staying well and being truly present at all the little milestones coming your way. From meditation to aromatherapy, pack a few items from this busy mom’s self-care kit to keep yourself fit, fueled and focused.
Taste
Fill Your Tank
Busy bodies cannot live on water alone. We need protein, fiber and nutrients. Make a stop for an energizing smoothie at spots like Barvida part of your routine. Try The Cure by Dr. Katie—the strawberry-pineapple protein smoothie featuring
20 grams of protein and 15 grams of fiber.
Or plan ahead and keep ingredients to make smoothies at home—protein powder, frozen fruit (blueberries are an excellent option), frozen chopped greens (kale or spinach) and your preferred liquid (water, nut, oat or cow’s milk). Toss the ingredients in the blender (I love my NutriBullet) to make a shake that packs a fiber and protein punch.
Want it faster? Frozen smoothie mixes are also available at most grocery stores.
Egg bites are another great on-the-go option. They can easily be made at home and last for several days. Find the recipe that best suits you online. Most combine eggs, egg whites and cottage cheese, with adds-ins like vegetables and cheese. Use a silicone muffin pan for easy clean-up. Make a batch on Monday, and store in the fridge. Quickly reheat them in the microwave through mid-week for quick and tasty snack.
Stay Hydrated
One of the leading causes of headaches and fatigue is dehydration. Consider refrigerating water overnight with grated ginger and lemon slices. Drain in the morning, fill your to-go cup, and sip all day to stay clear-headed and hydrated. Watch your complexion, energy and overall health improve.
Smell
Have Some Scents
Scent is a powerful tool. Consider what smells perk you up or relax you, and keep them handy. Collect small candles, sample perfume fragrances and scented soaps.
Use a whiff of citrus to recharge or lavender to relax. Keep a small bag filled with smells to enhance your mood in your purse and car and on your desk.
Scent and memory are deeply linked, so by sniffing a specific fragrance like lavender or rose prior to activities like meditation, your body will soon pair the feeling of calm with the corresponding scent.
Same goes for pick-me-ups. Recharge in the afternoon with a whiff of coffee or grapefruit to kickstart the second half of your day.
Look for roll-on aromatherapy oils that come in an assortment of basic fragrances. Stores such as Sephora, Blue Mercury and Ulta are excellent sources of scents.
Stop and Smell the Roses—Literally
Plan your day to take breaks and enjoy some of the beauty in our town. From Tod’s Point to Grass Island to the Mianus River, there is some source of nature along your daily route. Even just parking the car, rolling down the window and breathing it all in will have a benefit.
Better yet, start your morning, take a lunch break, or finish your day with a walk. Whether around your block or through the Audubon, being outdoors relaxes your central nervous system, and immersing yourself in nature gives you perspective.
Touch
Touch Nature
Remember those carefree days as a kid when you ran through the yard barefoot, and playtime seemed endless? Being in the moment is the best rest you can give a racing body and mind. Anchor yourself in the present by stepping outside barefoot. Feel the grass under your feet, or sink those toes in the sand at the beach. A few minutes of standing barefoot, connected to the earth is the best way to ground yourself in the now, before tackling what’s next on your to-do list.
Add Color
Scatter sunshine around your home with small bud vases filled with spring blooms. Trader Joe’s is an affordable go-to source—grab some small calla lilies and Gerber daisies for bouquets that will last.
Small indoor citrus trees can also be found this time of year. With its glossy green leaves and flowers that blossom into fragrant fruit, a citrus tree adds a park-like feel to any room. Added bonus—in-home cocktail garnishes at the ready.
Hear
Just Breathe
Meditation can be intimidating, but it’s really as simple as breathing. Download the free Breathing App for the easiest meditation you can find. Listen to the sound, and watch the ball on your screen guide your inhaling and exhaling for whatever set time you choose. The Breathing App is based on resonance frequency, the technical term that describes when heart rate and brain function align. The App Store is filled with excellent apps, but this one is a stellar free tool to help you simply catch your breath.
See
Escape Inside
On days when the weather does not permit outdoor excursions, seek beauty indoors. Plan a walk through McArdle’s or Sam Bridge to take in the sights and smells of the spring flowers.
Art is transformative, and admission to the Bruce Museum is free on Tuesdays. Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Plan mini visits to soak up the art a little at a time.
Seek out galleries and shops along your daily route that spark your imagination and give you a quick break from your regular routine.