While summer is the time for relaxed routines, chilling by the pool, and endless sunshine, this can also be a time of increased stress for moms. The kids are home full time and in my case have high expectations for summer fun. And for some reason, mom is the one responsible.
I have learned it is important to take care of my mind, body, and soul through mindfulness. Here are my top tips for maintaining a mindful self-care routine during the summer.
Nurture Your Mind, Body, and Soul This Summer: Incorporate Mindful Self-Care In Your Daily Routine
Whether you’re home full-time with kids or have them in summer camp while at work, summer can leave you feeling a bit overwhelmed. This is the exact reason, I have to make sure I am mindfully focused on my mental and physical needs. Here are 4 mindful self-care activities I do on a daily basis.
Breathing Exercises
The power of breath is the most overlooked self-regulating activity. Breathing techniques can help decrease your stress and anxiety and bring you into a more relaxed state. Whether you take 5 minutes or 20 seconds, there is no argument that a moment to focus on your breath can help you regulate and bring you back to the present so you can effectively take on the task at hand.
My favorite technique is conscious breath. When I feel a surge of anxiety arise, I take a step back from the situation and focus on my breath. With conscious breathing, you take a deep breath focusing on where and how the air is moving into the body, and on the exhale shift your focus to how the breath leaves the body and how that feels. This is powerful in that it allows you to slow down and move from the sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight) to the parasympathetic nervous system.
Journal
I have to admit, I have a love-hate relationship with journaling. With a few unfinished journals, I think you can understand why. Despite my inability to maintain a consistent journal routine…I lowkey blame the kids…it has its benefits. For starters, it allows you to release any feelings from the day. It can serve as a form of reflection, whether that be gratitude or a way to brain-dump the day’s events. Journaling is a great mindfulness or meditation tool to help release anxious thoughts in a productive manner.
Check-in With Your Body
Similar to breathing techniques, checking in with your body allows you to fully understand what is happening within you, and through mindfulness, you can acknowledge how this particular situation affects you for future reference.
When I find myself starting to feel anxious or overwhelmed, I like to acknowledge these feelings and center myself to avoid increased anxiety and overwhelm.
Observe Your Surroundings
This is probably my favorite. How often do you go through your day missing the simple things? Something as simple as noticing the sights, smells, and sounds around you can be extremely beneficial.
Think of the last time you smelt cookies baking in the oven and was quickly transformed into a positive childhood memory in grandma’s kitchen. Or the calm feeling you experience when listening to the birds sing.
Tapping into your senses to observe your surroundings gets you out of your head. Away from negative thoughts and worries. Bringing you back to this present moment and allowing you to appreciate the beauty and uniqueness around you. This can foster a sense of connection, appreciation, and curiosity, which can enhance your mental and emotional experiences.
Adding just one of these activities into your daily routine will boost your mental wellness and help increase joy during the busy seasons of life. How are you adding a touch of mindfulness to your day?
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