What crazy times we are living in … am I right? My daily stresses went from getting the kids to school on time and planning a homecoming to the kids using too much toilet paper and how many hours are actually in a day? I used to know it was 24 … now I’m convinced I was lied to and it’s actually way more.
The days are long and the weeks are also long. And don’t even get me started on the months. The amount of quiet time isn’t in abundance. Especially in our home. My knight in shining armor is currently fighting bigger fights on the other side of the world, and I am holding down the fort all by myself. I’m happy to do it, but I am also exhausted. There aren’t a lot of breaks on the job.
We’re all tired right now. Between the additional workload and the added stress and anxiety, it’s taking a toll on all of us. Whether that be physically, mentally, or emotionally. We have to make sure we are taking care of ourselves on top of taking care of our kiddos, and families.
I’ve rounded us some sources that I have been using to refresh, reset, and #selfcare.
Before I get to the list – be sure to read to the end because I have a great giveaway for you from Rug-Ed iPad accessories.
I find it crucial to take time for myself. If I don’t fill up my cup, I can’t fill up my little girls’ cups. And we know what happens when their cups are empty …
Yoga
I have found so much comfort in yoga during this time. Focusing on my breathing, thanking my body for everything it has done for me, and releasing endorphins from exercise. It has been so comforting and rejuvenating. A few of my favorites have been Lululemon Yoga, Jennybean_yoga is another favorite. Jennifer’s voice is so soothing!
Guided Mediation
Taking just 10/15 minutes to meditate when I am feeling extremely anxious and overwhelmed has proven so effective. Even if I have to put the kids in front of the tv for those 15 minutes. It completely changes me outlook and helps me be a “happy mom” the rest of the day! I’ve used a lot of different meditation videos from YouTube. They’ve all brought me comfort. But this one truly almost put me to sleep I was so relaxed.
Bingeworthy Shows
Once I get the kids in bed and I have cleaned up the house, I reward myself with trash tv. I’m not ashamed to admit it. And thank goodness for television during these perilous times. Counting my blessings. Some of my favorite shows are:
Netflix: The Office, Parks and Rec, New Girl, Hart of Dixie, Gilmore Girls, Scandal, Love is Blind
Hulu: Grey’s Anatomy, This is Us, A Million Little Things, Mindy Project, Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist
True Crime Podcasts
One of my favorite topics in life is podcasts. I am a podcast lover! But, come to think of it, I mostly only listen to true crime podcasts. What is wrong with me? I’ll list my favorites, but I want to know what YOUR favorites are too! I am always looking for the next best podcast!
Podcasts: Cold, Serial, Culpable, Up and Vanished, Dr. Death, Dirty John, Crime Junkies, Radio Rental
Journaling
Journaling is something I have done on and off for my whole life. I love journaling but don’t always take the time for it. I have loved this app though. It has helped to simplify the process and makes processing and working through some of the tough emotions so much easier and more tangible. I have found a lot of comfort in just expressing my feelings through journaling.
Marco Polo
Staying in touch with friends and family has been so nourishing to my soul during this time! It has helped my mental health tremendously to communicate and share experiences. My favorite way to chat with friends and family is the Marco Polo app because I don’t always have the time for a phone conversation. Definitely not when my kids are awake. It is impossible to talk to anyone on the phone when those little ladies are running around. They seem to think that 2 ears means one can hear the person on the phone, and the other can hear them and simultaneously process both conversations. I’m not that talented. Marco Polo is the solution and I love listening to my friends and bonding for hours at the end of a long day.
Reading
Reading hasn’t always been my favorite past-time. I wish I was more of a reader, but the truth is I just enjoy a good tv show more. However, I love reading parenting books, especially when I am in the thick of a parenting storm and needing help and direction. Nothing has pushed me harder towards self-work and spiritual-strengthening than this experience. I need more and my kids need more and I can’t do it all on my own. Books have brought me through some of my hardest parenting battles and storms. I love reading on the kindle app or listening to my books on audible. Especially when going on vacation (had to google that word because I have forgotten what it means) I like having all my books in one device.
All of these self-care things I can do from the comfort of my own bedroom on my iPad. And as you all know, I am an avid lover of the Rug-Ed ProLock case for my iPad. We’ve had our iPad for 4 years and it has never sustained a scratch or crack thanks to the ProLock case! Head to my Instagram to enter to win a ProLock case, strap, and charging cable!
We all have different ways that we like to unwind and relax. The most important thing is just that we do it. That we take that time for ourselves. We have to be fulfilled ourselves to be able to give back to those around us. So whatever you do, do it often and #treatyoself so you can endure another 427 days of quarantine.
