Self-Care Starts with Skincare
There’s something grounding and intentional about starting and ending your day with skincare. Even on your busiest days, you deserve meditative moments of peace and calm. In the morning, begin with a gentle cleanser (this one is especially good for melanated skin), continue with a nourishing moisturizer, and finish with a mineral sunscreen (face, body, and lip) to protect your skin. Before you’ve even left the house, you’ve already accomplished something. Trust us, that’s something to celebrate.
Simple but effective self-care routines can make a big impact. Incorporating sensory mindfulness into skincare products, like mood-soothing lavender essential oil, can help you center yourself and relax.
At night, keep your routine short yet soothing. Use a soothing cleanser to remove the day’s grit and makeup, follow up with a gentle exfoliator, and finish with a deeply hydrating moisturizer or an Environmental Working Group (EWG)-certified one that’s designed for pregnant and nursing mamas. Choose products that are free of harsh chemicals, ones that are especially safe for use around little ones during bedtime snuggles. These skincare moments can signal to your mind and body that it’s time to unwind.
Mindful Moments You Can Fit into Your Day
Self-care doesn’t have to involve grand gestures or regimented routines. Even tiny, intentional acts can be grounding. For instance, take a few deep breaths when feeling overwhelmed—just three deep breaths can center you. Short mindfulness exercises, like noticing textures or smells when applying lotion, can bring you back to the present.
Consider trying a two-minute meditation or breathing exercise while your little one naps. These small acts are grounding and can bring you back to a state of calm, which can be incredibly refreshing amid a busy day.
Beauty as Self-Care: Products that Bring Joy
Beauty routines aren’t just about looks—they’re about choosing products that make you feel good using them. Soothing skincare products scented with lavender or chamomile can have a calming, mood-boosting effect. Choosing self-care products free of harsh ingredients, especially those you use around little ones, can make a routine feel nurturing.
Involve your senses by taking a few moments to smell, feel, and notice the products as you apply them, grounding yourself in the experience. Non-toxic essential oil diffusers and humidifiers can also scent your space with peace of mind. Small yet mindful rituals like these can do more than nourish your skin—they can also nourish your spirit.
Move, Stretch, and Breathe
Movement doesn’t have to mean a lengthy workout. Simple yoga poses like child’s pose, downward dog, and gentle twists can ease tension. Even a few stretches can help release stress and ground you in the moment. If your little one is nearby, involve them in some gentle stretches designed for mama and kids, or even lift them for a fun and functional workout.
If nothing else, take a moment to stand still, breathe deeply, and feel your connection to the ground. Grounding exercises can restore balance and increase your sense of presence, making you more resilient throughout the day.
Self-Care in Everyday Moments
Self-care doesn’t need to be an elaborate event; it can be woven into your daily routine. Savor a warm cup of tea or coffee, put on a podcast that uplift you while you’re tidying up or cooking (we personally swear by On Being with Krista Tippett and Best Friends with Nicole Byer and Sasheer Zamata), or enjoy a brief moment of silence before bed. These simple acts can give you space to reconnect with yourself.
Show kindness to yourself. Treat yourself with compassion and patience. Remember that self-care is just as important as caring for others. Celebrate small victories, forgive yourself on tough days, and remember that caring for yourself is also a powerful way to model wellness and self-love for your children.
