This conversation was sponsored by #BumpUpYourCalcium during Pregnancy with #Viactiv. All opinions are my own.
If there was ever a time in my life that I am looking for shortcuts, it is NOW. You guys, being pregnant with my third while trying to manage my other two kids is exhausting in every sense of the word. I know that I should be taking extra steps to take care of my body and mind, but most of the time it’s the last thing on my To Do list.
I’ve come up with 5 easy ways to prioritize self care, when it seems like everyone else’s needs are always much higher on the priority list.
Prep your food and hydration.
Plain and simple: if I don’t purposely prepare a water bottle and easy/healthy snacks for myself, I won’t make it happen. I will reach for convenient carbs and probably drink apple juice from the giant bottle if I am thirsty. I am a corner cutter and always in a hurry and prep is key for me to make good choices. Plan your grocery trip accordingly and make sure there is plenty to grab that comes with no guilt.
Take naps.
IF you have an opportunity to take a nap during the day, DO IT. I am home with Charlie and she still takes a nap midday. I usually have a ton of work to do during that time, but if at all possible I try to take advantage of that couple hours and get some sleep. The rest of the day is much less painful when I do that. Pregnancy is exhausting, even by itself. Get as much rest as you can.
Make plans.
I work from home with a toddler running around and some days it’s hard to make it out of my pajamas. By making plans and committing to them, I force myself to have to get clean, dressed and presentable. Not only that, but getting out of the house in to the hustle and bustle of public does wonders for my mental state. It can be easy to feel like a gestation machine that doesn’t have a life outside of mothering. I feel accomplished and stimulated and I never regret having gotten out of my house for awhile.
Post reminders or set alarms.
Sticky notes and alarms on my phone help me remember to do things I have pushed out of my mind. Sometimes I need to physically see a note say “KATIE. Brush your teeth. Drink a glass of water.” Etc. Write all the things down, it helps I swear.
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