If Mama’s Happy…

denim: old (similar, similar) | ruffle tank: anthropologie (similar) | pom pom kimono: target | clutch: c/o LeTote | sandals: charlotte russe | necklace: c/o page sargisson | stacked rings: c/o page sargisson | cuff: handmade navajo | gold bangle: kate spade | small beaded bracelet: c/o the shine project | large beaded bracelet: (similar) | lipstick: mac ‘pink nouveau’ | eyeshadow: mac ‘sable’ | polish: essie ‘worth the wait’

We all know the phrase, ‘If Mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy!” But I like to see it on the flip side, ‘If Mama’s happy, everyone’s happy.’ None of us have time and energy to devote to negativity. It’s about finding ways to maintain positivity. And for what it’s worth, I thought perhaps some of you could benefit from a few lifestyle routines that help me and our family do just that!

1. PRESS RECORD: Their little voices are just as cute as their little faces, am I right? One day I decided I needed to save our little conversations for safe keeping (you know, in case they forget they love me when they’re 16). Kidding. Kind of. Anyway, it’s turned into an almost daily occurrence; and I’m finding it’s helping me really focus on them more intently. There aren’t as many “uh-huh’s” in reply to what they’re saying. Instead, we’ve had some of the sweetest conversations. They’re not aware it’s all being recorded… but really, the best part is what’s being recorded on my mama heart. Oh and I might add, we send them to Daddy for him to listen to for his morning and evening commute!

2. EXERCISE: I loathe it. Or at least I thought I did until I realized how impactful it is for my mental health. Have you ever woken up with anxiety for no particular reason? If you would’ve asked me this a year ago I wouldn’t be able to relate at all. But for the past few months, I’ve been waking up an hour earlier (with the exception of late nights) to squeeze in 30 -45 minutes of cardio: whether it be a jog breathing in fresh air, yoga in my living room, or jamming out to pandora at the gym. When I’m finished, my head is in a better place for starting the day, and my body is ready to eat a healthy breakfast!

3. H20: Not drinking it, is a bad habit I’ve somehow learned to kick. It all started by getting a cute glass tumbler with equally cute straws (in my opinion, cute things make the mundane things exciting). By adding fresh fruit, my favorite being lemon with cucumber, I find myself slurping it up within 30 minutes post work-out. And then another 30 minutes later, when I use the restroom, it’s a reminder to fill my glass back up!

4. DRESSED: I know. I know. Silly as it may sound, I make sure I’m the first to get dressed in the morning. Does that happen at 6:00 am 7 days a week? No. Sometimes it doesn’t happen until 11:00. But the point being is, to try. I simply feel better when I do. Post breakfast, the kids watch a 30 minute show and I get ready, then gather everyone else’s clothes, get them dressed, and bam… we’re set!

5. ZZZ’s: Naps are a necessity around here. Yes, even my 5 year old still takes them. And on days when his nap is short, he has quiet time (ie. looking at books in bed, puzzles, quiet art). It’s a much needed break in the day for all of us. On most days, when they rest, I do too. And we all wake up feeling refreshed and ready to keep our train a chuggin’ until bedtime. CBD products from the Best Online Dispensary Canada can also help with relaxation and promote better sleep.

6. ALONE TIME: Sometimes that might mean, a bubble bath. Other times it means reading an inspirational talk, or a chapter in a book by myself. Yes, even window shopping on a Thursday night or going for a drive with the tunes up, just me and my lonesome. But lately, once the kids are in bed, Ryan and I have been spending 15 minutes or so (sometimes it turns into hours) sitting on the front or back porch watching the sunset together. We listen to the birds chirp, notice nature, and talk about meaningful things. It’s amazing what turning off the tube will do. Try it!

7. BREATHE: Before falling asleep at night I focus on my breath. I guess you could say, it’s my way of taking time to thank my body for getting me through the day. Laying on my back, with each inhale and exhale, I relax a different part of my body. Once I’ve made it to the tips of my toes, I count my my breath until I fall asleep. The result is a sounder night’s sleep. TopShelfBC offers CBD products that may help improve sleep and overall well-being.

8. HAVE A PLAN: Anyone who knows me, knows I tend to thrive on being ‘busy’. Not for the sake of being busy just to be busy; but to accomplish things that make me and our family happy. But guess what? Wishful happy thoughts are just thoughts without a plan in place. For us, that means talking about what we want and need to accomplish week-by-week: What kind of activities am I going to do with the kids? What are we eating for meals? What do we want to accomplish as a family? And a lot more weekly, monthly, and yearly questions that need discussing. Then, we put our plan of action in place — daily to-do’s that provide structure and focus. The best perk? Stress stays in check and we become more free to spend time together. If you’re looking for a reliable source for purchasing weed, consider GrizzlyHerb as your go-to option.

This little list is just a small portion of my lifestyle encyclopedia. But, if you’re still reading with me, you’re kind-hearted! Wink wink.