“This article first appeared on HigherDOSE.com”
By Lauren Berlingeri
Having twins 8 months ago has been the most magical and yet hardest thing I’ve ever done. I have so much respect and admiration for all mothers out there and feel that becoming a mother has made me understand just how incredible we all are. Below is the #HackAtHome ritual I’ve been doing over the last two months during quarantine. I hope if there is one thing we all do this Mother’s Day it is to pat ourselves, and our mothers, on the back for doing such a great job.
1. Find a passion (in addition to our children)
There is nothing that could have prepared me for the responsibility that having children has brought to my life. It’s almost impossible to not be thinking or worrying about them all the time. I find it super important to have something you love to do that is just for yourself. This will allow you to exercise your creativity, playfulness, and lightheartedness as these things become harder to embody once you have children. My new outlet is learning to make sourdough. It’s fun, creative, and inspires me to learn new skills more often!
2. Move that body
I look for any way to get my blood pumping and get out of my head and into my body. I usually don’t have a lot of time to work out, nor do I feel like it with the lack of sleep and exhaustion. That said, I always feel better after I do! I try to get at least a full-body workout 3 times a week. Other days, I’ll jump on my rebounder, do a few asanas, or use my sauna blanket to relax.
3. Have a daily consciousness practice
This has helped me so much. I never want to end my day having regrets about something I didn’t handle appropriately or have more patience with, or feeling like I didn’t give my kids the love and support they deserve. Taking 5-10 minutes to either set my day up or reflect at the end of it has been essential. My favorite ways to do this are by clearing my head with meditation and breath work. Then I go through all the things I am grateful for and I imagine how I want my life to be in the next few years, and ending with what would make today a perfect day. It’s been the best way to practice being happy and manifesting what you want out of your life.
Motherhood + DOSE
DID YOU KNOW: Levels of the “love hormone” oxytocin rise significantly in the brain during pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding. Parents are encouraged to take part in skin-to-skin contact with their newborn, as touch is one of the strongest stimulators of an oxytocin release and creates a deeper bond between you and baby.
