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 Katie
Katie is our next Bliss'd Mindful Mama! Katie has always lived in NYC and is a mama of two - a 6 year old, and a 3 year old. She's an editorial portrait photographer who specializes in working with women, families, and kids and you can find her at Katie Ward Photography. Read on for my full interview with Katie.
What is your definition of self-care? Has this changed since becoming a mom?
My definition of self-care is doing and engaging things that help me to embody myself, that feed my soul. While my definition hasn't changed since becoming a mom, the realities of doing have. Before kids, this meant exercising 5x a week, and going out to lots of fun meals, and taking art classes. Since becoming a mom it means savoring the little moments more. Like the few moments to journal before the kids wake up, or reading before bed.
What does your self-care routine look like? Feel free to share small practices you do regularly and/or a set routine (morning, evening).
My routine is growing as my kids grow, which has let me breathe a little bit more. I've always focused on skincare, and that was one of the only things I didn't let fall away after becoming a parent. I always make sure to shower and do my skincare routine every day. I've also slowly started to add in more movement to my weeks. I try to walk every day and take exercise classes 2x a week. As a photographer, I started to find that taking photos was feeling like a JOB, so I started to let myself loosen up by grabbing a tiny point and shoot camera and always carrying it with me so every walk can be a photo walk, and I don't feel so tied to making sure every photo is perfect.
Do you practice mindfulness? If so, how?
I practice gratitude. I find taking a moment, especially when I'm feeling down, to look around and think of all the things to be happy about helps me reset.
What's a "mindful mama" tip you have?
When I'm in a parenting moment that is incredibly overwhelming I try to be mindful by seeing that moment in how my child is feeling. Doing that helps me to center them instead of myself, and it brings solutions faster.
What is your favorite self-care activity for when you have… 5 minutes, 30 minutes, 60+ minutes?
5-minutes - Making a cup of tea
30-minutes - Exfoliating in the shower
60+-minutes - A long walk or an exercise class
What are your top 3 - 5 self-care and/or wellness products?
30-minutes - Exfoliating in the shower
60+-minutes - A long walk or an exercise class
Motherhood can be overwhelming! How do you center yourself when you’re feeling stressed, anxious or overwhelmed?
I take a moment and eat something. Usually I'm the most stressed and anxious because I've forgotten to eat.
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?
Start with one thing. Let that one thing become a habit, then do some 'habit stacking'. Find one more thing to add to the first thing. Hopefully once you start to move forward, it's easier to see the path.
What's a mama mantra you live by?
I'm making the best decision I can right now, if new information changes my mind then I can change what I'm donig.
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Thank you, Katie, for sharing your thoughts! If you'd like to connect further with Katie, follow her on Instagram and Facebook or check out her website!
