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 Amanda Hofman
Amanda is our next Bliss'd Mindful Mama! Amanda is from Northern NJ but has lived in NYC for her entire adult life. She is a mama of two - a 10 year old and a 12 year old. She is the CSO (Chief Swag Officer) & Co-Founder of Go To Market, a sustainable branded merchandise company. Read on for my full interview with Amanda.
What is your definition of self-care? Has this changed since becoming a mom?
It has changed *completely* since becoming a mom and I had to redefine what this means to me, and most importantly, how often I need it.
Now, self-care means paying attention to my body and taking time for myself before I hit a wall or crash. When I start to feel a tightness in my body, I prioritize meditation and exercise to get back to a steady state.
What does your self-care routine look like? Feel free to share small practices you do regularly and/or a set routine (morning, evening).
Working out every day is a non-negotiable for me. That is the biggest thing I do for myself. I also aim to meditate every night for 10 minutes, and ask my kids to help out around the house when I'm feeling strapped.
Do you practice mindfulness? If so, how?
Yes, every day -- it's essential to my health, wellbeing, and functioning!
What's a "mindful mama" tip you have?
Just that what you do one day doesn't mean that you'll do it every day. If you have a day where you can't give your kids your all, and need to take time for yourself, it doesn't mean that that's the rule going forward. There's ebb and flow. There will be days when your kids need more and days when you need more.
What is your favorite self-care activity for when you have… 5 minutes, 30 minutes, 60+ minutes?
30 mins and up is stretching, yoga, or any kind of movement. 20 mins and up is a dog walk! Below that is a short stretch or a meditation.
Or sometimes: a square of chocolate, ha!
What are your top 3 - 5 self-care and/or wellness products?
Motherhood can be overwhelming! How do you center yourself when you’re feeling stressed, anxious or overwhelmed?
Breathing! It all comes down to breath.
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?
I'd try to find something that feels fun. A walking group, something with dogs, volunteering—there are so many ways to do self-care that feel fun and not a drag.
When do you feel your most bliss’d out?
When I'm 3/4 of the way into a hard workout!
What's a mama mantra you live by?
Be present -- it's all about the present moment.
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Thank you, Amanda, for sharing your thoughts! If you'd like to connect further with Amanda, follow her on Instagram, LinkedIn, or check out her website!
