By: Asia Crawford (Owner of blog “Frugal and Frills“)
Covid-19 has disrupted the way we live life. It has caused many stresses and anxieties as we
navigate through the unknown. That’s why it’s so important that we learn to pause, and take care
of ourselves in whatever we can. For many, self-care comes naturally for them. But for us
moms who have a lot on our plate, it can be hard to find where our self-care routine fits in.
But in order for us to really help our family during these “unprecedented” (yes I had to say it one
more time) times, we need to make this a priority. We don’t want to become so pandemic
fatigued that it takes an extra toll on our mental health or have it affect our relationship with our
kids. After all you can’t pour from an empty cup.
So, what is self-care?
The dictionary defines it as “the practice of taking action to preserve or improve one’s own
health.” So in reality it’s simply taking care of yourself. I recently read the analogy of self-care
and a flight attendants instructions. When you get on an airplane, you are reminded of basic
safety practices should anything happen during your flight. What does the flight attendant tell
you to do? Put your oxygen mask on first, before assisting others. This includes your children.
Why? Because how can you assist anyone else if you are out of oxygen.
The same can be applied in our life when it comes to self-care. We need to have a self-care
routine in place so that we don’t run out of oxygen, or in this case burnout, so to speak.
With that being said, I don’t want to see anyone burning out and that includes myself. As
mothers, we deserve days where we care for ourselves. I have found these essential self-care tips
truly help me cope during these difficult times.
Sleep
Sleep is something I have struggled with for a very long time. Especially with little kids who
have you up at all sorts of hours during the night and day. However, sleep and our health are so
strongly related. Poor sleep usually means poor health. One of the things I have done this year
in terms of self-care is seeking a naturopath to help me naturally figure out what is going on with
my body and why I struggle to sleep.
Once I changed up some things in my diet and started practicing other self-care habits, I started
to sleep better. Don’t take for granted the importance of getting a good nights rest. If you have a
newborn at home or are perhaps going through sleep regressions with your little ones, it’s ok to
just hang out in bed. It’s ok to put on a little show that they will watch just to allow you to time
to get some rest.
Eat Your Breakfast
We get so busy making breakfast for everyone else in the house it’s easy to completely forget
about ourselves. It is so important for our overall health to get in a nutritious breakfast. If you
are anything like me, I am always juggling a thousand different things, but a quick smoothie with
all the goods in it, is a really effective and healthy way to start my day! Regardless of what
works for you, just remember to EAT!
Here is a list of 7 really healthy recipes that are meant to boost your mood!
Move Your Body
In line with a healthy nutritious diet to give us the energy we need, we need to move our bodies.
Especially with most of us now working remotely from home, and half of the world being on
lockdowns, we can’t deny we are sitting a lot more. So whether you do a small routine that gets
your body moving at home (due to restrictions) or are able to get outside for some fresh air and
movement, do it! Engaging in exercise, even a simple light walk can reduce anxiety and
depression, improve mood, boost self-esteem, minimize stress, and enhance cognitive
functioning.
Do something you LOVE to do
We adore our kids! No person is ever judging the love we have our children, so it is OK to do
some things that WE love to do.
Get a babysitter, get your husband to watch the kids, or find a way to escape for a little bit and
step away from being a mom for a minute. Remember being a mom isn’t all there is to us. It
doesn’t even have to be a long escape. An hour away to go shopping or grab a coffee without the
kids. Anything that gives you a small break and is something you enjoy doing, DO IT. No mom-
guilt allowed!
Pamper Yourself
This is something I have really taken seriously this year! A face mask at home and a hot bath
with a glass of wine is a fantastic way to pamper yourself. And I still do that often! However,
with children we all know the bathroom door doesn’t stay closed long enough before someone’s
trying to crash your peaceful alone time.
That’s why this year, I started actually finding something for ME that I wanted to do, that would
be pampering, outside of the house!
Vancouver Skin and Laser Clinic
I’ve always loved skincare, but since having kids I had stopped investing in it. Always putting
the needs of everyone else ahead of my own became my norm. But as we are learning, that’s not
self-care. So, I did something for me and booked an appointment with Vancouver Skin and
Laser Clinic. They gave me an hour long skin consultation to discuss my skin goals.
I got started right away on a series of IPL (intense pulsed lighting) treatments. This is done to
minimize the appearance of age spots, sun spots, acne scars, rosacea, and so on… I follow it up
with an incredibly soothing 45 minute Immediate Post Care treatment to moisturize and hydrate my skin.
This seriously almost puts me to sleep each time. So incredibly relaxing!
To further help me reach my skin goals and contribute to my self-care routine, they suggested a
simple at home routine. Having kids takes a huge toll on our skin and it just feels so good to do
something for me again. As moms, we do NOT have a lot of time on our hands for an elaborate
skin care routine so I appreciate how simple yet effective mine is. Below are the products that
Vancouver Skin and Laser Clinic encouraged me to use, and that I am loving!
Self-Care Skin Care Routine
In the morning I start with the SkinCeuticals LHA Cleansing Gel, followed by the SkinCeuticals
C E Ferulic Serum, ending with the ZO Skin Health Daily Sheer SPF 50 (super important to
wear SPF even through the winter months).
For my evening routine, I was with SkinCeuticals LHA Cleansing Gel, followed by the Skin
Ceuticals Blemish + Age Defense Serum. After that I use a few drops of the SkinCeuticals C E
Ferulic Serum and finally use the ZO Skin Health Recovery Creme.
About every three days, I exfoliate with the ZO Skin Health Exfoliating Polish. This polish is
actually Magnesium crystals that exfoliate dead skin cells to create a clear, smooth and even-
toned complexion.
If you live in the metro Vancouver area, be sure to check out the beautiful Vancouver Skin and
Laser Clinic. You can book an appointment online to discuss your goals and needs. As a bonus
you can use “ASIA10” for 10% off for your first treatment or on product.
Self -Care For Moms During COVID Is Important
Hang in there! Self-care during this pandemic especially as moms is so important. Don’t take it
for granted. Recognize how easy it can be to burn yourself out with motherhood. Use these
necessary, simple and essential self-care tips to help you cope through these difficult times!
Remember, you have to put your oxygen mask on first before being able to assist anyone else.
What self-care tips have you found helpful?
Vancouver Laser also offers a child minding service for all of their patients. The only clinic in Vancouver to offer a kids centre!