As a working mother, business owner, etc. I'm trying to do the best I can to juggle everything life throws my way. But I always find myself taking care of myself last (if at all). I focus on feeding everyone else first, making sure others are happy first, and generally (rarely) give myself the mini breaks and fuel I need to get through my day. Today, I've partnered with Shine Organics to share a few ways I am trying to give myself more mini moments throughout the day that are just for me to give me the joy and energy I need to be the best version of myself that I can be (for myself and for others). Here are a few ways…
1. Prep breakfast in advance. The minute I wake up, I get the kids up and ready for school, get them dressed, get myself dressed and have to cram all that prep in a very short period of time before getting them off to school on time. By the time I get to work, I am hungry but I need to start my own work day, so I often forget to eat or eat after my body has been asking for food for hours. My solution to this has been to prep breakfast foods the night before that I can grab with me to either have on the go or eat when I get to my desk after the kids are all set at school. This could be pre-made breakfast cookies, hard-boiled eggs, yogurt parfaits, etc. By spending time in advance to have these ready-to-go for myself, I'm preparing myself for a much better and more efficient day.
2. Pamper Yourself. Do you love massages, manicures, or facials? Break out a mini pampering kit that you can keep at your office, by your bed, or anywhere that would make it easy for you to give yourself a 10 minute treat at some point in the day when you need it most.
3. Keep snacks in your car. Especially with LA traffic, I often find myself between work, school drop offs/pick ups, meetings, or stuck in traffic with a rumbling stomach where I need a quick boost of energy. This is where a snack stash comes to the rescue. Keep a few things in your car that will keep and come in handy for a refuel but that also provide nutrition. In addition to trail mix and some hardy fruit, Shine Organics pouches make for an easy, delicious, and good-for-you pick me up!
4. Take a dance break. Taking a short break mid-day is a must. It doesn't need to be anything fancy or super long, but just a simple change of scenery or circumstance does wonders for giving yourself a mid-day boost. Some people like to take a walk away from their computer. Some take a walk around the block. I like to take dance breaks. Go out into an open space, turn on one of your favorite songs, and just have fun!
What do you do to give yourself mini moments throughout the day?
P.S. @shineorganics is hosting a giveaway on Instagram for you to try their nutritious and delicious pouches for yourself and win a gift card to shop Shine Organics at Target!
{Photos by Lily Glass, styling by Julia Wester, styling assistance and baking by Jess Hong.}
Love the idea of a mini dance break mid-day! Also seriously love the shoes you are wearing in that pic <3 my treat to myself is a glass of wine and dark chocolate after the kiddos go to bed (my reward for them sleeping, and this way I don’t have to share the chocolate!), lighting yummy candles so that even if I’m just doing chores it feels like I’m some place special, and making sure my home and office have pretty art to stare at when I need to take a break from what I’m working on.
Ooh, prepping breakfast in advance is a great idea! I feel like prepping anything/everything in advance is pretty much the only way I get anything done these days, and our mornings are always especially rushed. And I always keep snacks in the car for both myself and my girls!
I have two small kids and they are 98% the reason why it’s hard to get away. Their needs are small (“water, please!”) but immediate (“I’m so thirsty!”) They also take it so personally when mom says she needs to do something else! So, I’ve been incorporating rest time during play time. I’ll suggest we play doctor, but I’m the patient in a coma!
Love it! Where are your shoes from?