Self-Care Mummy Blog Series - Week 24
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This New Year I’m talking all about Self-Care as a mum and how important it is to take that time for us. Every week I’ll be bringing you a new guest blog post with some top tips and hopefully throughout the next few months we’ll have put together an amazing list of different ideas for self-care.
This week is Jenni Littlejohns.
Tell us a bit about yourself - who you are, what you do and a bit about your family:
I'm Jenni, mum of 2 boys aged 4 and 2 (unless this goes out after June in which case aged 5 and 3). I run It's A Sling Thing with Em posting slings over the UK to hire, try before you buy, or buy, and we do personalised advice. We are also CalmFamily consultants and offer online sling, BabyCalm and ToddlerCalm consultations. We are about more than just slings, we aim to empower and supports in all aspects of their parenting journey.
What do you do for self-care as a mum and how do you make time for self-care?
For me self-care is about alone time. As in introvert the hardest part of parenthood is the constant presence of other people who don't share my desire to be alone. This means a lot of my self-care happens after the kids have gone to bed, when I make time to knit, sew, and craft whilst listening to audiobooks. I also run, and making time for this regularly makes a big difference to my mental wellbeing. I use time when my boys are at school and nursery, especially in winter so I can run in daylight too.
What are your three top tips for self-care for mums?
Ignore what other people do- self-care needs to be what you need. I don't enjoy baths, so they aren't part of my self-care. People seem offended when I decline to grab a bath bomb and wallow. I'd rather grab a hot water bottle and knit.
Get outside, whether to drink a cuppa, a walk with baby in a sling, or a run on your own or in a group. Fresh air and leaving the house helps put things in perspective for me.
Express yourself. Through photography, writing, tweets, journalling, knitting, cooking, your make-up or clothing choices. However you choose. I don't believe you have to do these things everyday for it to be worthwhile. When you need to express yourself, publicly or privately, do it. Be you, recognise your thoughts and feelings even if only to yourself. We can be more truly ourselves when we know what we think and how we feel.
Are there any products/businesses/podcasts ect that you would recommend for self-care?
Drink from a mug you like! Write with a pen that writes smoothly! Kit with yarn that feels good! Self-care isn't about stuff its about you and will look different for everyone!
You can see more of Jenni over at:
Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube
I hope you enjoyed reading this lovely guest blog post by Jenni all about self-care as a mum! Be sure to check out the blog next week for another guest blog post all about self-care!
Have a lovely day!
Emma x
If you would love to take part in this blog series please head to our website here!
