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 Laura Nespoli
Lauren is our next Bliss'd Mindful Mama! Lauren is from Los Angeles, CA and is a mama of two - a 7 year old and a 9 year old. She's an Entrepreneur and owns Rent a Romper, an innovative baby clothing rental subscription service. Read on for my full interview with Lauren.
What is your definition of self-care? Has this changed since becoming a mom?
To me self-care is taking time for myself and remembering my own needs, not just everyone else's. I think before having kids there were fewer things to distract me from doing the things I wanted to and the things that made me feel full. Now there is just less time in the day and more people who need me.
What does your self-care routine look like? Feel free to share small practices you do regularly and/or a set routine (morning, evening).
Today my self care is focused on my physical and mental health. I recently had back surgery, so focusing 15-30 minutes a day to do my strength exercises and talking walks is really important. Often though these can get put to the side, so I often need to schedule them in. If I have a really busy schedule, I like to use the walk as my reward. Once these 3 emails get done, I get to take my walk. I also like once or twice a week to take my walk in the morning after I drop off the kids and make my turn around point at a coffee shop. Because coffee makes me happy. :)
Do you practice mindfulness? If so, how?
Getting outside and walking is how I do this today. If I have trouble falling asleep because my brain won't stop, then I will do a sleep or relaxation meditation with the Peloton app.
What's a "mindful mama" tip you have?
Remember that mindfulness and self-care looks different for everyone. Take time to understand when you feel the most full or like yourself and then prioritize doing those things. For me, it is being outdoors, moving my body or being with friends. No matter how many manicures I get, that doesn't feel like self-care to me and that's ok.
What is your favorite self-care activity for when you have… 5 minutes, 30 minutes, 60+ minutes?
5 minutes: Making a cup of coffee and sitting away from screens for a bit
30 minutes: A 15-20 minute ride on my bike then hot tub
60 minutes: Go to the beach or a hike alone or with my kids
What are your top 3 - 5 self-care and/or wellness products?
OSEA Body Balm
SKN Muse Body Butter
Rawlogy Cork Massage Ball
Couplet Coffee
Motherhood can be overwhelming! How do you center yourself when you’re feeling stressed, anxious or overwhelmed?
When I reach a point where I can feel the blood boiling or stress flowing over, I need to step aside. It might be just leaving the room for a moment or going outside for a walk, but physically changing the environment helps me to take a breath and calm down. It can be really hard especially if you are under a lot of pressure for work or with the kids, but often stepping away for a moment helps me reset.
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?
Self-care doesn't have to be a full day at the spa (it can be that too!) or a weekend away. It can be small things that just make you happy. The cup you drink your coffee from. Texting with a friend. Walking around the block.
Sometimes it can be hard knowing where to start, but someone gave me a task once of thinking back on the last week. When were the times you were happiest or felt most like yourself. If this is hard keep track of it during the next week. Then think about how to fit some of those things into your life more regularly.
When do you feel your most bliss’d out?
I love the feeling of being on a hike out in nature or at the beach at the end of a long week. I love feeling the sun and when my body is tired from being active, but I feel strong and at ease.
What's a mama mantra you live by?
"And now that you don't have to be perfect, you can be good." John Steinbeck
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Thank you, Lauren, for sharing your thoughts! If you'd like to connect further with Lauren, follow her on Instagram here and here or check out her website!
