Reviewed By Us: Bugaboo ButterflyRead More Post author By The Mum Club Post date 26 September 2023 No Comments on Reviewed By Us: Bugaboo Butterfly Reviewed By Us: Bugaboo Butterfly Reviewed by Harley Waller – TMC Affiliate & Admin Co-Ordinator Pros Lightweight yet sturdy It’s stylish One-handed fold, which makes it easy to put up/down . Certified for air travel by the International Air Transport Association. Can go on the plane as hand luggage. Cons Doesn’t lie flat Can only be used from 6+months Scratches easily Overall thoughts I bought it last year for a family holiday, and I loved it so much that it replaced my everyday pram and now lives in the boot of my car. It’s robust, stylish, well-made, and super compact. I’m currently using it for my 2 and ½-year-old girl. However, it’s still roomy enough for my 4 and ½-year-old. What is it? And how do you use it? This quick-fold pushchair weighs only 7.3kg and is excellent for travel and everyday use. It’s easy and smooth to manoeuvre even on irregular ground, such as packed gravel. I’ve found it super convenient to bring to restaurants as it easily folds, and I can place it under the table. Was it good value? Granted, this is an expensive pram. But it has such a luxurious feel, has so many features and is used so often that the cost per use is miniscule. Would you recommend it? Without a doubt. I much prefer it to my previous travel pram, and I’m glad I made the switch. Product Specs – Weighs 7.3kg – 6 months – approx. 4 years old (max 22 kg/48.50 lbs) – The under-seat basket holds 8kg of storage – Compact fold 45 x 23 x 54 cm – Extra-large UPF 50+ sun canopy with extendable breezy panel – Self-standing design – Quick-click 5-point harness – Adjustable leg rest – Wear-resistant and shock-absorbing wheels – Available in Midnight Black, Storm Blue and Forest Green – Carry strap (included) – Rain cover (included) – Certified for air travel by the International Air Transport Association – Car seat compatible
Nursery Sickness Made Me Want to Quit My JobRead More TMC’s Editor Lydia House explains how she dealt with sickness after returning to work. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Working Momkind (@workingmomkind) “My husband and I… Post author By The Mum Club Post date 26 September 2023 No Comments on Nursery Sickness Made Me Want to Quit My Job Nursery Sickness Made Me Want to Quit My Job “It was when I turned to my husband and said, “I hate my life and I’m feeling depressed”, that I realised something needed to change.” TMC’s Editor Lydia House explains how she dealt with sickness after returning to work. Returning to work… “After deciphering my work and ‘mum life’ scenario, I felt confident about returning to work.” “I was excited to start a new job, and after dropping my youngest off at nursery and seeing how happy he was, I felt the most extraordinary mental release.” “As I had my first coffee alone, preparing to sit down to work and tackle the day, I felt free and in control.” “It was so lovely to plan and plot in some meetings while slotting in elements of self-care. I could now book fitness classes before work and even have a pedi before pick-ups. I was so excited to get a slice of my old life back.” “And then my phone rang…” Juggling sickness and a job “After only two days I had to collect my son from nursery because he had a high temp.” “Then in the days and weeks that followed, we multiple bugs that hit our household and my husband was also away on business. The illness list on the nursery door started to feel like a joke. I felt like I was living in a nightmare.” “My new company was understanding and gave me some time off, but I still had to accomplish a certain degree of work. Which meant looking after sick children, battling my own illnesses and working in the evening or around naps.” “I felt overwhelmed. It was all-encompassing. And I started to feel like I couldn’t even think. I had to cancel everything, and I began to feel like I could never plan ahead through fear of letting people down.” “It made me feel disconnected from reality, that I was becoming a bad friend, and never before have I felt such sadness and an inability to cope.” Hitting rock bottom… “I find it hard to vocalise my feelings and often they come out either in an argument or in bed when all is calm, just before my husband and I go to sleep. And I remember this moment vividly. With our backs turned I whispered, “I hate my life and I feel like I’m depressed.” Unsurprisingly shocked and saddened, he responded, “It’s just a moment. It’ll pass, and it’ll get better. It’s just really tough right now.”” “And while he was right, life had become a horrible treadmill for me. The nursery calls and pick-ups were all on me, and the caregiving, house, and life admin – all on me! And on top of this, I had a new job that I wanted to excel at. Ok, it wasn’t as well paid as his, but it was my career, and I wanted to have the chance to be brilliant at it. On top of this, all self-care methods were certainly not being done. I wasn’t eating well or exercising, and I don’t think I’d shaved my legs for at least a month. I wasn’t in a good way, and something needed to change.” Did I need to quit my job? “Was the solution that we pulled them out of the nursery, and I quit my job? Maybe I’d gone back to work too soon. Perhaps they were too small? Maybe they needed to be with a nanny instead of in the nursery. But how would I make that work? I always said I wanted them to socialise in childcare rather than being with one person as I would feel like they would be replacing me. But maybe I was wrong? And then I saw this Instagram post about a woman who went through the same thing. It made me realise it wasn’t the childcare that needed to change; it was me.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Working Momkind (@workingmomkind) What we did to improve our situation “My husband and I agreed we needed a contingency plan for when shit hit the fan. It couldn’t all be on me anymore.” We asked for help We used grandparents (*and infected them) a lot! They stopped wanting to come over a bit. And we were worried we might kill them a few times. But they saved us! We shared the load Just because someone earns more or works more doesn’t mean the other person should take on everything else in the home, and it took me nearly breaking for us to realise that. Now things are a lot more even, and it helps. We give each other space on weekends If it has been a tough week for me or my husband, one of us takes the kids away for a morning or afternoon at the weekend. We’ve realised we don’t always have to go to every family event or children’s class. And often this time and peace is all we need to reboot. We booked a buffer day I only work part-time, so we added another half day to the time our children are at nursery. This extra cost might seem like an indulgence, and it’s a privilege, I know! But it’s enabled me to push work on if I need to take time out to care for them earlier in the week. And when they’re not sick, I use it to do stuff for the house or even for myself. The impact it’s made on my mental health vs. the cost doesn’t even come close and it’s worth every penny. We remind ourselves it’s just a phase After a few stints of sickness and cancelling plans, we realised that everything could be rescheduled. There’s no denying it might be shit for a while, but as they get older and their immune systems get stronger, it gets easier and less frequent. Other things that could help Mix up your childcare options “To widen their options, some parents use nursery a few days a week, and then they have a nanny on the other days. We decided against it as it seemed like another thing I’d have to manage but I have often thought it would be handy to have another person to call when I’m really stuck. It can be helpful to have lots of childcare options in case things don’t go to plan. Obviously if your children are sick they need to be looked after at home but having extra options can be helpful, especially if you’re ill yourself, if can’t get to the nursery to pick up, or if you’re back-pedalling and need to ask for extra help.” Get outside “If the kids are off school and you can’t work, take the opportunity to slow down. Enjoy the cuddles, forget the housework and your external stresses and focus on what’s important (*which is getting you and your family healthy again). Whenever the kids are off sick, if it is possible (and they’re not vomming) I bundle them up in the double pram and head out for a walk. The fresh air does wonders for my mood and it lifts them too.” Rework your self-care “If you’ve had to cancel appointments and the concept of glossy blow-dried hair seems like a dream. Then get in that shower! Treat yourself to a new body wash, a face mask, some new loungewear or anything that you can enjoy at home that will make you feel good while you’re stuck there. Get to bed earlier, drink herbal tea and practice a slower pace of life where you’re looking after yourself. Book an at home massage or a treatment at the weekend when your partner is home to take the kids. Maybe even book one for them too. Whatever works – just do it! You’ll feel so much better.” Speak to your work “You’re certainly not the first parent to encounter going back to work when you have a small child. So speak to your company and get their advice. Find out what the protocol is for dealing with situations like this. Hopefully they’ll be understanding and they’ll help you but if they’re not then don’t be afraid to read up on your rights. The days you’re allowed off will depend on your contract but the Citizens Advice Bureau also states: “You can take up to 18 weeks’ unpaid leave before your child is five. The Gov UK website recommends checking the details of your employment contract, your company handbook or the intranet site to get clued up on their individual policy. And remember BOTH parents are allowed time off to look after their children.” GOV UK: Time off for family and dependants Share the organisation of what going back to work looks like “Instead of waiting to speak to your partner when the shit hits the fan. Do it before you return to work. Have a few plans in place and decide how things might work together. You might have already done this but that doesn’t mean you can’t do it again. If you share the mental load in the beginning it should mean that if things need to be shifted and rejigged you’ll both feel responsible about managing it.” Be kind to yourself “It’s common to feel like you’re trying and failing at everything. But it’s important to be kind to yourself in these moments and slow down. Take things as they come, minute by minute. And try not to think too much about what’s going to happen and be kind to yourself. You can only do so much.”
TMC Date Night Recipe: Nobu Style Black CodRead More View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nadia Aidi (@foodmymuse) Post author By The Mum Club Post date 22 September 2023 No Comments on TMC Date Night Recipe: Nobu Style Black Cod TMC Date Night Recipe: Nobu Style Black Cod When you can’t get out to a swanky restaurant – bring date night indoors! *Black cod in your pjs = bliss! Ingredients •1/4 cup mirin •1/4 cup sake •1/3 cup miso paste •1/3 cup cane sugar •2 lb black cod (deboned, cut into filets) Method 1. Boil the mirin and sake for 3 min. 2. Add in sugar and miso. Cook a couple min without boiling. Let it cool. 3. Pour it all over your fish, cover it VERY tightly and marinate for 24-48 hrs in fridge. 4. Broil it (I did 7 min) but every oven is different so keep an eye out. Watch how to make it… View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nadia Aidi (@foodmymuse)
The Books to Prepare You for Birth and BabyRead More Post author By The Mum Club Post date 7 September 2023 No Comments on The Books to Prepare You for Birth and Baby The Books to Prepare You for Birth and Baby From baby sleep to postpartum care these are the books that helped us navigate the new mum era. 1. Best for Birth Birth can feel daunting, especially during an NCT show and tell tool class. Those implements are nawt what we want to see! And if you’re hoping for the calmest possible birth (aren’t we all), then it’s worth learning a few hypnobirthing techniques. This book is brilliant and explains the methods simply without making it seem unachievable. Jessica Aanensen – TMC Franchise Coordinator Buy Now 2. Best for Sleep “Sleep, or lack thereof, is one of the most significant issues for new parents. When you’re not getting any, it’s hard to think about anything else, and it can mean you’ll seek help from anywhere and anyone. But with conflicting information everywhere, it can be hard to know what to do. I found this book supremely helpful. Alison’s hands-on experience with thousands of babies gives you confidence that she knows what she’s talking about. And unlike many books, Alison looks at the whole picture and gives you options rather than one set rule for all.” Lauren Webber – TMC Co-Founder Buy Now 3. First Time Parent “I didn’t want info overload when I was pregnant so was happy I found this book, it is completely to the point and has easy-to-read sections I you can dip in and out of. I didn’t have a clue what I needed to know and what I didn’t but this book made me feel prepared without feeling overly stressed” Jen Williamson – TMC Designer Buy Now 4. Best for Troubleshooting “This book is a concise guide for new parents who want to know the basics and the science behind common parenting issues. It helps you understand different opinions and research on topics like co-sleeping and solid foods. It also encourages you to trust your instincts and know your child.” Andi Venardos – TMC Brand Partnership Assistant Buy Now 5. Best for postpartum “This is a brilliant book that all new mums should read. You go through a lot physically and mentally after birth, and often women forget to care for themselves. This is a brilliant reminder not to forget your health and wellbeing. Emma is a leading women’s health physio, and in this easy-to-follow read, she shares her brilliant expertise in an honest and relatable way. Offering helpful tips on recovery for your mind and body after birth. It’s so essential, it should probably be handed out when you’re discharged from the hospital.” Lydia House – TMC Editor Buy Now
TMC Recipe of the Week: Calming Almond and Raspberry CakeRead More Post author By The Mum Club Post date 7 September 2023 No Comments on TMC Recipe of the Week: Calming Almond and Raspberry Cake TMC Recipe of the Week: Calming Almond and Raspberry Cake This dense, gluten-free cake is made with ground almonds instead of flour. Almonds soothe and support the respiratory system, helping to remove phlegm. Raspberries have a tonic effect on the liver, and a calming effect on the mind. Rich in antioxidants, they also support healthy vision. And, in traditional Chinese medicine, raspberries are used to treat impotence and fertility in men! Ingredients 250g butter, plus extra for greasing 250g caster sugar 5 eggs, seperated 250g ground almonds 1 tsp vanilla extract 200g raspberries Method 1. Preheat the oven to 140°C. Grease and line a 10 inch cake tin. 2. Cream butter and sugar in a large bowl. Add an egg yolk, mix well, then add a little of the ground almonds and combine well. Repeat until all the yolks and almonds have been added to the mix. Add the vanilla extract and combine well. 3. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites to form stiff peaks. Gently fold the egg whites into cake mixture with a metal spoon. Keep 6-12 raspberries aside to use as decoration later. Transfer half of the mix to prepared cake tin, arrange half the raspberries on top, then add the rest of the cake mix and finish with the rest of the raspberries. 4. Bake in the oven for 45 minutes-1 hour until cooked through. Insert a clean skewer into the centre of the cake to test. If the skewer is clean it’s ready to come out. If not, let it cook a little longer and test again. 5. Place the cake on a wire rack and allow to cool. Once cool, carefully remove the cake tin and parchment paper. Decorate the top of the cake with some fresh raspberries and almonds and serve. Neal’s Yard Remedies Healing Foods: Eat Your Way to a Healthier Life Buy Now
The Stomach Toning Treatment Loved by CelebsRead More View this post on Instagram A post shared by Michael Divizio (@emsculpt_divizio) Post author By The Mum Club Post date 29 August 2023 No Comments on The Stomach Toning Treatment Loved by Celebs The Stomach Toning Treatment Loved by Celebs EmsculptNeo is a core restore treatment loved by Drew Barrymore, JLo, Megan Fox, Olivia Culpo, and Millie Mackintosh. But does it actually work? The Mum Club’s Editor, Lydia House went to Dr. MediSpa in Knightsbridge to try it out. A machine that tones your tummy “I wanted to hate this treatment. I’m so sceptical of workout gadgets that cost a fortune and promise the earth. And with so many slim celebs showing off their already-toned stomachs using this machine, the whole thing felt like a PR stunt. But after two babies, two c-sections, diastasis recti and a core that felt like it had completely melted, I was willing to try anything.” “Could a half an hour session really emulate the effect of 24,000 sit-ups and give me a toned tummy?” How does it work? “I arrived at DrMediSpa and was taken to a comfy bed as a large plated device was strapped to my stomach. The machine uses electromagnetic energy to stimulate the muscles and build muscle mass. The therapist explained that she would start it on a low frequency and increase it gradually. The sensation feels similar to early to mid contractions you feel in labour, but weirdly, you get used to it. What I wasn’t fond of was the tapping, which feels like a tiny hammer hitting your skin. This is used to elevate muscle strain and remove any downtime. While this is all happening, the machine also emits radiofrequency to deplete fat cells and aid fat loss.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Michael Divizio (@emsculpt_divizio) Celebrities that have had Emsculpt Neo There’s a big list! Many of the Selling Sunset cast, as well as Millie Mackintosh, Olivia Culpo, Victoria Secrets models and big A-listers like J-Lo and Megan Fox. And Drew Barrymore has openly said how she used it to regain muscle mass after she had kids and it has been reported that Kim Kardashian also used EmsculptNeo to tone her stomach after her pregnancy. The results… “As the therapist removed the straps and machine, I looked at my stomach – which was very much the same! And a bit nonplussed by it all I headed home. After my train journey home I got in the car to get the kids from nursery and noticed I could tense my stomach – a sensation I hadn’t felt for years. Fast forward to my final session, and the sensation had become harder to take, which is normal, and a good sign, as it shows you’re more connected to those muscles. My stomach certainly isn’t flat. I still have a shelf above my scar and a fair amount of fat, but I can kind of see my muscles when I look in the mirror, and my overall core strength has increased exponentially. I still have separation, but it’s reduced, and the best bit is my body feels like it’s repairing and that I’ve given it a kick start in the right direction. I now feel that I could regain the strength I had before babies and there was a point (not that long ago) that I thought this would ever be possible.” What about fat loss? “Emsculpt advises that you follow a healthy lifestyle to get the best results, “Remember, no wine – just gin!” my therapist yelled at me as I left to meet a friend for her birthday night out. And I did follow the rules a little. I stepped up my spin classes and tried harder to be healthy. But I also had two unfortunately timed holidays throughout my four treatments, and our house was hit with a stomach bug and flu. So, I’ll admit a fair amount of comfort foods and cocktails were consumed during the process. So, have I noticed fat loss? Maybe a little. But to be honest, I haven’t tracked it. That’s not why I signed up. I want to enjoy my life and its indulgences, this was always more about regaining strength and mobility than losing weight.” Would you recommend it? “Drew Barrymore said that the reason she tried EmsculptNeo was that “as a mother, she couldn’t put her body back together after kids and that her core was like a fish tank”. And that’s exactly how I felt.” “I would absolutely recommend this treatment, but I’d suggest doing it when you can commit to a healthy lifestyle.” “It’s also very costly, so I must warn that this is not a way to get instant abs unless your stomach is already toned. This is a helping hand.” “Reviewing this treatment served as an excellent reminder that we should not compare ourselves to others, especially those who live a very fortunate lifestyle, like celebs. No one’s body or situation is the same.” “Exercise takes time, dedication and effort, and I imagine if I’d put in a lot of hard work, I would have eventually gotten to this point.” “However, it was lovely to take a shortcut!”
Charlotte Stirling-Reed’s Baked Banana BarsRead More Post author By The Mum Club Post date 29 August 2023 No Comments on Charlotte Stirling-Reed’s Baked Banana Bars Charlotte Stirling-Reed’s Baked Banana Bars “I LOVE an on-the-go brekkie idea and these porridge bars have been SUCH a hit with my kids. They work great as a snack as well, and are very easy to put together. They take a little time on the cooking front, but next to no time to prep, and are well worth it. They freeze well so are perfect for batch-cooking, and you can vary what you make them with according to what you have in your fridge.” Ingredients 100g porridge oats 180ml milk of choice 2 large, very ripe bananas (around 200g in total) 85g sultanas (or raisins, chopped dates, chopped dried apricots) 1/2 tsp mixed spice (or ground cinnamon or nutmeg) 3 tbsp mixed seeds (ground for babies/toddlers Method 1. Preheat the oven to 180°C/160°C fan and line a 20cm square shallow baking tin with non-stick baking paper. Mix all the ingredients together (except the seeds), then mash it well with a fork to completely break up the bananas. Once everything is well mixed, scoop it into the baking tin and level the top. Sprinkle the mixed seeds on top (leave off or grind if serving to babies and young children). 2. Bake for 50–55 minutes, until the top is golden and crisp. Once cooked, remove from the tin using the baking paper and leave to cool on a rack until either warm or cooled to room temperature. 3. Slice into 24 small squares, or 12 larger bars to serve. The bars will keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or can be wrapped in cling film/beeswax and frozen individually, then defrosted on the counter overnight ready for the morning. You can also reheat them uncovered in a microwave for 30 seconds if you’d like them warm.
What’s the Best Age to Become a Parent?Read More If there’s a perfect time to have a baby, we’re still waiting for the memo. However, the most popular age bracket to get knocked up is now 30-34, with the… Post author By The Mum Club Post date 17 August 2023 What’s the Best Age to Become a Parent? If there’s a perfect time to have a baby, we’re still waiting for the memo. However, the most popular age bracket to get knocked up is now 30-34, with the average first-time mum being 30 years old. And if you’re over 40, the conception rate is at a record high! So could later really be better? Your Late Teens/ Twenties The Pros Just Call Us Fertile Myrtle Since fertility declines with age, you have a higher chance of conceiving naturally the younger you are (bar any pre-existing issues). An estimated 25 percent of women between 19 and 25 get pregnant within the first month of trying. You’ll Have the Gift of Time With any luck, you’ll enjoy your kids (and their kids) for decades to come. The Cons The Financial Hit is Harder At this age, you’re probably still finding your financial feet. Prams and nappies don’t come cheap, so if you’re dealing with student debt or working to get on the property ladder, it might not be ideal timing. You Haven’t Found Your Village Yet A solid support system is hugely important when bringing up a family. Chances are your mates are still making inappropriate life choices and partying 24/7. Which means they might not be that empathetic with your struggles. *They might be up at 3am, though! Your Mid-to-Late Twenties The Pros You’ve Still Got the Energy It wasn’t that long ago that you were stumbling out of the club at 5am and pulling all-nighters to finish your dissertation. Night feeds might not feel so bad. You’ve Got Time for a Second Wind When the Kids Leave Home An empty nest by your late forties, and you’re free to live your best life. Ibiza, here you come! The Cons Your Career is Just About to Take Off Just as you find your dream job, you’re about to step away for a year of mat leave. It shouldn’t matter, but (let’s face it) it sometimes it does. Thirties The Pros You Know Who You Are You’ve survived the crippling insecurity years and finally feel happy in your skin. You’ve got this. The Party Feels Tired You’ve travelled and tried every sharing cocktail out there. And you’re a little over drinking out of inanimate objects (for a bit, anyway). The Cons It Could Be Harder To Conceive Mother Nature is glorious, but she can also be a bit of a bitch. While your career and confidence are in full bloom, your fertility takes a hit. Forty+ The Pros You’ll Have High Achieving Kids A recent study in the US suggested offspring of ‘advantaged maternal age mothers’ had better educational outcomes, including higher test scores and better graduation rates. You’ll Have More Patience (hopefully!) With life experience comes an understanding that sometimes things are outside of your control. If anyone can sit back and ride out the tantrums, it’s you. The Cons Pregnancy and Birth Can be Riskier Women over the age of 35 are typically at a higher risk of health issues. There’s no single right time to have a baby that works for everyone. Whenever you decide to try for children is entirely up to you and it’ll all work out in the mix.
Sophie, TMC Tandridge’s Tuna, Spinach & Cheese TwistsRead More TMC’s Tandridge Host, Sophie, shares her favourite way to sneak veg into a snack. Post author By The Mum Club Post date 15 August 2023 No Comments on Sophie, TMC Tandridge’s Tuna, Spinach & Cheese Twists Sophie, TMC Tandridge’s Tuna, Spinach & Cheese Twists TMC’s Tandridge Host, Sophie, shares her favourite way to sneak veg into a snack. “I make these for my children as an on the go snack or serve with veg for dinner and they absolutely love them.” Ingredients 1 can of tuna in spring water (drained) 60g grated cheddar cheese 3 blocks of frozen chopped spinach 60g cream cheese 1 x 375g sheet of pre rolled puff pastry 1 egg “They can be kept in the fridge for 2 days or frozen for 2 months.” How to make them: Defrost the spinach in boiling water or in your microwave (avoid cooking). Using a tea towel or kitchen roll squeeze out all excess moisture from the spinach. Drain the tuna, and in a large bowl combine this with the grated cheese, cream cheese and spinach until well mixed together. Unroll the premade puff pastry onto a chopping board with the longest side of rectangle facing towards you. Cover the lower half of the pastry sheet with the tuna mixture leaving a small boarder round the edges to seal. fold the top section of the pastry towards you and completely over the filling and press down the outer edges with your fingers. Cut into 12 – 14 strips, then gently lift each strip, holding onto the folded edge and twist the pastry several times until a spiral is formed. Then place on to a lined baking tray. Whisk the egg in a bowl and add a generous egg wash to each twist. Cook in the oven at 180 degrees for 10 – 15 minutes until they are golden and flakey!
Self-Care Myths That Really Need To Do OneRead More Post author By The Mum Club Post date 14 August 2023 No Comments on Self-Care Myths That Really Need To Do One Self-Care Myths That Really Need To Do One Basic Personal Needs = Self Care Instagrammable bubble baths don’t count as #selfcare if you’re being constantly waterboarded by a toddler. Other basic human rights include peeing alone, drinking a hot cup of tea and/or sitting down to eat. Being Tired is Just Part of Being a Parent We might have signed up for sleepless nights and early mornings; but actual exhaustion is no joke. Rope in as much help as you can and feel no shame about shipping them off to Grandma’s for the night so you can get full 8 hours. Self Care Costs Money Don’t get us wrong; we love a good 90 minute hot stone massage as much as the next person, but you don’t need to splash out on a spa day to fill your proverbial cup. Activewear is not essential (but elasticated pants are 100% required). We Have to Earn the Right to Practice Self-Care It’s easy for Mums to feel like we have to constantly justify ourselves especially if you’re on Maternity Leave ‘with nothing to do all day’ (LOL). Keeping a tiny human alive requires 100% of your energy and focus every.single.day. There’s a Right or Wrong Way The definition of self-care is ‘the practice of consciously doing things that preserve or improve your mental or physical health’. For some people that might be running 10k or practicing yoga; for others it might be binge watching Netflix and consuming an entire Easter Egg. No judgement. Self Care Has To Be Complicated You don’t need to meditate for 4 hours or cover yourself in organic Indonesian yak butter to practice self care. Some days, it can be about taking the time to apply some make up (if you like), or putting on a t-shirt not covered in baby vom. Self Care Means Being Alone Sometimes lying in a dark room alone is absolutely what we need; and sometimes seeking out friends and the company of others fills our soul. There’s nothing a coffee, cake and a chat with a good mate can’t fix. Self Care Is Only For Women Boys need me-time too (that’s why they spend 3 hours a day sat on the loo).
