Our Mindful Mamas series spotlights other amazing mindful mamas from all over! The interviews focus on mindfulness and self-care and what it means and looks like for each mama. The goal of this series is to showcase the different ways we mamas get our self-care and mindfulness in and show how it can look/feel/be different for everyone, as well as the creative tips we mamas use to fit it in! We hope this series educates, informs and inspires you on self-care and to take some time for yourself, mama!
Meet Marissa Pick
Marissa is our next Bliss'd Mindful Mama! Sarah is originally from Teaneck, NJ, now living in Short Hills, NJ, and is a mama of two - a 10 year old and a 7 year old. She's a Social Media and Digital Marketing Consultant. Read on for my full interview with Marissa.
What is your definition of self-care? Has this changed since becoming a mom?
Taking care of myself both physically and mentally. I was a college athlete and for me working out is a MUST, it's a non-negotiable for my self-care.
What does your self-care routine look like? Feel free to share small practices you do regularly and/or a set routine (morning, evening).
I try to work out 4-5 mornings a week. It may be playing tennis with friends or going to a spin class or strength class or walking. I play on a paddle team in the winter a tennis team in the spring and I play two softball leagues (my college sport) in the summer one is co-ed and one is in towns with moms. I like to take time to meditate on weekends and I usually give up on doing much else because of my children's sports.
Do you practice mindfulness? If so, how?
I do. I practice meditation almost daily, whether it's 5-10 minutes a day i've found it slows my head down and keeps me grounded and more relaxed in the otherwise insane day to day!
What's a "mindful mama" tip you have?
Make time for it. We as mothers find ourselves so busy with others that we often forget ourselves. When I had babies I would bring them to the softball game and the other mothers would take turns playing with the kids and watching them and I found leaning on others is a MUST. Stop making excuses, just do it. Make time.
What is your favorite self-care activity for when you have… 5 minutes, 30 minutes, 60+ minutes?
5 minutes = meditation
30 minutes = a spin class (soul cycle if I have 45-60)
60+ minutes a tennis or paddle match.
What are your top 3 - 5 self-care and/or wellness products?
- Under eye patches/cream (we all need this for our eyes!)
- essential oils, lavender is my favorite. If I'm anxious, I spritz on my bed daily.
- Foot massager (a gift from my hubby) has now become my favorite splurge for self-care, a 15-30 minute rub is life changing!
- A good moisturizer and night cream. I believe in skincare and I live for Clinique.
- A GOOD water bottle. I fill it all day long and carry it and drink it wherever I go (as do my kids). Right now I'm loving my Stanley cup I got from a moms holiday party!
Motherhood can be overwhelming! How do you center yourself when you’re feeling stressed, anxious or overwhelmed?
Get a great support group. I think I talk to my best friend Kate more than my husband. On any given day she knows everything going on. I talk to her about things I'm excited about, things that stress me out. My husband is my rock and keeps me sane. I lean on them to keep me in check and sane.
What is a tip you have for a mom interested in self-care but unsure how to start, or she feels overwhelmed with the idea of fitting it in?
Make time for it. Whether it's calling in a partner or a babysitter you need to focus on keeping yourself happy and functioning so you can support your family and spouse and children. It's a must. Find time, find a sitter, do it when it works for you! We got a treadmill when the kids were little so we could work out when they went to bed early, and into covid we purchased a peloton to find time to work out when it worked for us. I have a tee shirt I wear from my husband's high school baseball club, results, NOT excuses. And that is PERFECT!
When do you feel your most bliss’d out?
My parents have a lake house in western Mass. I love to unplug and take the kids for a kayak or paddle around the lake or fishing and just spend time disconnected and without a phone. I love being on the water and being out and about. Nothing makes me happier than being with my family and without a phone or distractions. Our kids love it when we show up and are present and spending uninterrupted time together.
What's a mama mantra you live by?
Life is Short, Live it to the Fullest. I try to make the most of every single day and maximize my time and life choices. I need moms and a community around me that's supportive and understanding.
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Thank you, Marissa, for sharing your thoughts! If you'd like to connect further with Marissa, follow her on LinkedIn (she offers great tips for aspiring business coaches and course creators) X or check out her website!
