When I was 21, I had my first child. After having an epidural, I experienced a lot of back pain and went to a back specialist. He offered to adjust my back as he felt my hips were misaligned. He had adjusted my back a few times before, but when I told family members that I was getting my back adjusted, they warned me to be careful of being adjusted because early onset osteoporosis runs in my family. I expressed my concerns to the doctor, and he literally laughed in my face, saying it wasn't possible to have osteoporosis at my age. His tone was derisive and scornful.
Looking back now, I should have walked out of the office right then. He was so disrespectful and didn't even offer to check with an X-ray or bone density test. But hindsight is 20/20. I didn't have the confidence at that point to stand up for myself. I didn't have all the information I needed. I had a deeply held respect for authority and the belief that doctors knew best. As he wielded his "I know better than you" card, I shrank and felt so dumb for even bringing up the possibility that he dismissed so completely. I felt so embarrassed that I didn't even think to ask to be tested.
I humbly climbed up on the table. He proceeded to crack up, up, up my spine until I heard a crunch and felt pain. I yelped. As I stood up, that pain was still there. I twisted and stretched and told him it hurt, and he brushed it off, saying adjustments are sometimes uncomfortable and it would work itself out. The pain didn't go away that day, and the next morning, that one spot on my spine was throbbing. I was traveling for the weekend and sat in a car all day while the pain worsened. My trip was physically excruciating and miserable, although I tried to smile through the pain.
When I returned, I went back and demanded an X-ray. I told him the pain started when he adjusted my back before my trip and only got worse each day. Sure enough, I had a compression fracture. He and I both knew exactly what had happened. I was also diagnosed with osteopenia, the precursor to osteoporosis, which was clear from looking at the X-ray. He was wrong.
Doctors can be wrong. They are often wrong! Much of what they do is guesswork. And they hurt patients because of it! Many of them are so full of themselves that they won't listen when a patient expresses concerns. Many of them think they are infallible and don't bother looking into things further when they should. This is a huge problem!
But another problem is that patients trust too much as I did. They don't advocate for themselves or walk out when they should. Patients don't do their own research and aren't armed with the knowledge that builds confidence to stand up for themselves. This can be corrected! This is one of the biggest reasons I created this website. I am arming moms with knowledge and confidence to advocate for their own health, both at home and at the doctor's office.
Read how I got through this time with an infant and a broken back here.
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Missed Part 1? See it here.
As moms, we are often so focused on caring for our families and taking care of responsibilities that we forget to take care of ourselves. But if you want to stay healthy and balanced, it is important to practice self care every day. Here are three of the best daily self care rituals for moms that can help you feel more centered and energized.
Meditation/Prayer.
Taking a few moments out of your day to engage in prayer or meditation can help you clear your head, reduce stress and anxiety, and find inner peace. Prayer is a powerful way to connect with something greater than yourself and draw strength from the divine source. And meditation can be an effective tool in calming your mind while also allowing you to tap into your inner wisdom. I always recommend journaling along with meditation and prayer to process your thoughts and inspiration.
Essential Oils
Essential oils have been used for centuries as a holistic remedy for many ailments, but they can also be used as part of a daily self-care ritual. A few drops of essential oil on the wrist or neck can provide aromatherapy benefits that bring about relaxation, reduce stress levels, and even boost mental clarity. Additionally, essential oils can be diffused throughout the day to create a calm atmosphere in your home.
Exercise
Exercise is not only good for physical health; it’s great for mental health too! Studies have shown that regular exercise can lead to improved cognitive functioning, better moods, improved sleep quality, reduced stress levels, increased energy levels, and improved overall wellbeing. My favorite is dance fitness/zumba - I love to rock it out! Taking just 30 minutes out of your day to go for a walk or jog or do some yoga or stretching exercises can make all the difference!
Self care rituals don't have to be complicated or time consuming; they just need to be meaningful enough so that they become habitual practices within your daily routine. Meditation/prayer, essential oils, and exercise are all great ways to find balance in life as a mom – even if it’s just 10 minutes each day devoted solely towards taking care of yourself! When we take time out for ourselves every day – no matter how small – it helps us show up as our best selves for our families and ourselves!
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As a mom, you know that taking care of yourself is essential to taking care of your family. But with everything on your plate, it can be tough to find the time (and energy) to take care of yourself. That's why I've put together a list of the best self care rituals for moms—rituals that are quick, easy, and effective. So whether you're looking for ways to reduce stress, get more sleep, or just feel better overall, these self care ideas are sure to help.
Get More Sleep
One of the best things you can do for your health is to get enough sleep. When you're well-rested, you have more energy, you think more clearly, and you're better able to handle stress. But when you're running on empty, it's all too easy to snap at your kids or make poor decisions. So how can you make sure you're getting enough shut-eye?
First, establish a bedtime routine and stick to it as much as possible. This means going to bed and waking up at the same time each day, even on weekends. Second, create a relaxing environment in your bedroom by investing in comfortable sheets and pillows, using blackout curtains or an eye mask to block out light, and setting the temperature to a comfortable level. And finally, avoid using electronics in bed—that means no TV, no laptops, and no phones. Instead, try reading a book or listening to calming music before falling asleep.
Eat Better
You are what you eat—and that's especially true when you're a mom. Eating nutritious foods helps improve your mood, gives you more energy, and keeps your immune system strong—all things that are essential when you're juggling motherhood and everything else in your life. So how can you make sure you're eating right?
Start by planning ahead. Meal prep on the weekends so you have healthy food options during the week. And pack snacks for yourself and your kids so you're not tempted by unhealthy junk food when hunger strikes. When it comes time to sit down for a meal, make sure half of your plate is filled with fruits and vegetables, one-quarter is protein (think beans), and one-quarter is whole grains (like quinoa or brown rice). And drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated.
Take Time for Yourself Every Day
In addition to getting enough sleep and eating well, it's also important to take some time each day just for yourself. Whether it's reading a book while your kids are napping or taking a yoga class after they go to bed at night, carving out some "me time" is crucial for maintaining your sanity as a mom. And don't worry if you can't do it every day—even 10-15 minutes of alone time can make a big difference in how you feel.
As a mom, self care is essential—but it doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. By incorporating some (or all) of these simple self care rituals into your daily routine, you'll feel happier, healthier, and more balanced—which means you'll be able to give your best self to your family every single day.
For more Self Care Rituals, See Part 2.
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Being a mom is one of the most rewarding jobs out there, but it can also be incredibly draining. Some moms even burn out. Between caring for your family, managing the household, and taking care of yourself, it’s no wonder why many moms feel like they have no time left for themselves. That’s why it’s so important to take time to refresh and recharge—not just for the sake of your own health, but also in order to be the best mom you can be. Let's look at a few of the ways that holistic moms can stay refreshed.
Self-Care Rituals
It may sound cliché, but self-care really is essential for every mom. Without taking time for yourself, you won't have enough energy or enthusiasm to take care of your family. Make sure you're getting enough sleep each night, eating healthy meals throughout the day, having a daily self-care routine, and practice some sort of self-care ritual at least once per week (like getting a manicure or facial). Doing something that makes you feel special will go a long way towards helping you stay refreshed and recharged. See more Self Care Rituals here.
Start a Hobby
Having a hobby is another great way to refresh and recharge as a mom. Hobbies don’t need to be expensive or time consuming; they can be anything from gardening to reading books. Even something as simple as going on daily walks with your dog can help you clear your mind and recenter yourself after an exhausting day with the kids. Having something that is just yours—something that isn’t related to work or parenting—is essential for recharging your batteries.
Say “No” More Often
One of the hardest things about being a mom is feeling like everything has to be perfect all the time—but this isn't realistic! It's okay (and even necessary) to say “no” sometimes when friends or family ask for favors; this will give you more time in your day to focus on yourself and your family without having extra obligations on top of everything else you are already doing. The key here is not saying “yes” out of guilt; if someone else needs help, let them know what resources are available outside of you so that both parties can win!
Taking care of yourself should always come first—especially when it comes to being a mom! Refreshing and recharging doesn't have to be complicated or expensive; it simply requires finding activities that make YOU feel special and fulfilled while still making sure all other obligations are taken care of first. Self-care routines and rituals, starting hobbies, and saying “no” more often are all great ways for holistic moms to stay refreshed so that they can continue being their absolute best selves!
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Any purchase made is a blessing to my family at no extra cost to you!
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Moms are superheroes. They juggle so much that it’s almost impossible to keep track of all the balls they’re trying to keep in the air. But one thing is for certain, mom burnout is real and can affect even the most capable of moms. So, what does it feel like? Let’s find out.
Numbness & Exhaustion
Mom burnout often feels like a fog of numbness and exhaustion. You may feel as if you have nothing left to give, but you know that there is still more to do – laundry, dishes, grocery shopping, and more. It can be hard to stay motivated when you’re feeling overwhelmed with all the tasks that need to be done and the lack of energy you have to get them done.
Anxiety & Self-Doubt
Mom burnout doesn't just take a toll on your physical and emotional health; it can also affect your mental health too. It can leave you feeling anxious and full of self-doubt, like no matter what you do it will never be enough or good enough. You may also be struggling with feelings of guilt or shame for not being able to “do it all” or handle your responsibilities with ease.
Anger & Resentment
Finally, mom burnout can lead to feelings of anger and resentment towards those around you – your spouse, family members, or even yourself. You may find yourself snapping at people for no reason or feeling frustrated by their inability (or unwillingness) to help out or understand how hard this parenting gig really is. Even if you don't outwardly express these feelings, they may still linger inside and contribute to your overall sense of exhaustion and overwhelm.
Mom burnout is real and it looks different for everyone who experiences it. If any of these symptoms sound familiar, know that you're not alone in feeling this way - many moms have been there before! Remember that taking care of yourself first will help you better take care of your family in the long run - so make sure to make time for yourself whenever possible! By practicing self-care activities such as yoga, meditation, or taking a break from social media for a few days each week – whatever works best for YOU –you’ll soon be back on the path towards feeling like Supermom once again!
Here are some other ways to refresh and recharge.
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Any purchase made is a blessing to my family at no extra cost to you!
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