MY MESSY MOM LIFE

MY MESSY M M LIFE

WITH KATELYN & THE #CRUMBLYCREW

MOMS SO OFTEN CAN BE THE GLUE that holds families together, but what happens when the pressure becomes too much, the glue starts to peel and things start to come apart? That’s just a small picture of what it’s been like for so many of us over the past year and a half. I know I have felt it, and I know so many others have. Even with things starting to go back to normal, there has been lingering anxiety and uncertainty. The stress we had to face last year isn’t to be ignored. It takes time to bounce back; some of us may need this year to do less, rest more, recover and ease back into it all.

I have had to step back in my own life recently and realize that what worked in the past is not working right now. All of the things I used to be able to juggle, like managing the kids at home, taking on new projects, planning summer activities, nurturing others, and finding time to breathe myself, is a whole lot to handle. I have had to say no to a lot and yes to things that bring peace.

So as much as I think the word self-care is overused, I asked a few moms to share their favorite ways to take some time to breathe, rest their minds, or treat themselves so that their family ‘glue’ can stay strong and things at home don’t get frazzled and frayed.

1. SCHEDULE A WALK WITH FRIENDS. There is nothing better for your mind than a long walk. Walking with a friend is the perfect way to share life and encourage each other. What can be better? —Alison V., Kirkwood 2. GO ON A RUN. It is a type of bilateral stimulation, and studies show that stimulating both sides of the brain in a repetitive fashion can help reduce anxiety and the effects of trauma. It’s essentially the heart of EMDR therapy.

—Caroline H., Ladue

3. GARDEN. I garden flowers and herbs for cooking and smelling.

—Kristy H., Ladue 4. HIRE AN ORGANIZER! Happy Spaces by Lizzy will clean out your pantry, garage or closet and even sell the clothes for you!

—Megan P., Town and Country 6. GO TO THE SYMPHONY. Classical music is shown to have healing and calming effects on stressed-out brains.

—Melanie, Overland 7. IF YOU CAN SNEAK AWAY, BOOK A SPA DAY. Make an appointment at the Four Seasons spa, order lunch, sit by the pool and relax. In my opinion, that’s the best staycation in STL. I had a spa day with a couple of friends, and it was so fun!

—Amy A., St. Charles 8. PLAN A RETREAT. Did you know we have an actual solitude retreat run by nuns about 1.5 hours outside St. Louis? It’s called Windridge Solitude, and they use pack mules to take you and your food to your cottage. You can go alone or with a friend. I don’t even know what I would do with all of that silence, but I may check it out.

—Kelli W., Crestwood

9. TRY A DAILY STRETCH APP. ROMWOD is an amazing one.

—Carol B., Wildwood

Here are some of my recommendations: ▶ Turn off your phone for a few hours at a time. I had a landline installed for this purpose only so my family can get a hold of me in case of emergency … but no one else. There is something so calming about having no phone notifications to get back to at least for a little bit. ▶ Immune intervention. If you have run yourself completely down this year, keep your body strong. You can have a mobile IV service like Fresh Infusion administer vitamins through IV fusion therapy to help restore any damage stress has caused. ▶ Lymphatic drainage facial. I have heard from many people that these are life-changing. ▶ Acupuncture!

In other words, ’tis the season to slow down and take care of yourself. We have been through a lot. I’m preaching to myself and to you! —XO Katelyn

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