As a recent working mom turn Stay-At-Home mom I realized that its very easy to get sucked into housework and activities for the kids. Naptime has now turned in Mommy Self-Care time!
Mommy Self Care Routines:
- Shave
- Hair Wash (curly hair requires less washing)
- Nail Care
- Netflix
- Shower
- Crafting
I wanted to use a face mask but I have sensitive skin. I discovered Benzonite clay! It comes in powder form and I now use it on my face an armpits regularly.
I mixed equal parts of the clay with apple cider vinegar (or you can use water) and mix it well to create a decent clay consistency. To be more specific, I used about 1 tablespoon of the clay and one tablespoon of liquid.
Apply the clay to your armpits in a thick layer. Im not good with measurements… just really slather it on! NO FEAR and go ahead and put it on your face.
I let it sit for about 10 minutes. If it burns at all, take it off immediately! I use this clay on my face and I have never felt it burn. After the 10 minutes, hop in the shower and rinse it all off! Apply your new natural deodorant and you’re done.
MAKE TIME FOR THINGS THAT MAKE YOU HAPPY
I was struggling with my mental and emotional health after all the sudden changes in my life. I had to find a way to cope. I found myself alternating between sleeping more or scrubbing my house top to bottom. There was no in between for many months.
I started sewing scrunchies at night after my daughter was in bed. Losing myself in the repetitiveness was healing. I picked up crocheting again (which I had dropped years ago). I found myself having “in-between” days. Days where I felt okay and not lost. I was feeling happy. I now allow myself more of this time. Being happy and feeling less anxious made my family happy too. I would include them in my crafts if they wanted to take part or give them their own time to do what made them happy.
For my 5 year old, that includes painting, play-doh sculpting and watching Power Rangers. For my husband, it is 
games and Pokemon cards. We all take time to do what makes ourselves happy and it has made us all closer. It was a hard change to make but a little at a time made it happen.
I am absolutely not here to tell you that you are not parenting correctly or that you are failing. YOU ARE NOT FAILING! YOU ARE DOING AN AMAZING JOB!
As a community of adults parenting for the first time during a historical event… We all need to share more. We need to be a little more transparent with each other. We all struggle and we need to be a team. More support. Less judgement.
I would love to know about ways that you include self-care or self-love into your day-to-day. Comment below and let me know. I would love to try new things!
Love Always,
Mel
Nerdy Mom 