Ask Elizabeth: What are your favorite self care rituals being preggo?
Things change when you are having a baby. Physically, emotionally, mentally – there is just no way around it. Some of your favorite self-care rituals may easily translate to pregnancy but maybe not all of them do! Here are some of the things that I am doing to take care of myself and my baby during this exciting season!
#1 Go to the Chiropractor / Get Massages
One of the things I have been doing is to take care of my physically changing body. I love going to the chiropractor and have been seeing one that specializes in pregnancy! This is so helpful for those little aches and pains. Also massages! I need to schedule one here soon!
#2 Take a Nap/ Sleep in / Go to bed early
Seriously, listen to your body. I am not a nap person at all and tend to enjoy late nights but being pregnant has thrown my body for a loop. I cannot operate at the same level as I used to and THAT IS OKAY! I’m growing a baby and that takes a lot of work. One of the best things I can do for me and baby is to sleep when I need to sleep!
#3 Find a Netflix Show
This is also not a typical “Elizabeth” answer. I have a really hard time watching tv alone – it feels unproductive and un-relational (two of the things I value most) As I have aged, I have been learning to rest and finding ways to do that. I’m still not great at putting down “work” to watch an episode on Netflix but being pregnant has almost made it essential at times. Like I’ve mentioned again and again, my energizer bunny doesn’t move as fast as it used to. And working all day and all night isn’t as productive as I want it to be. Also, the coolness of the basement calls to me to take a break (we don’t have a/c). Having a Netflix show that I watch alone (I’m watching Turn: Washington Spies) gives me something restful for me to do for myself. And it is fun to enjoy a story! This is definitely one of my self care preggo rituals!
#4 Get Manis & Pedis
Yes! Any excuse for a pedicure is a good one! I used to never get them but then I realized how worth it that $30 was every now and then! Especially being pregnant, it can be easy to feel gross or simply unable to paint your own toes. Going to get a mani or a pedi is a great way to make yourself feel cared for, beautiful, and healthy (always love how better my feet feel after a pedicure!)
#5 Drink lots of Water
Yes! 100%. One of the things that makes me feel the BEST is to drink a large glass of ice water. When I get enough water, I feel better mentally, physically, and all over really! I’ve found that my body is much more sensitive to a lack of water being pregnant than I was before I was pregnant. Both baby and you need the hydration!
#6 Indulge in Fresh Fruits & Veggies
Another thing that makes me feel great is eating fresh fruits and veggies. I give myself breaks in the day to clean, wash, and cut up some fruit or veggies to enjoy. It really slows me down and allows me to enjoy something that not only tastes good, but makes my body feel good!
#7 Buy New (Clean) Make-Up
I mentioned it a bit above, but your body makes a lot of changes in pregnancy. While it is super fun to watch your pump grow, it is also hard to start not fitting in your clothes or dealing with hormonal acne. One of my favorite things to do is try new, clean, make-up to play with. I’ve been wanting to switch to natural products for awhile now, but pregnancy was what really pushed me into it! When I saw that Young Living launched a make-up line called Savvy Minerals, I was intrigued to try it! I am a huge fan of mineral make-up just in how the coverage works. I’ve got a blush and lip gloss that are fun to play with! I want to try a foundation too! If you are interested in learning more, talk to my girl Shelbey Kendall.
#8 Diffuse some Oils
Smells become even more prominent being pregnant. I like to diffuse some lavender oil when I am trying to rest or some citrus when I want to be energized. Don’t over do it, one or two drops can go a long way but they do help set the mood in your home!
#9 Eat Popsicles
If you are pregnant in summer, eat a Popsicle! I have been buying fun fruit ones from the grocery store (I just try new ones ever time) for a mid day treat. The coolness is insanely refreshing (obviously) and it is so fun to have a treat! I think it is funny how so many of my self care rituals involve eating or drinking, but I am a huge fan of those things and my body responds well to that! I’m all about my m Popsicle moments this summer!
#10 Be aware of your schedule and set Boundaries
Know what to say yes to and what to say no to. One of the biggest things you can do for pregnancy self care is so be aware of your needs and boundaries. Know when you need to plan a coffee date with a friend or when you need to leave a party early. For some of us people-pleasers, this is hard but you need to take care of yourself and baby. Say yes to the things that energize you and inspire you, and let yourself say no to late nights or early mornings. Find your pregnancy boundaries and stick to them.
What are some of your favorite self care rituals? While pregnant or not pregnant? Self care isn’t just important for preggo people!