Mom life Archives - The Motherly Heap https://themotherlyheap.com/tag/mom-life/ On Motherhood and Extras Thu, 01 Feb 2024 23:11:15 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://i0.wp.com/themotherlyheap.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/cropped-TMH-Logo.png?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 Mom life Archives - The Motherly Heap https://themotherlyheap.com/tag/mom-life/ 32 32 190800540 Simplify To Ditch Holiday Stress https://themotherlyheap.com/ditch-holiday-stress/ https://themotherlyheap.com/ditch-holiday-stress/#respond Tue, 20 Dec 2022 23:31:57 +0000 https://themotherlyheap.com/?p=8464 Holidays can be stressful for some people. Who can resist the hustle and bustles of the December festivities? But what if you can do something to lessen the stress of this beautiful season? Would you leap to simplify and ditch holiday stress? With over-the-top gift-giving expectations, endless shopping errands, and chaotic family gatherings–holiday stress can accumulate quickly. This season, simplify your holiday prep and permit yourself to let go of unnecessary stress by trying viable strategies that will save you time and energy. Impact of Simplifying During the Holiday This post is primarily written for moms who want to minimize stress during this time of the year.  You may think I’d instead do more than be bland, and it’s not about that.  When you simplify things, you already know and feel a breath of relief thinking of a holiday to-do list cut down to a minimum. You regain control of the household or free up calendar days to relax. You may find more time for a couple of nights in because you don’t have to go anywhere.  The core of reconnecting with the people most important to us becomes the center point of celebrating the holidays. Come Back to Enjoying The Holiday Thinking about the holidays, moms tend to cringe over the preparations.  Let’s turn it around, shall we?  Let’s get in the holiday spirit without breaking our backs and dragging our heels around town.  Getting stressed over this time is expected. No one says you can’t be stressed or feel it down to your bones.  But let’s focus on how to enjoy the holiday without adding to our already stressed-out mom life. Beautiful moments are out there for grabs without overcomplicating things. Ten Ways to Simplify The Holiday and Ditch the Stress Stop overbooking yourself.  Prioritize. Ask yourself if this is worth your energy and time. Skip a Christmas event? Do you get joy in doing more and more activities for the sake of holidays? Pick the top activities you want to partake in with your family and stick to them. When overbooking the December calendar, the power to intentionally reconnect might not happen. Instead, you or your family end up drained and stressed out for being everywhere instead of lavishing these times on three or four great holiday activities. Order what you need 1-2 months prior. If you think your menu will be the same for the Holidays, you already know what to get. But on perishables, this isn’t the number to read. I’m talking about food ingredients that you can store. So you don’t go out last-minute shopping when holidays can extend check-out lines. Also, what about presents? Now we’re digging deeper into getting ready for what to buy for kids if you plan on multiple presents under the tree. Order the gifts ahead of time; most likely, your kids had been hounding you about it five months ago. Waiting until the last minute might cost you more, such as hiked-up prices and shipping costs; worse, the item might be available later.  Nothing like a good sale on an item when you can get them in the summertime for December presents if that’s you go for it.  Plan accordingly and get ahead of the game. Say no to frazzled gift shopping.  Use ready to put together meals. If you don’t have time to make food from scratch, by all means, don’t. However, don’t open that can if it makes your stress level skyrocket.  You can buy already pre-planned, pre-packed ready-to-cook items for holiday dinner. You can even order your food from your local stores or even the neighbor down the street whose food advertising her service.  Christmas cookies? Making them down to the last details from scratch is fun with the kids. However, it’s still fun to get them ready to bake cookie dough and go all out on decorating those cookies with them.  Instead of making five different Christmas cookies, ditch the stress, and you may have to cut down on one or two to simplify the holiday baking. Stay focused on what you can accomplish and enjoy holiday cooking/baking time.  Say no to clutter. Cut down on Decor. Is it time to clean and declutter again? Maybe or not. Once you decide on your theme for the Christmas Decor, you may purge out your Christmas boxes full of decorations from the past holidays. I’m all for saving decorations if I know I’ll use them yearly. We’ve only got three themes going for the last 13 years since our son was born. A traditional red/green/gold theme, pink/blue, and silver theme for when our children were born that year.  The tabletop decorations, the wreath, and the Christmas ornaments stayed about the same in circulation. And guess what? You can have the same tree year after year – if you don’t use real Christmas trees. Talk about saving.  Unless you plan on spending more and gathering more decorations, you don’t need to buy a whole Christmas theme every year. Instead, you may change the ribbons or some look.  Less clutter, less stressful. Fewer decorations to store, less stress.  Reset the Gift Giving. The joy of giving comes from the giver. The person who gives feels the pleasure of sharing.  If you feel that this year may be a bit tight on finances, there isn’t a significant rule that you give to everyone in the family, relatives, friends, and more.  When money is an issue in a household, you may feel guilty about not giving to everyone. But, at the same time, you don’t want to incur debts to provide a gift.  When you are stressed about what to buy, who to buy for, and where the money will come from.  Stop. Get some fresh air.  Even if you don’t buy everything for everyone, you still honor them for not getting worked up and stressed about all of these.  Secret Santa can be a great one to do. Pick one name in the group and place the unnamed gift together with everyone’s gifts. Check out the rules of Secret Santa. So, if the gathering group is 20-plus people, it may be hard to dive in and buy 20 gifts for everyone on a tight budget.  You decide how you’re going to do the gifting. Be practical and take control of the stress of giving.  If you are still in the spirit of giving, you may have to plan to save for it. For example, you are cutting costs on extra things and saving that money to buy for someone. Related Posts: Holiday Gift Guide for Learning Toys December Family Bucket List Be present. It’s natural for everyone to get all festive and spread cheers everywhere. If you want to do that, be present.  Not just for the sake of holidays, as I’ve said, but for the connections, you are trying to make. It’s for the moment to treasure and not for picture-perfect holiday photos only.  Kids will ask you to do more for them, especially during these holiday breaks. You may feel touched out after all the holiday preparations and invites.  Please take a moment and rethink what my kids remember about the holidays when they’re grown. The mom is running around tirelessly doing everything, or the mom who sat and engaged with them in a burst of time or moment.  Meet their need for reconnections, and the tantrums may send that signal – it may be time to slow down and be present. Quality time over things and extra stuff – wins all the time.  Return to Traditions you love. Having newer ideas to do during the Holidays can make you feel like you’re really into it. Being merry and bright.  However, doing the family traditions, your family loves to do every year can be as magical as a new one. This year, your kids are one year older. So they can participate in the traditions you’ve shared from past generations.  Older traditions may need to be readjusted or skipped if they don’t apply to your family anymore (after consideration). Your family traditions are yours. If you opt to include some of your childhood traditions, let it continue if it’s not adding more work for you. Find newer ones that simplify and represent your family – the traditions that value your family celebrations. It’s about bringing the family together to celebrate and memory stamping to enjoy. Remember What Matters. Family matters. You. Your Spouse. Your kids. Each member of the family matters. It may also extend to relatives and friends. Getting together for a simple celebration is what family connections stem from. It doesn’t have to be extravagant for it to happen. Sharing a meal with the people you love is what matters.  The joy of the holidays can be overshadowed by the weight of the stress hanging over your shoulder. Simply, remember what matters.  Check on your Stress Gauge. As for moms, it’s always good to check your stress level. You can tell when something is getting out of hand or too much to handle. Step back and reassess your priorities. Get some suggestions and accept help when needed.  You may have to decline some holiday invites or may do a virtual one for relatives who are far and not travel this year.  Do what brings you joy this holiday season. Say yes to the priorities you’ve set on Operation Holiday. Say no to the ones that may add up to the stress gauge and bust it all up. Your emotions are also an excellent giveaway to your current stress level.  Stop unrealistic Holiday Expectations. Simply lower the expectations around this time of year. There’s too much to do if you love the holidays, and nothing is wrong with that.  Yet most times, you don’t want to get tangled with all the chaos that comes with it.  It’s time to reflect on what makes your life simpler. You don’t have to hop on a comparison train. It’ll suck the joy out of you for not meeting those expectations.  Do what your family loves, what you can do, and nothing more. Enjoy the cheers and happy feelings around the home.  Breathe, ditch the holiday stress! There isn’t one way to fix all holiday stress. Yet, you can minimize the impact of getting riled up during this festive season.  Adjustments on your holiday calendar can make a difference once you’ve freed up some space to be present.  You can swap some holiday activities to do a much simpler one and still be able to engage with the whole family. It will be to enjoy a lot more during the season and lower the stress around you. You don’t have to put much pressure on yourself to meet expectations around the holidays. You can simply be – do what makes you happy, less stressed, and everyone enjoys. What are your strategies to keep holiday chaos at bay? Share in the comments.

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]]> https://themotherlyheap.com/ditch-holiday-stress/feed/ 0 8464 25 Best Wellness Gifts for Moms https://themotherlyheap.com/wellness-gifts-for-moms/ https://themotherlyheap.com/wellness-gifts-for-moms/#respond Fri, 25 Nov 2022 07:05:41 +0000 https://themotherlyheap.com/?p=8397 Finding the perfect wellness gifts for moms can be tricky, but with some thought and creativity, you can find something that will make them feel special and appreciated. Like most moms, you are always looking for ways to improve your health and wellness, and this gift list is for you, too.  And if you’re looking for a wellness-themed gift, here are some ideas to get you started. This post includes affiliate links and I may get a commission from qualifying purchases using the product links. To check out the product, click on the image for more details. Full disclosure. Here are wellness gifts for any moms in your circle or yourself! Majestic Pure Massage Oil Moms may feel worn out and tensed. This relaxing massage oil can help release tightened muscles and help her feel calmer. Choose this lavender-scented massage oil as part of your self-care gifts to a mom. Massage gun I can say great things about this Renpho massager, but to experience it is a real review. This massager will quickly ease any discomfort from feeling pain and tight on any body part. Help moms get the relief they need when it comes to aches and discomfort. Ihealth thermometer It’s always good to be prepared for any illness at home. Moms have too much on their minds when someone or themselves is sick. Having the proper health tools can ease any mom’s mind. She may not overthink a thermometer, but this one is easy to use and accurate. Eye massager Unless she has eye problems like glaucoma, eye surgery in the past, cataracts, or retina problems, this one may be a welcomed gift from you. An eye-relaxing gift may help with puffiness or even dryness. Please check with a medical professional before using this product. Reminder Binder Moms get so busy with everyday hustle. So, give her the gift of getting organized through this particular binder. I have been using mine, and it helps me get everything under control, especially when I have a lot on my mind. For example, keeping track of appointments and school activities, this one got me through hectic schedules. Mental Health Journal What do you need to get peace of mind? Release of stress and worries? This mental health journal walks you through documenting everything that helps clear your mind. You can use it to track your mood, mental state, goals, etc. Resistance Bands For fitness-enthusiasts moms, here are some fitness bands she can incorporate into her fitness routine. Easy to use, has different levels of resistance, and is added to any exercise that requires engaging the muscles. For example, working out for moms will be a powerhouse with these resistance bands. I use this on my workout routine, and I’ve been loving them and hating the burn! You got the idea! Humidifier This ultrasonic cool mist humidifier takes her wellness goals to another level. It keeps the air from drying in winter and is used yearly at home. Health comes first; give her the gift of supporting her health. It may help her sleep comfortably, and it’s quiet while running in the background. We have had this humidifier in our home for a long time now; so far, it has been an excellent product and easy to care for and maintain. Face Mask Before you say or think something weird about this mask, let me ease your concern. This egg mask takes care of the skin plenty. For my weekly skincare routine, I have enjoyed this mask that takes care of elasticity, wrinkles, tone, moisture, etc. There’s no scent to this mask; after 10-15 minutes on her skin, she’ll feel it tight, and then time to wash it with warm water. Supple and smoother skin, YES! Face Serum Are you looking for an inexpensive yet effective Vitamin C serum? This is the one! It’s a brightening facial serum that doesn’t irritate the skin. Each person has a different skin profile, yet this serum may pass the brighter and smoother skin checklist. Include this in your self-care wellness gifts for moms. She will love it! Face Roller This beauty tool is all about taking care of the skin. Gentle facial massage with the jade roller or the Gua-Sha can help skin feel lifted and depuffed. Let this beauty duo do the work for the benefit of skin pampering day or night. Body Scrubber What can I say about this scrubber? It lives up to its name and 25,000 reviews! This body brush can be used wet or dry. A gentle exfoliator for the entire body that brings out skin smoothness and banishes dullness. Time to pick this beauty tool for a wellness upgrade! It has become a permanent beauty tool for me as well. Cleanser I have an ever-gentle facial cleanser in my skincare arsenal. I have been using this cleanser for years, and I always return to it after trying other skin cleansers on the market. It lives up to the skin pampering expectations – gently cleanses, non-drying, and removes makeup too. Get this for the mom in your life or even for yourself. A holy grail of all the cleansers! Teas What a great bundle of teas your mom friend can try. These teas are formulated for wellness and comfort. Brew one or two a day, depending on what she feels or needs at the moment. Pick these tea bundles for the moms in your circle. Check with any medical professional before taking this product. Heating Pad Who doesn’t have aches and pains nowadays? This heating pad would be perfect to complement any relief therapy. Let her feel supported and comforted with this healing tool through the hard and good days. When using this product, be mindful of the skin contact time. Related Posts: Tips for Moms Dealing With Stress 30 Emotional Self-Care Ideas for You: Tend to Your Emotional Well-Being Journaling for Wellness: Easy Steps To Start Bathtub caddy Relaxing, calming bubble bath in her self-care checklist? Then this tub caddy is excellent for carrying what she needs during bubble baths. Give her the gift of relaxation with this carry-all caddy. If you want one for yourself, it’s time to get one now! Plush Robe If she wants to feel luxurious and comfortable, time to give this plush robe a chance. She can use this around the house while sipping her morning coffee or tea on a lazy rainy afternoon. It has pockets for her phone and other gadgets for convenience. An ideal gift for a mom who is a homebody. Electric Toothbrush Personal hygiene gifts for moms include this electronic toothbrush. A practical tool to keep the teeth properly cleaned and taken care of. Easy to carry for travel and effective in cleaning those pearly white teeth. Adding to her perfect smile every day. Unique Bath Bombs Does she like surprises? Then this one-of-a-kind gift for mom is something to give. Let her relax during her regular bath time, and viola – a mystery surprise! Body Wash There is nothing but goodness in this body wash. It has no harsh ingredients, is gentle on cleaning, and moisturizes the skin. If you haven’t try this soap, now’s the time to grab a 2-pack. One for you and one for another mom. Lip Mask Do you suffer from cracked lips? Does it happen no matter how you hydrate during the day? Then look no further than this heaven-sent lip mask. It only requires a little on the lips, but it packs a punch! It conditions and nourishes the lips while sleeping. Promising supple and soft lips upon waking up using this lip mask. Now add this to your wellness gifts for moms. Hair Eraser Can you believe there are beauty tools that provide results such as this hair remover? It’s not a gimmick or what – when used properly and accordingly, you can achieve hair removal with no pain and no shave cuts. I had to try for myself before recommending this wellness gifts list for moms. I can say I am impressed! It does work. Smooth skin to boot! Hair Oil Repairing hair isn’t easy at all. Dryness and dullness come with everyday washing. What if a hair oil helped reverse common hair issues? Let this hair oil shine like a superstar in her hair regimen. No regrets, only healthy hair. Steps on how to use Olaplex bonding oil. Electric Mug As a busy mom, reheating your coffee or tea may be a norm. Now, not to worry, this mug will keep any warm drinks to its temperature anytime of the day. What a fancy technology to help moms enjoy their cup of coffee or tea even when they’re up and about. Tea infuser As for our tea-lover moms, nothing cuter than these tea infusers steeping in your favorite mug. Buy the set and give them to your mom friends and chat over tea. I especially love these tea infusers I bought for my daily tea time. These are the infusers I’ve been using for years. What are you waiting for? Give these wellness gifts a chance to pamper moms in your life with empowered self-care, improved health and well-being. If you enjoy this type of post or it has been helpful, please share or pin. Thank you.

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]]> https://themotherlyheap.com/wellness-gifts-for-moms/feed/ 0 8397 Spring Clean Your Kitchen: Spring Clean Series https://themotherlyheap.com/spring-clean-your-kitchen/ https://themotherlyheap.com/spring-clean-your-kitchen/#respond Wed, 18 May 2022 23:15:11 +0000 https://themotherlyheap.com/?p=8129 The warmer weather is the perfect time to do some much-needed spring cleaning. The days are getting longer, and the weather is finally warming up – it must be time for a kitchen spring clean!  This year, don’t just focus on your house’s interior – give your kitchen a good scrubbing. Take this opportunity to purge all the old, unused items and give your space a fresh start. So get those cleaning supplies out, and let’s get on with it! Here are some tips to help make the process a little bit easier and to help get you started.  This post may contain affiliate links; if you purchase from any links provided – I may earn a commission at no cost to you. In addition, as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read the complete disclosure here. 28 Ways To Deep Clean Your Kitchen This Spring: 1. Throw away broken kitchen appliances and expired items: spices, sauces, and other kitchen staples. It’s time to clear out expired things around your kitchen. You may think it’s still okay to use sauces beyond their date, but you don’t want to compromise your family’s health. Spices are one of the many everyday things not replaced as they should be.  I mean, they’re dry. But spices aren’t going to last that long. After that, ground spices may lose their scent, and you’ll know when to say goodbye.  Whole spices can last a bit longer as well as some dried herbs. So when you’re not getting the taste you expected in your cuisine, maybe it’s time to replenish the spice rack. 2. Keep sets of gadgets and things you use daily nearby. Then, store them around the area where you use them.  When you know you’re going to be using the toaster every morning or blender every day, then have them on the counter if space is available—no need to put them back and forth from storage below or above where you use them. Unless you bake daily, you may want to store the stand mixer somewhere you can hide it when not being used.  But, if you prefer to display any particular kitchen gadget, by all means, do what you need to.  3. Do vacuum any cobwebs from the ceiling. Let’s not forget our ceilings around the kitchen. It will need some tender loving cleaning if you have a space between the ceiling and the upper cabinets. 4. Wipe down any light fixtures and replace the bulbs. Having light fixtures in the kitchen can add to your cleaning checklist. Don’t neglect them, primarily if dust quickly collects on them. You’ll be preparing your food daily, and having dust above you won’t do any good. Buy new bulbs when lights are dimmed or dull, or replace bulbs that won’t turn on. 5. Dust and wipe clean all cabinets and drawers. The kitchen cabinets tend to get grease on the surface. The drawers are not an exemption either.  If not taken care of quickly, handprints can even live there for a long time.  Choose the cleaning agents to clean off your cabinets and drawers, paying attention to the type of paint and materials. As for my kitchen cabinets, I only use plain water with my microfiber cloth. Then I make sure I dry the surfaces immediately. Finally, wipe down any metal fixtures or styled handles with a dry cloth. I painted them last year with a Valspar cabinet and furniture paint (Enamel). That paint was a game-changer for me – it’s quick to clean my cabinets and drawers.  I get my all-purpose cleaner if there’s a tough spot to take off using just the water. But I’ve never had to use any cleaner ever since I painted the cabinets.  6. Clear out items from the top of the refrigerator. If you have items over the top of your refrigerator, maybe it’s time to look at them to see if they need to stay there.  It may not be an option for you if you’re saving space to store items, but as much as possible, it’s better not to put any perishable or edible items on the top of the fridge.  7. Tackle the inside of the refrigerator. So we are talking about what’s in the refrigerator. Is it time to purge?  Before we can clean the fridge, it’s best to take everything out and discard items beyond consumption. You can take the shelves and wash them by the sink or grab a basin with your cleaning agent and a wipe cloth. Then, organize the items back in the fridge with bins as needed.  8. Deep clean the microwave. Reheating food in the microwave can create splatter that will last until they are cleaned out. You can easily deep clean your microwave with three kitchen items you can mix inside a measuring cup or even a mug.  You can mix equal parts of water and vinegar and then add a tablespoon of dish soap into a clean measuring cup. Please place it in the middle of your microwave and heat it for 2 minutes. Then you can wipe down the entire microwave and clean including the filter below.  9. Deep clean your kitchen oven and stovetop. Like any other kitchen appliance, you have to be very careful about using any cleaning agents concerning the material of the appliance that you’re cleaning. Do follow the direction for cleaning your oven and your stove.  If you have an oven like what we have in our house, you can also open up the glass door of your oven and clean it inside. Be very careful when putting it back together and ensure they are adequately secured. 10. Empty crumb trays from bread toasters or air fryers. When you have toasters and an air fryer in your kitchen, check if the crumb trays are removable, and they usually are, so make sure that you clear them as you go or clear them once a week; it’s really up to you. 11. Throw away used oil from the deep fryer. Deep frying in the kitchen can be grimy. Aside from the oil splatters that happen as you cook, cleaning is much more challenging. Replace your frying oil regularly. Check for any unstrained food items floating. 12. Wipe down all appliances displayed on the counters. Kitchen appliances on the counters can become dusty, and they might also have grease on them. So don’t forget to wipe them down as you clean your kitchen. Use water and a clean cloth to get rid of dust. But as for the grime, choose your cleaning solution. 13. Clear the clutter off your counters. Where do we start with kitchen clutter on all the counter spaces?  I recommend getting a clutter bin for everything that doesn’t need to be in the kitchen. Don’t worry about sorting things out now; focus on corraling items and getting them out of the kitchen. For any kitchen items, you can place them on top of your table. Then, sort them as soon as you’re done cleaning.  14. Clean the kitchen walls, windows, and doors. The kitchen is the most used area in the house, if not the first, maybe the second. So it’s only typical for the kitchen walls, backsplash, windows, and doors to get dirty more than the rest of the house. Again, use a cleaning agent appropriate for the area you are cleaning. RELATED POSTS: Spring Clean Your Bedroom: Spring Clean Series Spring Clean Your Bathroom: Spring Clean Series Clean These 5 Kitchen Items: Don’t Skip Them Cleaning Routine for a Stay-At-Home Mom That You Actually Can Stick To 15. Tackle the sink and garbage disposal. Most homemakers clean the sink after using it or even at the end of the day. Having a clean sink makes me feel good. I feel accomplished when the sink is cleared and clean.  Don’t forget about the garbage disposal –  it can quickly smell bad when food and other stuff are not taken care of. Check out how to easily clean the garbage disposal and maintain it. 16. Clean out the kitchen trash can. Clear the trash as you go through your day. Now and then, use a cleaning and disinfectant spray to tackle the trash can. 17. Vacuum or sweep the whole kitchen floor. Do you prefer to sweep or vacuum the kitchen floor? I am both. When there’s a lot to clean up, I grab the vacuum, and on the other hand, if it’s just a tiny spot, I use my broom to clear it out. Do you know what helps me the most during my clean-up, and I need to do something else? My Roomba, yes! She’s my cleaning buddy – always ready to vacuum the kitchen floor.  18. Mop the floor or sanitize. Once you did the vacuuming and sweeping, mopped the floor next.  There are a lot of mopping systems that you can buy in-store or online. But what matters most is what works for you and your house. So, grab the mop system to help you be an efficient cleaner.   19. Clean the baseboard, including under the lower kitchen cabinets. Now we’ve gone to the baseboard. First, check out the baseboard area under the lower kitchen cabinets. Those are the spots that easily get neglected during your daily cleaning. Spring cleaning can be the perfect time to give them the necessary attention.  You can use a microfiber cloth to clean your baseboard or a duster with an extension to prevent back pain. Bonus tip:  use a dryer sheet and run it across all kitchen baseboards. The sheet will help lessen the dust collected in the area, and it’ll be easy to clean up next time. 20. Deep clean dishwasher. How often do you deep clean your dishwasher? Every week? Every month? Quarterly? The answer will depend on your daily usage, manufacturer instruction, and other reasons requiring you to deep clean your dishwasher. Not only deep clean the inside but also wipe down the outside of the dishwasher. Springtime is easy to remember to do this task and frequently added to your spring clean your kitchen list afterward. 21. Clear out expired things and stock up the pantry. Scratch off your grocery list and update your inventory.  When it comes to your pantry, it’s always helpful to have the ingredients and items you need to be available daily. Update your pantry list as you clear the things off the space. 22. Organize all kitchen drawers and cupboards. Now that the cleaning part is done, it’s time to organize everything in your kitchen.  Check out this video on organizing kitchen cupboards and drawers. Organizing your kitchen can be part of your spring clean checklist too. 23. Tackle things under the kitchen sink cabinet. What’s going on under your kitchen sink cabinet? Why is it so hard to keep this area organized?  Time to clear out necessary items that are stored under the sink cabinet. You can also vacuum the inside of the cabinet. Once that’s done, gather your bins, buckets, and organizers to place all kitchen cleaning agents, cloths, cleaning tools, etc. 24. Store away all kitchen items not being used daily. This particular step matches item number two above. It doesn’t need to be on the counters when you don’t use a specific kitchen gadget. Instead, give them a good home where it’s easy to take them out as you need them. 25. Double-check the smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Fire can happen at any home at any time of the day. So every spring, let’s double-check our alarms:  the smoke and carbon monoxide system.  Use high-quality batteries, so you don’t have to change them frequently. Our changing seasons: we usually switch them during spring and fall. 26. Everyone must know where the fire extinguisher is and check the expiration date. It’s great for everyone to know where the fire extinguisher is stored. However, adults should only use portable fire extinguishers.  However, an important reminder is to...

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]]> https://themotherlyheap.com/spring-clean-your-kitchen/feed/ 0 8129 Spring Clean Your Bathroom: Spring Clean Series https://themotherlyheap.com/spring-clean-your-bathroom/ https://themotherlyheap.com/spring-clean-your-bathroom/#respond Tue, 26 Apr 2022 19:42:20 +0000 https://themotherlyheap.com/?p=8035 Again it’s that time of year to give your house a good spring cleaning! Horray for spring clean – start with your bathroom by getting rid of all the clutter and cobwebs.  Are you feeling guilty every time you walk into your bathroom because it’s such a mess?  Well, don’t worry, you’re not alone!  A lot of people have trouble keeping their bathrooms clean. I’ve got you covered if you’re looking for some help getting started. Today we’ll be focusing on how to clean your bathroom quickly and easily. So grab your supplies and get ready to tackle this dreaded task!  Spring is officially here, so it’s time for everyone’s least favorite chore: cleaning the bathroom from top to bottom. So read on for these steps to clean your bathroom like a champ. This post may contain affiliate links; if you purchase from any of the links provided – I may earn a commission at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read the complete disclosure here. How to spring clean your bathroom! Grab a big trash bag and bins Chunk everything that’s expired – hair, body, and bathroom products. If you like to keep spare or extras of each, save it to a minimum. Put bathroom products in a bin to coral them till you are done cleaning. Sort bathroom products out later when it’s time to organize.  For now, they need a temporary home so you can clean without the clutter. Get your cleaning supply nearby where you are cleaning When it’s easy for you to grab what you need as you clean, the convenience of a cleaning caddy is a must—one basket for all your cleaning essentials in one place. You don’t want cleaning spray bottles lying around as you clean. Having a one-stop carry-all for what you need makes it more manageable to do the cleaning. Use proper protection and ventilation while cleaning Always protect yourself first when cleaning. You don’t want to feel dizzy when you’re in the middle of the cleaning spree.  Take the time to keep yourself safe as you clean around. Vent out the air. Use a mask and even eye goggles. Use gloves for hand and skin protection. Take breaks when you’re cleaning. Sometimes, you’re in the clean deep zone and skip breaks. Clean your bathroom counters and sinks Counters get dirty quickly, and the sink may also suffer from toothpaste stains. Scrub those stains away with your cleaning products. Be very careful with what cleaning agent you use for your sink and counters because some cleaning products may ruin them if they aren’t for them. Always double-check the cleaning instructions and warnings printed on your cleaning products.  We don’t want any ruined marbles, granites, quartz, etc. Too pricey to replace that.  Deep clean the shower and tub Do you deep clean your shower right after you use them? Are you the type to deep clean it once a week? Whichever your stand in cleaning your shower, it’s always helpful when you give enough time to scrub down the soap scums around it.  And it can be tough. It can be time-consuming. I’ve been there. But, if you’re wondering, I’m the latter type of cleaner when it comes to my shower. Use the shower spray solution for your shower walls and door. There are natural cleaning solutions, and commercial agents don’t need much scrubbing effort from you. Pick what you prefer.  Remember, the shower floor is as important as the walls and doors. The grout – keep grout clean and prevent molding – grout cleaning method. But the tub is a different talk. Tackle the cleaning as soon as you’re done soaking or using it. You don’t want extra water stagnant inside the tub. Or, if you love bath oils, those oils need to be off the tub surface. It’s the same thing with tub; use the appropriate supply and products to clean your tub. If you have a shower curtain with a liner, drop them in the washer and get them air dry. RELATED POST: Cleaning Routine for a Stay-At-Home Mom That You Actually Can Stick To Dust the toilet, cabinets, and shelves Hello, dusting! Does your bathroom suffer a lot of collected dust?  Grab your favorite duster or microfiber cloth to clean the dust off your cabinets and shelves. You may need some bottle sprays for accumulated dust or stains on the cabinets.  It’s perfectly safe to use water and get rid of the dirtied space. However, some stains may need more potent products to get it off. So now, check the finish of your cabinets and shelves before using any chemicals on them. Polish all mirrors and chrome fixtures to get them looking brand new Mirrors with handprints?  Yes! Toothpaste splatters?  Yes, tell me about it. Time to clean your bathroom mirror Please take off the debris first; it easily peeled off. Then, use a cloth with alcohol to scrub the debris away from the mirror. If you have a high-quality mirror cleaning spray, use it. If you prefer to make your own, combine ½ cup water, ½ cup white vinegar, and one tablespoon cornstarch. Turn on the bathroom vents. Put on a mask. Spray cleaning solution on the mirror. Use a microfiber cloth on your mirror for a streak-free clean or a crumpled newspaper. I still remember cleaning my childhood house mirrors using crumpled newspapers. To this day, I know it works if other wipes aren’t available. Make the pattern: edge to edge and top to bottom. Doing this will cover every inch of the mirror and all sides for cleaning.  Inspect the mirror for anything missed.  For the bathroom fixtures Check the material of your bathroom fixtures. You DO NOT want to use a cleaning agent that will erode or ruin your fixtures. Only use the appropriate cleaner for your faucet, showerheads, cabinet handles, and other fixtures. When there are mineral deposits, it may be time to grab the cleaning staples to address the gunks. Always make sure you dry after cleaning. It will help decrease streaks, prevent molds and enhance the sparkle effect.  Cleaning the bathroom floors Vacuum or Sweep the floors Before you do the floor – time to look up! Vacuum the corners of the ceiling. That’s right!  Look up to the corners of the shower stall, above the mirror, and other hubs you see around your bathroom. I hope all the clutter and products to keep/throw away are contained or gone. It will be easier to take care of the floor when the areas are cleared first. So grab your vacuum and hit every nook and crannies of the entire bathroom.  Don’t forget the space behind the toilet bowl, the trash can, and the back of a towel cabinet (not mounted or built-in). Mopping your bathroom floors You can use a cleaning solution on your mop system.  You can also use a cleaning spray bottle with your DIY or commercial-made solutions as you mop the floor. Again, use the correct cleaning agents for the type of floor you have.  Freshen up the toilet bowl Do you have a favorite cleaning tool for toilet bowls?  Preference for toilet bowl cleaning depends on what type of cleaning you do. Some use a traditional toilet scrub with cleaning solutions. Some use the ready-made attach the cleaning pods to the toilet cleaning tool. The goal is to clean under the insides of a toilet bowl.  To clean — the splatters, the dark stains, and all of the above. The steps in cleaning your toilet bowl will depend on your chosen solutions. Read the fine print of proper and safe handling of the cleaning solutions. P.S. if your toilet has a bidet attachment, CLEAN the sprayer! Don’t forget that dirt, grime, and poo splatters may also stick. Scrub and clean the toilet bidet Bathroom Baseboards  Keeping up with the dust includes your baseboards.  Time to give them some TLC. They haven’t been tended to for a while. Spring cleaning your bathroom will provide them with the deserving time your baseboards need.  When you vacuum the floor early on, I hope you include your baseboards.  If not, you can grab your microfiber cloth, wet and squeeze, then wipe the boards one way. Be careful with any chip paints or dried-out stains. You may need more scrubbing to get the stains off. When all is clean, use a dryer sheet (laundry dryer sheet) and run it across the baseboards. This method will prevent the dust from collecting more on the surface. It will be an easy clean-up next time. Keep the trash can smelling fresh till the subsequent cleanup How do you keep the bathroom trash can clean?  Do a deep clean every week. Wash the trash can on your tub; if there is no tub – turn on the shower (bonus if you have a removable showerhead).  Give your trash can a good shower and cleaning.  For daily cleaning, use disinfecting wipes to clean the top and sides of the trash cans. You can pick up unscented trash bags to refill the can. However, if you aren’t sensitive or allergic to scents – you can use Scented Trash Bags! Thanks to the heavens for these. Life-saver for everyday use and contains any odors – poo or pee wipes!  Organizing the bathroom Now, all bathroom corners, top to bottom, are clean. So it’s time to house back the things you put in those bins. Then, organize your items, so everything has its place. You’ve already decluttered first before you even started cleaning. It’ll be easier to put the items back to where they belong and not see clutter.  Who likes organizing in chaos? Organizing when the space is clean is the next best thing!  This last part is when you organize from top to bottom. So do the shelves, the shower products, etc. Then move on to the countertops and finally the bathroom sink. Easy Spring Cleaning Tips for Bathrooms Spring cleaning tops the number one to-do list in any household. And with the arrival of spring comes the annual tradition of cleaning your house from top to bottom.  Let’s cut the overwhelm once and for all when it comes to cleaning your bathroom this spring.  Be strategic with your cleaning, prepare what you need, keep track of your nook and crannies, and be cautious of the cleaning agents you use on each surface.  But never fear – following the bathroom cleaning tips above will make this process quick and easy! Are you ready to tackle and deep clean your bathroom this spring? Leave a comment about your favorite products to use in the bathroom.

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]]> https://themotherlyheap.com/spring-clean-your-bathroom/feed/ 0 8035 13 Simple Habits of a Happy Mom https://themotherlyheap.com/simple-habits-happy-mom/ https://themotherlyheap.com/simple-habits-happy-mom/#comments Fri, 04 Feb 2022 06:28:15 +0000 https://themotherlyheap.com/?p=7672 What if there’s one thing that you can do about being happy in your life? What is a happy mom, and how can simple habits help you feel happier? Anything can wear out a mom’s bandwidth. These days, it’s easier to get caught up with matters at home, work, and out in the community. Moms are stretched to the limits and barely surviving. You may be working during the pandemic and figuring out kids’ daycare/school needs. Or you’re navigating homeschooling for the first time or working from home with kids not yet able to attend school.  Overstress is enough to get your emotional state at a crisis. So how can you give when your tank is almost empty?  Are you frustrated to the point of wanting to burrow up beneath the sheets? Do you feel like piles of housework are engulfing you?  You are not alone.  Many moms who feel at the brink of exhaustion. No denying that they may surrender any small glimpse of joy for themselves can become burnout, weary, and even unhappy.  You all must do what you know is best for your situation. However, you can adjust some aspects of your life to accommodate some that help brings you joy. It is time to think about what drove you at this point? What did you let go to make space for others?  Everyone has their definition of happiness in life. We can’t argue that we see life through a different lens and mood. We might seek happiness in every milestone related to our personal, home, and work-life almost every day. It’s validating for us. It holds reality in check. Yet, you don’t have to wait until we meet these monumental moments to feel happy. Instead, you can create habits into your daily routine that help you feel happier, no matter what life throws at you. 13 Simple habits you can incorporate daily to be a Happy Mom Get enough sleep and make physical health a priority. I know, I know. So why do these have to be the first one on the list? Less sleep and decreased recovery mean you’re tired or become moody. What about your immune system and heart health? These two can become affected when your sleep schedule isn’t great. Invest in a calming bedtime routine after the kids have gone to bed. Select bedtime rituals that encourage your body to slow down and relax. A study suggests that sleep and happiness are linked. So why not create better schedule for sleep to happen, whenever possible. Trust that your body will get you through the day. Fuel your body with a balanced diet and moderate physical activity. You are more than capable of practicing habits that keep your body in a healthy state.  If you’re battling a chronic health condition, it’s more critical to regularly see your doctor and make use of the individualized plan to manage your condition.  When you’re sick, take care and don’t push yourself. As moms, we tend to continue the grind even when we’re sick. Let others help you. You need to rest and recuperate.  Go outside. Even for just 30 minutes, a short walk around the neighborhood can reset your mind from the daily grind of motherhood. Even on your workdays, stepping out to get 10 minutes of air from outside can help you flourish. Set a calendar day to go hiking in nature and take in the fresh air and the calming benefits of nature sounds. Or visit a public garden and sit in silence under the trees. Spend time with the people you love. Your spouse may also crave some time alone. Let it be the norm to spend time together. If you both work outside the home, set aside time to communicate and connect.  Plan a fun evening for the two of you and refrain from talking about the kids. Instead, refocus your attention on what makes you love the person you’re with.  Spending one-on-one time with your kids can do wonders in their emotional development. They become the focus of your time, not a household chore, not errands.  They see you cut out time to be with them and intentionally connect. Kids feel safe and loved when parents are mindful about reconnecting. RELATED POST: Intentional Motherhood: Mothering with Purpose Do things with purpose. Work with purpose. Being purposeful takes practice. We are all prone to auto-pilot. With that, you have your schedule of chores, appointments, and activities. However, there’s an opportunity to slow down.  Take the time to indulge in the moment of what you’re doing.  When we love our job at work, we don’t feel the drag. We feel passionate and motivated to do our best at work. Do your work with purpose. Answer the why; why you’re doing what you’re doing. Do you feel happy about your job?  There’s a thin line between happiness at work and because you need to work.  Search for your purpose when you aren’t feeling fulfilled in where you are right now. I don’t mean, quit at once. Instead, reset and rethink what benefits you and check your happiness gauge. Aim for simple, realistic self-care. Self-care is this and that. Everyone tells you what to do. Please take it as your guide for starting on self-care.  However, what method you use or choose to take care of yourself – depends on what keeps your spirit up. You don’t want to be lifting three times a week when your heart isn’t in it. Or gardening on the weekends when you want to read or relax. Choose what makes you happy. Choose something that fuels your mind and body. Indulge in self-care that refuels you and your joy. Practice gratitude. Being practical doesn’t mean being dull. On the contrary, things and people in our lives bring us joy in moments.  What sets gratitude apart is that it comes from within. Your inner voice tells you that “I’m grateful for small things, for the challenges that made me grow, for the supportive people in my life, and more.” It helps you see things in a different light, and you become grateful for what you have. Decrease media time. In a world full of instant access, media is helpful when you’re looking for information. But when you dwell on negative news every single day, it takes away your peace of mind when you take in what’s happening in the world. Take little at a time. Maybe listen to the morning news and shut it off afterward. Social media scrolling, if it triggers you – skip the ones that don’t serve you. Get home in order. I’m not referring to the type of HGTV home organization-level and simply illustrating getting clutter and chaos out of sight and creating a cleaning routine that fits your schedule and lifestyle.  It can’t be something that forces you to do every single day. However, homemaking brings joy to those who do it with purpose.  Getting overwhelmed with chores can become stressful enough that it disrupts your happiness. As a result, you become whiny, short-tempered, and even unhappy. Share the load. Everyone shares the homemaking load. Remember, it isn’t only you who use the space at home. You have the whole family. So let them pitch in with what they can appropriately do.  The kids can do chores that can quickly be done and delegated. You can check out my post on the chore list by age. Sharing household management with your spouse or significant other can lighten up the load on you physically. However, taking into account how it can liberate your mental load when you know that some home care isn’t just your responsibility, but everyones’.  Reach out when it’s all so overwhelming.  RELATED POST: Declutter Before Organizing Positive mindset. Positivity in all the things you do can become taxing. I get it. You can’t just happily skip around town and stay positive.  But intentionally reminding yourself of what matters and remaining positive can help you reframe your mind and feel happier. Talk it out with someone if you feel you can’t get past an event or are causing you undue emotions that aren’t dissipating.  Release the negative thoughts. Seeing the brighter side of life takes patience and reminder. Acknowledge the not-so-good part and move forward with what you can do and control. You can decrease the mental load of motherhood when you focus on what makes you a happy mom and simple habits that you can change along the way. Keep a routine. Either doing an early morning routine, having a journaling schedule, or getting your kids’ routine down with them, it gets easier for you to navigate life. When you spend time doing personal rituals that make you happy or keep you motivated to stay happy, you’re more likely to keep them up. Setting up and implementing routine needs discipline and flexibility to adjust to anything. But, it doesn’t have to be done or anything.  Seek out what you can do; joy becomes the focus, not perfection.  Learn to manage your time. Don’t you have enough time to do everything at home and work even? Prioritize and have a plan for everything. As mentioned above, routines for kids can help you streamline the things that need to be done. They’re aware of what they expect to do at a given moment.  And as your kids do their daily routine in the morning or evening, you have that window to do other things to help everyone get out the door or get ready for bed. You can’t be cleaning all day. Start creating a time block for your cleaning routine. You don’t have to multitask all the time. Permit yourself to do one thing at a time to give your brain a break from processing multiple information.  Assign time limits if you can, so you are not stuck to one task for a long time.  As a work-from-home mom, I do timer for my focused daily tasks. I already have a set schedule to homeschool, my kids. I can block out times for other priority tasks around those times.  When I put time for my freelance health writing, I batch tasks in an hour or two, like researching or creating content. As for this blog, tasks needed to keep it running and writing blog posts draw priority.  These are somehow a loose schedule for all work-related tasks. Nothing is written in stone. However, I value the time when I can focus on one task at a time and be flexible enough to adjust when I need to. Breaks are essential to keep you on track with your scheduled tasks.  Set prayer as part of your day. Let it lead you to seek solace in times of trouble and sadness. Those challenging times draw that grace from prayers when you question your worth.  Seek the strength from Him that gives life and perfect refuge.  It isn’t temporary joy. When you give your all and lead a prayerful life, you open up your heart to find happiness in His love and mercy every single day. Final Words of Simple Habits to do as a Happy Mom Ultimately, being a mom is hard work yet comes with beautiful moments to treasure. So you tuck those moments somewhere and draw joy from remembering them. Making time on your daily habits as a mom will help you feel happy and fulfilled amid the chaos of mothering and managing the home.  As moms, we draw our strength from within. We give love without expectations. Start small and add on what you can. Starting a habit doesn’t require you to completely overhaul your life. Instead, let these steps help you become a happier mom in the days to come. Take a small step to change and weave it into your day-to-day journey of becoming a happy mom. Liking this kind of post? Please leave a comment to let me know about what you do to stay a happy mom?

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]]> https://themotherlyheap.com/simple-habits-happy-mom/feed/ 2 7672 12 Survival Tips for Working Moms https://themotherlyheap.com/12-survival-tips-for-working-moms/ https://themotherlyheap.com/12-survival-tips-for-working-moms/#respond Thu, 02 Dec 2021 06:54:43 +0000 https://themotherlyheap.com/?p=7398 Do you cringe when you hear work-life balance? Is there such a thing? Of course, when you’re just trying not to run a red light in the sea of cars, you’ve got to grapple with surviving—working as a mom comes with sacrifices and priority resets. So working moms are keen on knowing survival tips to stay on top of work-life and motherhood. What does it look like in your life right now?  Do you ever feel like hours of the day aren’t even enough? No, downtime, maybe? How about getting to the school drop-offs early so you can clock in on time at work?  Your mind is constantly on the go, planning, remembering, and maybe fogging too. I walked on this path every day when working 36 hrs/week as a nurse. My work may not be the typical 8-5 Monday to Friday; nonetheless, it all comes down to the remaining hours of each day.  Finding your rhythm amid parenting and working is a struggle. But, you’ve probably thought, that’s why I’m here.  But is there such a middle ground between your home life and work? It all depends on you. What you’re willing to let go of, happy to reset, or comfortable to keep in your life to make it work.  I’m sharing with you what I’ve learned from being a working mom and the survival tips that you can try in your life today. Tips for Working Moms on Survival and Thriving Boundaries. Be prepared to say a hard no. When it feels like it will be a tight schedule this week – breathe in and say no. Suppose there’s another invitation in the mail. Politely decline. There’s no need to be present in all extra activities involving going outside the home.  If someone has dropped a bomb on you by calling you about an unannounced out-of-state trip that involves hosting in your home – be that NO without explaining yourself.  When the boss wants you to stay later after informing them that you’ve got an anniversary dinner for your parents, take that exit when the clock rings closing time – no overtime. Remember, you are in survival mode this week. You can barely wrestle your activity lists. Set your healthy boundaries to save you. Admit Your Limits Moms are limitless when given a chance to do it all. However, when you struggle to survive the days, learn to step back and accept that you can’t be everything.  Sometimes you miss a school lunch program because you can’t get a day off from work.  You may extend a work assignment because you had a sick kid this week.  There’s no shame in admitting when the top of your bucket is full. However, surviving doesn’t equate to drowning in the abyss of work and home life.  Putting a halt once you’ve felt you’ve reached your limit. Slow. The. Drive. Down. Work on Routines Working moms can benefit from routines. Attempting to get everybody ready in the morning can be a stress point for you. Take time to create a solid morning routine for your kids to follow to offset some of the chaos expected when everyone’s trying to be on time. Getting organized with your kids’ activities and your work schedules will aid you in planning and making sure that nothing gets missed. Setting up your routines can help you not get overwhelmed throughout the week. Control your Time Time is a precious commodity to all working moms. Yet, it can be pushed down to only two to four hours tops before bedtime.  I don’t know about you, but that’s a narrow window for everything to get done, spending quality time while doing household chores and errands. Planning out your day can help you block time for each area that you need to accomplish. Of course, family time is non-negotiable, so it goes top on the list. Then think of 3 top priorities you want to be done before you go to sleep and do just that. Remember, you are in survival mode here. Manage your Guilt Guilt will poke around when you’re struggling. But is it pretty much every day for moms?  Mom guilt is hard to shake, and it lingers around waiting to roll. But, take it from a working mom like me who only had about an hour left to give to kids because I worked 12-13 hrs day shifts.  That was exhausting – yet as mothers, we still get to squeeze any ounce of energy for everyone. Who knows where it comes from. Kids’ bedtime is set early, which is the best time for them not to get cranky in the morning and beneficially healthier to get total hours of sleep.  Not to mention that I’m already exhausted by the time I clock out of work. I felt guilty that I was trying to reconnect with kids when I was almost running on empty – not the best of myself. But I did it anyway. Because of that, I get stressed out, thinking I am not giving the best of what a mom should be providing. I felt like a failure, and what could I do? Reflect on the positive side of the situation, instead of wallowing in my pity party, switching some days so I can be there for my kids.  It might be an option for you to sort out your working schedule. It’s truly difficult for each situation when it comes to you working, but it’s doable. Turning it around when days off come, make the most of the day to connect with your kids. Remain positive. Intentional Acts A lot of the time, your kids may be a bit rowdy on top of your struggling days.  These are days when your patience is tested to the max. Stay focused on the positive. Select the battle you want to fight. You don’t have to win every time, all the time. It’s hard not to multitask as a mom, especially when kids become the center of your daily schedule on top of work commitments.  Being intentional frees you of your expectations. When you attempt to do everything without being purposeful and simply tuning in the auto mode – you don’t see the joy around doing; you complete tasks without regard.  It takes emotional presence and empathy to be able to stay connected with your kids. But, in these times of many distractions, we do what we can to push through as parents. You’ve loosened your bolts on screen time – for sure, and it’s not the end of the world in your parenting. But, something has got to give – use it to your advantage when you’re in survival mode. Couple Connection The schedule may not permit a weekly date night for you and your spouse. Instead, find the time to have a couple of hours to talk and reconnect.  No kid topic, no schedule talk; just you and him. Find some date nights activities bringing in the fun together. Take a hike and reminisce about your old times. Flip those picture albums you’ve saved in the attic.  Grab a coffee or make a meal together.  Hire a sitter. Take up that offer from friends and families to watch your kids for a couple of hours. Self-care  Now, this isn’t a reminder of what you’re putting aside instead of ahead. However, moms do get the endless responsibilities piling higher and more.  Some will say it’s so overrated. It plows on your guilt that somehow in this busy world of mothering, you can’t even begin to think – when will I have the time or money to do stuff for myself.  I’m here to encourage you to choose ONE simple, pure joy of doing something only for yourself.  Some may argue that taking a soothing warm bath in the middle of the week is impractical.  But, if it rejuvenates you, why not? Others will argue, it’s part of your daily grooming. But have you ever had days gone by without showering?  Yes? Then, mama, you’re not alone. It is taking care of yourself – it’s called self-care. I understand the struggle when you’re crawling out of the duties as a homemaker and working.  Find one thing that makes you happy. Then, choose to make it happen. Choose you. RELATED POST: How to Incorporate Exercise into your Daily Life Stay Organized Clutter minds, hectic calendars, school, work deadlines – are just the tip of the iceberg moms face on their tasks list.  Keep yourself amenable through planning your daily tasks and responsibilities. Get a planner. Trying to remember everything can be too much on our mental loads as moms.  You may not accomplish all that you’ve set out to do during the day because something came up – but extend flexibility on your end. When unstructured and chaos persists in the household, it’s harder to corral anything that adds to the overwhelmed. Create an “ahead of time” attitude. Be ready when things might take a turn. Then, you’ve got your A-game in or your Plan B. So, staying organized will help you to try to survive as a working mom. Goodbye Perfection When you’re trying to stay afloat, it’s magnificent to let go of perfection. Let go of all of it. Don’t hook your leg unto perfection when all you want to do is survive. Let it go. Done. Dwelling more and seeking perfection in your motherhood will only contribute to despair on your part when it’s nearly impossible to achieve.  Perfectionism can be a learned trait. It’s easy to get exhausted from unrealistic expectations of yourself and even your children as well.  Don’t let it consume you. Never let it be the fuel that your children will strive for to gain your love and attention. Children are sponges to the environment they’re in. Feeling unheard by parents, and when perfection is expected of them, they’ll tend to find some control from other areas.  Keep stress down As moms, holding it all together can be demanding. You’re being stretched out in all directions. Your patience may be thinning out between parenting and working.  Stay on top of your stress level. It’s easier to be aware and vigilant about it than to realize at the end that you’ve nowhere to go but crash. Take charge of what’s getting on your nerves and stay grounded. RELATED POST: Stress Relief Products for Moms: Recover and Relax For your sake, hire help. When in survival mode, you are already at the edge of a turn. Take this chance to delegate tasks at home.  Such as household duties that can be outsourced and automating other responsibilities. Accepting that you need help and taking that step to ask or hire service – can take off a few loads from your hands. Final Thoughts on Surviving Between Working and Motherhood Moms tend to run themselves to the last drop of their gas tanks. They can all feel the stress rising and their bodies showing a ragged front. Deep inside, you are drained. You are constantly questioning if you are fit to be in this role. But, then, suppose you’ve made the right decision to both work and mother simultaneously. We face those questions every single day, most especially when we are in survival mode. There’s nothing glorious about faking it to the outside world. But, unfortunately, the opinions of others won’t make your struggle any easier.  What’s important is how you see yourself, how you feel inside, and what you’re going to do about it during challenging days. We see in our modern world where those perfectly cut images on the outside – those are the highlights of other people’s lives. But, behind closed doors in anyone’s life, we don’t know. We aren’t made to be perfect mothers. Instead, we are shaped into moms of what our children need.  So if you are struggling, check off those lists above, and maybe one can stir a change. Let these survival tips guide and help all...

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]]> https://themotherlyheap.com/12-survival-tips-for-working-moms/feed/ 0 7398 Organization Hacks for Your Laundry Room https://themotherlyheap.com/organization-hacks-laundry-room/ https://themotherlyheap.com/organization-hacks-laundry-room/#respond Thu, 04 Nov 2021 04:59:33 +0000 https://themotherlyheap.com/?p=7251 Does your laundry room need a room lift? Organization tips and hacks from storing detergent, sorting the laundry supplies, and keeping a smooth flow in your laundry room. If your laundry room is a small space of four walls in your beautiful home, you may need to be strategic in getting organized.  A functional room for all your laundry needs makes a whole lot of difference when everything is in its proper place. You do your laundry chore with ease, and every inch of laundry space is utilized for the function.  This post may contain affiliate links; if you purchase from any of the links provided – I may earn a commission at no cost to you. Please read the complete disclosure here. Let’s check out how these hacks can help with your simple organization for your laundry room. Start with a blank slate. Go ahead takedown all your decors, all current storage units, laundry supplies, and other extra trinkets from your laundry room. Sort per category and immediately store away/rehome anything you aren’t planning to use. Get it done as you take items out of its spot. You see a visionary outline of what you like to do with each space and corner when you have an empty shelf, wall, or storage. Throw away expired items. Do you still keep those hardened laundry powder? Or maybe the hardened laundry liquid softener inside the container? Make a habit of checking the expiration dates and keeping your supplies updated. You can also get a laundry supply checklist (PDF download) from this cleaning post. Cut the clutter now. Clearing out of anything that doesn’t serve the room’s functional purpose needs to go. It can be challenging to organize when you have so much stuff and clutter around that you move multiple times and barely use it.  Say goodbye to them. Minimize what you bring in, even in decors.  Clear out your laundry closet. Keep only the items that your family needs to maximize storage space.  You don’t need 15 bath towels for a family of four. Same as 20-bed linens or sheets for a three-bedroom house.  RELATED POST: Declutter First Before Organizing Your Home Use bins and caddies for your laundry needs. Practical laundry room solutions for storage: Glass jars for your powder detergent will look excellent and minimal yet still serve as a storage unit. Please don’t throw away the laundry scooper and reuse it with your detergent jars. Caddies for your cleaning supplies that you use to clean the laundry room. Store them in one place for easy grab and clean time. Wire bins or fabric bins, whichever you prefer – opt for what helps keep clutter out of sight or display organized items correctly. Don’t forget the under shelf basket wire for small laundry items. Simple wooden basket for your small essentials such as clothespins, scissors, a basic sewing kit, and cedar sticks.  Lint Bin, anyone? With a small laundry room, you may not have space to put a regular trash bin. You can purchase a designed lint bin (magnetic/hook on) to complement your laundry decor. Another option of reusing am empty laundry powder container for disposing of lint to save cost. Wrap an empty laundry box up with wrapping paper. Tuck away the iron and ironing board behind the door.  Storing the ironing board can be a challenge for a small laundry room for those who iron their clothes.  If you wish to keep the laundry and laundry-related items in one room, opt for a hanging wire over the door to store your ironing board away. When space is limited, you can opt for a small ironing board you can place on top of your washer or dryer. Then as you complete your ironing chores, you keep it inside the laundry closet.  Do you sew? With this simple mini ironing board cover tutorial, you can easily make a cover for your small ironing board. It was a quick sewing project to do my blue mini ironing board cover shown below. Bins for whites, light and dark clothing items. Before it even hits the laundry washer, get your family’s dirty clothes sorted out already by placing bins in all bedrooms. Then, you can utilize an already split container for sorting your dirty laundry. There are plenty of options for laundry bins if you prefer fabric, plastic, or other laundry sorter bins. Shelvings that serve an organizing purpose. Shelving units come in different designs, materials, sizes, and sturdiness. For an airy-looking room but inexpensive laundry organization, wire shelves are your storage solutions.  If your laundry room has built-in wire shelvings, you can cover them with liners or even thin wood planks. Or you can leave them as is.  Open wood shelving in a laundry room can make the space stylish and functional using suitable quality materials. Using easily stored laundry items for minimizing used space.  Foldable stool Collapsible laundry baskets for folding/sorting Foldable laundry hampers (mesh or fabric) Collapsible drying racks Slim rolling cart for laundry items Use Your Walls When floor space becomes a problem, check a wall where you can mount hooks or small cabinets.  Hooks are great for storing items for dry clean, delicate bags, or even shoe bags.  Mounted small cabinets such as bathroom cabinets can be another option for storing laundry supplies.  Do it yourself wall cubbies; use small storage cube to be screwed on the walls as shelves. Then, you can paint them before installing them up to finish a coordinated laundry room look. However, be sure to measure the wall area and the cabinet dimensions for easy installation.  You don’t want to be drilling holes and finding out it doesn’t work out in the intended wall space. Choose a laundry system that works for your family.  Overwhelming laundry and the so-called tedious chore don’t have to be the worst homemaking task.  The solution to that is streamlining your laundry process to fit your family’s needs and time.  If you like to do laundry daily to cut the load, opt for this daily laundry task. If you want to reserve a day or two for laundry time, then do so. Whatever works and keeps you from getting stressed out whenever laundry time comes, do what makes it simpler and organized.  You can check out our family’s laundry system here.  Simple Laundry Room Organization Tips There you have my top 10 organization hacks for any laundry room, small or big it may be. You can work it out with these storage ideas and simple solutions for all your laundry needs. You have lowered your stress level by organizing your laundry space, no matter the room’s square feet area. Creating a functional work area for one of the most unloved chores in the household makes you want to do your laundry with a smile on your face. Streamlining your chores with a simplified process, whatever the tasks are, makes for a happy homemaker. Are you ready to tackle and put your laundry room in order today? Please drop me a comment below, how you keep your laundry room organized and functional. Pin for later.

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]]> https://themotherlyheap.com/organization-hacks-laundry-room/feed/ 0 7251 How to Incorporate Exercise into your Daily Life https://themotherlyheap.com/incorporate-exercise-into-daily-life/ https://themotherlyheap.com/incorporate-exercise-into-daily-life/#respond Thu, 07 Oct 2021 04:09:56 +0000 https://themotherlyheap.com/?p=6916 Another day has begun, and you feel like dragging your heels today. You feel unmotivated, a bit tired, and your mood swings are in full force. You look at your day planner and sigh – it has been two months since your last workout session. Well, there are simple ways you can incorporate exercise into your daily mom life.  Or it could be, you haven’t planned out your fitness routine. It’s possible you may be feeling lost and have no idea where to start. Where do you start? What exercise should you pick? And for how many minutes a day and how often? Too much information, and it’s overloading your brain – but you got to up your fitness game.  You try to make excuses and tell yourself, “Maybe, next time.” “I don’t have 30 minutes today.” “I have too much to do!” Do those statements above sound quite familiar these past weeks?  Now, I’ve got two questions for you. Are you overloading yourself with things that can wait instead of giving self-care a chance to revive you? Is it too much to carve out time for your self-care needs? If you answered yes, then continue reading.  What I did and how I made it possible for me? Back then, I was one to push back fitness time in the afternoon. However, I found it counterproductive to wait until the last minute, and I’d feel like it’s another thing “to do” on my day. I would skip one day, and it’ll extend to more days, and eventually lost my motivation. I didn’t plan well, nor was I serious about it. Working full time and being a mom, fitness was not a priority to me at that time. As a result, my overall health was declining; stress and anxiety were winning. Something had to be done, for my sake. I’ve got to commit to my health and fitness. But it was when I was most motivated years ago that I had a revelation – I would feel a sudden surge of energy mid-morning. So, I thought, why not use this as a push to exercise. I don’t know why and I didn’t look for the reason. Whether I was busy doing household chores or getting some quick reading done, I’d always felt like that was the perfect time for me to sweat it out.  And guess what? I gave it a shot.  It worked! I took that boost of mid-morning energy as my go-to motivator to get it done.  I would have my kids do something nearby, like playing with their toys or do some art. Then, I would get into my workout clothes (shirt and yoga pants) and give my best for the whole 20-30 minutes.  Mama, 20 minutes to recharge yourself is more than enough for a start. Grab that self-care time. Find that SURGE of energy within you. Also, you may want to reflect on barriers to your self-care and see what you can do.  If you’re anything like my past self – procrastinating and unmotivated.  Well, look no further. This post will center around how you can fit exercise into your life, even with the kids around the house. And these won’t take up too much of your busy time at home. I am not a fitness expert. However, I share here the methods that have been effective in keeping myself active, even as a busy mom.  Make sure you always check with your healthcare provider first before starting any exercise routine. Are you ready?  7 Simple Ways to Include Exercise into Your Daily Routine Schedule Your Fitness Time for 30 minutes for 5 days a week. Fitness coaches and experts always say start small. I agree with this statement 100%.  But as a beginner, you may need to ease into the regimen to give your body to adjust to the new routine. Do 30 minutes sessions 2-3 days a week. If you’re coming back into fitness from a long pause for whatever reason, then start easy as well. Next, gradually increase your exercise routines’ intensity or duration. So, starting. When you sit down and layout your fitness plan, give yourself time to adjust. Always start with warming up and stretching techniques. You can do a lot between 5-10 minutes of warm-up exercise. Then, give your all for 20 minutes, then followed by another 5 minutes cooldown. You can fit in your exercise according to your daily plan if you need a one-page list – print this simple daily planner out to keep you on track with your daily schedule.  If you prefer not to exercise 5 times a week, you can do 45 minutes 3 times a week instead. But, if you can only give 20 minutes, that’s fine as well. So, pen it down in your planner – HIGHLIGHT it!  You are the boss when it comes to finding the perfect time and duration for your exercise regimen. Find the exercise that you genuinely enjoy. What I found interesting is that time and time again, I’d go back to dancing. Whether I lift or do a power walk or run – dancing is my go-to.  It could be that it has been a part of my life ever since I was young.  When I’m dancing, I don’t even keep track of the time. I’m enjoying myself while sweating it out. As long as I keep moving to a tune, I’m all good.  Then my grounding exercise is yoga. It’s an exercise not only for my body but for my soul and mind.  I can focus on myself and mindfulness once I begin my yoga practice, either early in the morning or before bed. With these, I want you to find that spark, the exercise that doesn’t feel like a workout to you. Instead, choose the one that you can have fun with while burning calories. Once you get that down pretty good, you can add on another type of exercise to your fitness routine, if schedule permits. Here are some exercises from SELF you can check out that are quick to do for a busy mom like you. For example, the 20 Minute Cardio Workout or 20 Minute Strength Workout you can do at home. Be realistic of your expectations. Setting goals and expectations keep you accountable.  Write them down and keep them visible. Let it drive your motivation. Let exercise become a focal point. Then, as you go, let it become part of your habit of living a healthy life.  I understand that you’re also a busy mom. Plus, your kids and house demand plenty. I get it. Maybe you also work 40 hours a week.  You know some days can be a bit harder than others – it’s okay to skip. But don’t let anything be an excuse not to exercise. Instead, try to get back to your routine as soon as you can. When you set your fitness goals, be honest and realistic about them. Don’t write an unattainable length of time or pounds set in stone.  Be prepared for some fitness bumps along the way. Putting too much pressure on getting your sweat on can lead to burnout.  Learn how to be flexible, especially when kids require most of your attention and time most days. For example, your baby may come down with an illness, or your kindergartner is having a hard time adjusting to school. Increase your daily steps when you can Walking to the grocery counts. Taking the stairs at work counts. Parking away to walk to church also counts. Every little step counts, even at home when you’re doing house cleaning or tidying.  One of the things that I cherish, we do nature walks as a family. We find a walking trail or state park, and we explore it together.  Getting to spend time with the family – is sacred to me. So everyone can enjoy nature, and we all burn calories while having fun. I call that a win-win for mom!  You can do a power walk with a slight incline if you have a treadmill at home, then you’re good to go. While you’re walking on the treadmill, go ahead and catch up with your favorite show. Suppose you’re taking your walking session outside. You can also listen to your favorite motherhood podcast while you walk in the neighborhood in the afternoon.  The bottom line, get those steps at the end of the day.  Add it to your morning routine. Wouldn’t you know, mornings are sacred to moms? It’s the most tranquil point of the day. Make use of these rare quiet moments when no one is tugging at your clothes or calling your name multiple times a day. Raise your hand, no matter how you want to sleep in; your body automatically wakes you up to begin your day.  Guilty as charged here.  If you’re an early bird, then grab this opportunity to get your sweat on before everyone gets up during your early morning routine. When you commit to this morning session time, you will feel accomplished, and it’ll keep the ball of productivity going.   This post may contain affiliate links; if you purchase from any of the links provided – I may earn a commission at no cost to you. Please read the complete disclosure here. Invite your spouse or children to join your exercise sessions. Activity done together is fun!  Exercising as a family makes for a good bonding time. In addition, it allows you to connect with your spouse and kids.  Do a dance party for everyone, or an afternoon quiet yoga session.  If you’re all into hiking, grab those water bottles and sunscreen, then head on outside to the walking trail. Getting the family together for any exercise routine is a way to keep the whole family healthy. It can also motivate your kids to take extra good care of themselves through exercise and staying healthy. Track yourself: Fitness Journal plus an Activity Tracker App (Samsung Galaxy Fit 2, Fitbit, Apple Watch) Why is tracking your progress important? It shows your starting point, including your initial goals – even short-term ones. Then, going through your fitness routine – you’ll see progress and improvement. But, of course, you may even see setbacks, too, and that’s alright. One great motivator is seeing your recorded fitness journey.  Let it fuel you and keep you accountable too. Doing a side-by-side fitness photo of yourself before and after – can also motivate you plenty. How to effectively track your fitness progress?  Write down your fitness goals and vision. Plan ahead with the exercises and equipment you’re going to use. Use a fitness journal or a simple fitness log. Purchase a tape measure, weighing scale, and food scale. Take pictures of yourself, including your body (before and after) Make use of the fitness activity app mentioned above.   Record your exercise regimen daily/weekly, including your stats. Commit to exercise even when you’re busy There you have it—the seven simple ways to incorporate exercise regimens into your daily life with little time on your hands.  Create a fitness space for you and pick your perfect time. Choose the fitness activity that you love. Set your expectations and fitness goals accordingly.  Please don’t discount the power of daily steps; involve others to make it fun. Remember to keep tracking your progress and celebrate your fitness wins!  I’m hoping you’ll apply one or two of these tips as you gear up to jumpstart your fitness journey despite your busy mom schedule.  All information included in this post is purely for general information use only. It’s not a substitute for medical or other professional advice related to fitness and exercise. If you need a little bit of nudge in creating a Self-Care Plan – check out this simple planner to get you started (including a self-care tracker page). FREE 7 Days Commitment for Self-Care for Moms Fill in the Info below and know that your privacy is important to me. Opt in to receive updates and more!  Yes! Send it to me!...

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]]> https://themotherlyheap.com/incorporate-exercise-into-daily-life/feed/ 0 6916 Postpartum Kit for a C-section Mom https://themotherlyheap.com/postpartum-kit-for-a-c-section-mom/ https://themotherlyheap.com/postpartum-kit-for-a-c-section-mom/#comments Fri, 13 Aug 2021 22:13:00 +0000 https://themotherlyheap.com/?p=6138 Undergoing major surgery such as a C-section poses recovery challenges for moms at home. Having a postpartum care kit in your fourth trimester can help you recover as a C-section Mom. This article talks about postpartum challenges you may face as you heal and bond with your baby, along with the postpartum products to help you. As a C-section Mama myself, assembling my recovery care kit helped me prepare ahead of time, helped me stay organized, and got me into a healing state mindset. It’s great to have handy essential items for your optimum healing and recovery.  Let’s tackle it from the ground up – the items that can help you heal from C-section. **This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission when you click the product links and purchase from those links at no extra cost to you. The information in this post is for general purpose use only. This information cannot be used as a substitute for medical or other healthcare advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your doctor regarding your health and recovery. See full disclosure.** Postpartum Care Kit for a Mom with C-section Birth Compression Socks Compression socks help with swelling and blood flow on your legs and feet. But, how are they going to help you at home? When you undergo surgery, you will have extra fluids in your body. Waking up in your hospital room feeling swollen and unable to walk because your feet are poofed up, these socks can help decrease the swelling and discomfort.  These socks also help prevent blood clots from forming in your legs. Remember those squishy pump devices (called SCDs – sequential compression devices) around your calves during your hospitalization? That was to help you decrease the risk of developing blood clots. Walking is one of the most critical activities after surgery and even being home from the hospital. Make sure you have the proper size fit compression socks. Your nurse may provide you a pair of those white knee-high surgical stockings. Wear them as recommended.  Sanitary Pads Moms can include this postpartum item in their care kit – being a C-section Mom; you’ll still have the expected postpartum discharge.  You’ll also have some vaginal discharge from the lining of your uterus shedding. It has to come out somewhere. Hence, postpartum pads are a must. C-section Undies   Who would have thought to buy these beauties? I had never heard of these before when I had my son a decade ago. Maybe they were on the market already but weren’t on my mom radar. These helped with my second C-section. Finding underwear that doesn’t irritate your C-section wound, especially the first two weeks, is necessary. Look for high-waisted coverage for maximum comfort like these. Scar Balm (Use only when cleared by your doctor)  Once your C-section wound has closed and healed, you can start using this specially formulated balm. As a reminder above, make sure that you already saw your doctor/surgeon and received clearance to use this balm on your healed wound.  What this C-section balm does, helps reduce the appearance of scars. Although you may not need it as you recover for the first four weeks, it’s good to have it handy. Hemorrhoid creams  Indeed, you may not experience hemorrhoids during C-section. However, changes to your hormones can contribute to hemorrhoids forming during the third trimester.  You may not be aware or not feel them at all. Yet, when constipation happens, that’s when moms first have discomfort or sharp pain around their bottom.  Having them included in your recovery care kit can give you peace of mind that it’s available whenever you may need them. Stool Softeners  Speaking of moving your bowels, here come stool softeners. The surgery itself can slow down your gut movement. In addition, anesthesia from your surgery can add to your risk of having constipation in the hospital or at home.  Why do you think you’re going to be given a stool softener every night during your hospital stay? It’s to prevent constipation and help you poop. So, be prepared at home with these capsules to help you with bowel movements. The key here is to take them as directed by your doctor.  The first week you may be prescribed to take a dose at night until your regular pattern returns. Ask your doctor for a specific frequency of taking this medication, even if moms can buy it over-the-counter.  Peri-Bottle Wash   This wash bottle will come in handy when you need to use the restroom. If you have hemorrhoids, this can be an additional helpful item to ease discomfort.  Unless you have a toilet bidet installed already, this peri-bottle is the next best thing.  Abdominal Binder  Recovering from C-section and moving about at home can be challenging. Grab this abdominal binder to help you get around at home.  It helps keep everything supported when you get out of bed, sitting down, and walking. This postpartum item was a life-saver for me when I got myself around and drove back/forth to visit my daughter in the NICU. You may already have received one from the hospital; continue to use it as directed. You can purchase this one for a backup in case you need to wash the soiled one. Comfy Pants  You may want to continue to wear comfy loungewear or pajamas when recovering from C-section.  This postpartum loungewear is perfect for comfort and non-irritating to your C-section wound. You can get this before having your C-section and can wear these pants wear around your third trimester. Related Post: Your Postpartum Checkup After A C-section and What To Expect For C-section Mamas who plan to breastfeed their babies: Nursing Gowns and Tops You may want to wear nursing gowns or nursing tops, whichever you prefer for ease of breastfeeding, comfortable wear, or worn for an outing with a baby. There are many selections: nursing tops, sleeping wear, postpartum gowns, and nursing dress.  Nursing Bras and Pumping Bras Having a good nursing bra to support your breastfeeding journey is crucial to have. Pick the ones that you can wear comfortably during the day and even wear while sleeping. If you plan to go to work and pump, a great pair of pumping bras are a must-have for working moms. Pumping flanges are easier to maneuver when I used pumping bras; I don’t have to hold the pumping parts, and I can eat my lunch or do something else during my break time.   Choose the ones that can last long-term use, support you with ease, are non-irritating and tight. Nursing Pads Nursing pads will be worn inside your bras when you’re lactating or when you are going out.  Moms can have breast milk leaking while going about their day. So it’s great to have nursing pads included in your postpartum care kit.  You can pick two highly recommended disposable nursing pads: Medela nursing pads and Lansinoh nursing pads. I’ve personally used these brands and have exceptionally delivered what they’re intended for.  If you prefer washable nursing pads, check these out – Lansinoh Reusable Nursing Pads or Kindred Bravely Organic Nursing Pads. These are great to have on your diaper bag or purse.  Therapy Packs for your Breasts C-section moms can experience engorgements and other breast discomforts. Have these therapy breast packs available for you to use. Nipple Butter The best I’ve ever used is this nipple butter from Earth Mama Organics. This nipple butter will have your nipples protected from breastfeeding issues such as dryness, crackedness, and soreness. It’s essential to clean your nipples before and after each breastfeeding session. Then, you can use it before each feeding, and it’s baby safe.  Guess what? You can also apply the nipple butter around your pumping flanges to ease discomfort if present while pumping.  Mom Tip: Ensure you have the correct flange size for your nipples for optimum comfort during your pumping sessions.  If you prefer a vegan version – check this vegan nipple butter out.  Lactation Teas and Treats If you’re planning to breastfeed your baby, the best way to get your supply up is to nurse on demand.  However, sometimes moms may need some boost in milk supply. If there are breastfeeding issues, you can also try out some lactation teas to help build up your supply. Please know that these recommendations are based on what worked for me and my situation. Yours may be entirely different. Check with your lactation consultant or even your doctor about breastfeeding issues. I pumped at work for my daughter’s milk stash at home. But, sometimes, it isn’t as easy as hooking it up and getting what you expected.  Check out this lactation tea from Earth Mama or this other tea from Traditional Organic Mother’s Milk. Also, try these lactation cookies and emergency brownies. **This isn’t a sponsored post, and I don’t have an affiliate connection with Milky Mama products – but these are the ones that got me through my rough breastfeeding/pumping days. I highly recommend their products created by Krystal (a mom, a nurse, and a board-certified lactation consultant).** Nursing Pillow  To help you position your baby for nursing, you can use this nursing pillow at home. If you are not breastfeeding, you can also use this during bottle-feeding your baby. I’ve used them both when I bottle-fed my son and breastfed my daughter. Other Mom Basic Items for your Postpartum C-section Kit Pain Relief Whether you have a prescribed pain medication from your doctor or you bought some OTC pain relievers. You can expect to grab onto them for the first few weeks of your recovery and healing.  There will be pain around your C-section wound and the surgery. Take it easy on yourself.  When pain intensifies, try to get as much rest as possible. If your pain becomes severe – call your doctor, and for an emergency, call 911. Your uterus will also be healing and shrinking as the days progress. So the cramping can be expected, and having these pain relievers on hand will help you reduce the pain and discomforts of healing. Before taking any medications, be sure to ask your doctor first or your baby’s doctor (if planning on breastfeeding).  Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen are the pain relievers most recommended from the OTC category. There are higher doses of Ibuprofen which you can receive a prescription for from your doctor.  As any reminder to moms, please consult your doctor first before taking any medication. Water Bottles Hydration for any mom recovering from surgery is essential. You can also expect to drink more water if you are breastfeeding.  Try to take sips throughout the day to replenish what you exert in recovery and breastfeeding. Hydration helps with healing, so try to keep up with it. Healthy Snacks and Meals Grab a few of those oatmeal granola bars or fresh fruits to help you nourish yourself while recovering.  You can freeze meals ahead of time if you have a scheduled C-section; that way, you don’t have to worry about dinners once you are all home with the baby. Prenatal Vitamins Your body is recovering after a C-section birth, and it needs the essential vitamins and minerals to promote healing.  Moms are recommended to continue taking their prenatal vitamins even if they’re not breastfeeding. Take them for at least the first six weeks of your postpartum period.  Postpartum iron deficiency can happen after delivering a baby. Eating iron-rich foods in your diet may replenish what you need. Iron supplements are one of the recommendations from doctors for postpartum moms to keep up with their iron levels. But, again, talk to your doctor about this. Well-balanced nutrition for recovering moms are highly encouraged.  Having a baby is the most exciting time for parents. However, new moms with C-section births face challenges during their recovery period. Being prepared and having these items in your postpartum care kit will make it smoother and more manageable to recover as a C-section mom. For friends and families trying to buy a postpartum self-care kit, you can also add these essentials items to gift for the newest C-section mom in town.  If you liked this post, please share it....

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]]> https://themotherlyheap.com/postpartum-kit-for-a-c-section-mom/feed/ 2 6138 Tips for Moms Dealing With Stress https://themotherlyheap.com/tips-for-moms-dealing-with-stress/ https://themotherlyheap.com/tips-for-moms-dealing-with-stress/#comments Tue, 10 Aug 2021 17:40:40 +0000 https://themotherlyheap.com/?p=6044 Moms, if you feel overwhelmed or your mental space is cluttered, it might be time to pause and learn some realistic tips in dealing with everyday stress. But let me ask this question first.  What’s a recipe for a stressed mom?  It’s the pressure of doing it all. Life throws you a curveball; you got it. Deadlines piling up and back-to-school shopping, you got it. Cleaning, paying bills, meal planning, and more – yes, YOU GOT IT.  Everything and everyone depends on you.  One task after the other, isn’t it?  Even though your husband/significant other shares the duties of everything at home, it can still be hard to deal with it all. True, that the covid pandemic made it harder for parents to balance the daily grind. It also puts us on high alert for matters that concern the health of the family. Many and more are showing signs of burnout and increased physical ailments. But, of course, stress can be the culprit in all these circumstances. Wouldn’t it be glorious to have a day off from stress sometimes?  Make time to readjust your schedule to squeeze in some stress-relieving methods to help manage your stress. Check out these simple strategies for stress management for moms that are attainable and realistic. Practical tips for moms dealing with stress. Slow down How are you supposed to do that? Schedules and deadlines are listed as bullet points on your monthly planner.  If you are feeling pressured with time constraints, do some time blocking with each task. It gives you ample time to zero in on a particular job without the overwhelm. I understand the multitasking superpower moms have. However, when you are constantly running to complete tasks, stress makes it more challenging to achieve. Reevaluate your priorities. Overbooked calendars need purging. Then choose to do 3 TOP Priorities for the day. **Instant Download FREE PDF. Learn to let go of the things that are adding to your overflowing list.  Identify what’s causing You stress. An excellent way to manage stress is to start pinning down the root cause of your stress. You can begin placing each aspect of your life into boxes, for instance. Each box represents a part of your life. Identify anything that’s causing you undue strain, worry, or distress.  Is there a particular time of the day you feel stress rising? It can be helpful to pinpoint what’s happening around that time.  Write them down once you identify the cause. Then, create a plan to handle the cause of stress individually.  Balancing all areas of a mom’s life isn’t straightforward. You may need to modify a particular aspect or learn to adopt a new method of doing – to protect against mental overload. An excellent example to talk about is – stressful school morning. When everyone is rushing out the door, and you might forget essential things during the chaos. And you realized too late that stress hormones are happily dancing around.  It’s good to prepare all school items the evening before. For example, insert all schoolwork in kids’ backpacks, layout the school outfits, and even your work clothes ahead of time.  In doing so, you eliminate an apparent stressor during school mornings. Recognize Stress Symptoms as a Step to Manage Stress in Moms What are the common signs you see in yourself when you become stressed? Do you recognize any symptoms of stress right away? Learn to identify how you react to stress. As a result, you can help pinpoint your level of stress tolerance.  I’m not suggesting that you bear any stress that comes your way. Instead, it examines your stress reaction and your capacity to remain calm under pressure. It is determining when you are feeling overloaded. Remember the times when your patience and anger get the best of you?  How about the physical symptoms such as heart racing, sleeplessness, stomach aches, and throbbing headaches? The inability to focus and judgment lapses; sound familiar?  The body is complex and can only regulate what it can. So listen to your body and what it’s showing you.  Find Calming activities for Yourself. Finding methods that relieve stress is personal.  Moms take on daily meditation, physical exercise (mood booster), or even a regular afternoon walk. Others practice easy deep breathing exercises, yoga, journaling, or art. Some utilize an app to help them with mental health self-care.  Look for stress-relieving ways to restore your inner peace and develop that practice for your benefit. Practice self-care even for only several minutes a day. Take that time to recharge yourself. Again, this is done in emphasis to what works for you. If you’re lost for ideas, try out these steps in rediscovering yourself. More helpful tips in dealing with stress for moms Take a Five (Time-Out) Tell yourself you need this time-out. A simple stress break if you want. 1 Minute of Silence 2 Minutes of Hug 3 Minutes of Deep Breathing 4 Minutes of Stretching 5 Minutes of Prayer When stress manifests itself, take yourself out of your current disposition.  If you are with your kids, ask an adult in the house to keep an eye on them. Then, remove yourself from the area of stress and take your FIVE. New moms whose stress meter is rising can do this – make sure the baby is safe in the crib and then step out for a few and breathe. You can also apply this method at work. Step out of your work area and practice some breathing exercises and maybe stretching. Take a mental health day – request for a day off. Sometimes, distancing yourself from the hectic monotonous work, even for a day, can restore some charge to yourself. Enlist Help from Others It’s not a downfall moment to ask for help.  If you’ve identified that keeping up with the house contributes to your stress level, then maybe it’s time to get some professional cleaning help once in a while. Try not to put too much weight when household tasks aren’t checked off the list the same day. You are a priority, especially if stress is clouding your mind and plowing your body. When grocery shopping trips contribute to your stress, arrange a curb pick-up or have them delivered to your doorstep. **As an amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. During times of stress, don’t forget about your village. Reach out to your support and convey your needs. Talk it out with trustworthy, supportive people in your life. Your husband or significant other may take you out to dinner to unwind; have a trusted someone look after the kids for 2-3 hours. Take the night off. Find parent groups that you can connect with. The parent circle can also aid you in lowering stress simply by sharing parental stories and relating to these stories, and knowing that you aren’t isolated in this journey. The support you gain from this group extends solid what most moms never anticipated. Help from others also includes talking to a licensed therapist. In addition, working to find and outline coping strategies is good stress management to consider. Invest in your Family Time Busy families can neglect to spend quality time together. For example, if both parents work outside the home, sometimes, the remainder of the hours are spent on household chores; other home duties and bedtime are reserved for kids.  Make it a point that there’s a family downtime together. Such as family game nights, book time with younger kids, catching up with your teen and going for outdoor fun weekend activities. Find the family adventures that you all can enjoy and unwind together. Laughter and having fun together can help decrease any stress or tension at a given moment.  Spend on Stress-Relief Products that can help You Stress reduction can also be paired with products that promote relaxation and calm.  Check out this list of stress-relieving items to help moms who are stressed out.  It may surprise you to see that a simple product can do wonders in combating stress in your life. Seek out resources like books written by experts in the field of stress management. Discover how you can incorporate methods to reduce and handle stress every day. Try Nature Outing Last but not least, explore nature. Take on the healing properties of nature and benefits to reduce stress. When surrounded by nature and the new scenery, the mind focuses on the calmness and sounds of the environment. There are seven reasons to get outside in helping manage your stress, according to the American Institute of Stress.  The American Psychological Association in Nurtured by Nature – “Spending time in nature is linked to both cognitive benefits and improvements in mood, mental health, and emotional well-being.” Let nature help you in attaining better control of your emotions, thoughts, and overall well-being. Plenty of ways to handle stress – find what works for YOU. When we become frazzled, pressured, and stressed out from our parental duties and responsibilities, our mental health suffers, and bodily symptoms of stress resurface. As we take care of our mental wellness, physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects follow. On the other hand, neglecting them can cause undue stress to your overall well-being, towards your parenting, and self-regulation. Managing your stress can bridge balancing your home and work life. It also strengthens you to face parental challenges with restored calmness and intentions. Stress is, unfortunately, experienced by moms every day. However, there are several ways and methods to reduce stress to a minimum as possible significantly.  I’m hoping these tips in dealing with stress can be helpful for moms. **This information is for general purposes only. It isn’t a substitute for any medical or professional advice. For more information and your situation, please get in touch with your doctor regarding any condition. RELATED POST: Stress Relief Products for Moms: Recover and Relax What are other strategies you use in managing your stress? Let me know in the comment. If you found this post helpful, please share it.

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