Chasing after littles all day can be exhausting. Am I right?! So much so that the thought of self care often slips from your mind. Your own maternal mental health no longer seems like a priority. But, it absolutely should be.
Read on to learn one of the ways that I make my mental health a priority, without sacrificing the time spent with my kids.
Read on to learn one of the ways that I make my mental health a priority, without sacrificing the time spent with my kids.
I am a homebody. I enjoy a good couch sit and TV binge session like the next guy. BUT, I also know that getting outside is good for you. The outdoors is my happy place.
One of my favourite ways to take care of my mental health is to get outside with the girls.
But, it never was that way.
When our second gal came along, it took me a while to reconnect with Mother Nature. Getting myself dressed, baby dressed and (fighting to get) our “three-nager” dressed was a chore. It was just easier to stay in and avoid Mother Nature all together.
It took days, maybe even weeks, of my husband asking where we were going to walk that day, reminding me to get dressed, pull my shit together and go outside. Staying indoors just wasn’t me. Avoiding the outdoors wasn’t who I am. And he knew that.
So, I finally snapped out of it. I finally remembered how much the outdoors makes me happy and realized that getting outside is worth it because in the long run, I feel better.
In today’s day, psychologists and health researchers are finding more and more science-backed reasons as to why we should go outside and enjoy the natural world. A simple visit to the outdoors, whether it be an afternoon walk or an overnight camping trip, can do wonders for relieving anxiety, stress, and depression.
Just a few minutes outdoors and you’ll discover yourself that nature has a positive effect on your mental health. What you see, hear, and experience in nature can instantly improve your mood.
Exactly what I need with two small children who (lovingly) suck the life out of me.
As I mentioned before, one of my favourite ways to take care of my mental health is to get outside WITH the girls.
Most days, we go for a walk - a win win for all of us. When we go for a walk, the girls get to take a nap (an extended one, if I’m lucky). And for me, it’s not only a way to clear my head but pushing a double stroller is a bit of a workout.
When I’m out for a walk, one of my favourite things to do is to put on a pair of headphones and listen to some tunes or even a podcast. But what if the girls wake up or need something, you wonder? Well, I’ve got that covered with my AfterShokz Trekz Air headphones.
Seriously, these headphones are a total game changer. They use bone conduction technology to deliver music through your cheekbones, ensuring your ears remain completely open to hear ambient sounds.
At first, I was a little hesitant. It felt weird not having something in my ear. But, after a few minutes, I was used to being able to hear the ambient nose of the cars passing me and the neighbourhood dogs barking as I walked down the sidewalk and through our local park. And, when you’re walking down a busy street, with a toddler who asks for a snack every 4 seconds, being able to hear is definitely key.
AfterShokz Trekz Air headphones come in four different colours (slate grey, forest green, midnight blue and canyon red) and retail for $189.95 Canadian. Learn more abut AfterShokz Trekz Air here.
So, it may have taken a few months postpartum with baby number two, but I’ve finally realized that not only does my mental health matter for myself, but my mental health also matters because without tending to it, I can’t be the happiest or healthiest that I can be for my family.
A mother’s mental health is everything. It’s time to start focusing on yours.
Follow #ShokzSquadCAN on social to see what the rest of the review team is saying about these headphones!
As a parent, how do you tend to your mental health? I’d love to hear!
Disclaimer: This post is in partnership with AfterShokz and PTPA Media. I have received products and/or compensation in exchange for this post, however, all opinions and advice shares are 100% that of To & Fro.
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