Self-care can take on many forms, but at its core it’s doing something to create joy, mental clarity, and establish healthy practices that prioritize…you.
Pregnancy can be strenuous and offer challenges to your physical and mental well-being. Annnd you probably still have other buckets to fill in your relationships, career, and daily life. At Thrive Pelvic Health, we encourage you to carve out time that will be life-giving to you, and in turn, spill into all of your buckets positively.
Self-care is being proactive about how you maintain a peaceful mind and a healthy lifestyle.
Below are Five Self-Care Ideas for you to try during these hot summer months while your body is busy nesting baby. Not all may be your cup of tea! Be intuitive about what YOU enjoy and envision for yourself when you step away from the to-do list. For us, it’s not “hot girl summer” it’s “Self-Care Summer!”
1. Go to lunch with someone you love. Eating out will change when baby makes her debut. Schedule a day-date with a friend, spouse, or even a child who may soon be welcoming a first sibling. Pick your favorite restaurant, or try somewhere new!
2. Journal a list of your favorite places, things you know are certain, or a list of people you love. Writing and reflecting on the positive things in our lives helps to align perspective. Decorative boxes make a good treasure trove of these positive lists, dreams, and mantras. They’ll also be a great resource if you need to remember just how beautiful life is when it seems it isn’t.
3. Cozy up to a good book. Just 15 minutes of device-free uninterrupted time with a book can relieve stress, trigger a nap (yay, more relaxation) or take your mind off your to-do-list. If you are lacking community, and love to read, search your local mom’s groups on Facebook for book clubs.
4. Get into NATURE! Summer in the city can be sweaty and hot. Heading up north for a refreshing cool picnic and hike (take it easy) reminds us of the simplicity in life. Take it up a notch and find a comfortable seat on folded blankets to belly breathe. Close your eyes, place hands with palms facing up or down on knees, and allow yourself to connect to presence in the simple and serene environment.
5. Get creative and color. Have you noticed how free-spirited and beautiful children’s art can be? Doodling, drawing freestyle, or coloring in a meditative coloring book is both therapeutic and fun. Creative idea: frame your piece for the baby’s room. And if you are joined by another child, what a great way to nurture the bond between your child and their new baby brother or sister?!
At Thrive Pelvic Health + Wellness we pride ourselves in being proactive care for your whole self. Tell us what care you’re interested in by clicking here: Prioritizing Myself
