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 Sarah Loughry
Sarah is our next Bliss'd Mindful Mama! Sarah is a Midwestern (Cleveland, Ohio) now living in Morgantown, West Virginia. She's a mama to one 5-year old and is the Founder and CEO of Em Dash Blogging. Read on for my full interview with Sarah.
What is your definition of self-care? Has this changed since becoming a mom?
My definition of self-care is doing things that make you feel good – be it in spirit or physically. While the definition hasn't changed since becoming a mom the activities have. Before becoming a mom self-care meant going to the gym, spa, shopping, or being with friends. While all those things still play an important role in self-care it's not also feasible. You know what is? Taking a long hot shower, painting my nails, dressing in clothes that make me feel good, reading a book on my back deck while my daughter plays, or having a phone call with my best friends. Those activities don't look the same as a night out with friends but it fills my heart and makes me feel more 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).
I wake up extra early in the morning (think 4am!). It gives me time to have coffee and check my emails quietly. I follow that with a workout or yoga. In the evening, I love having a glass of wine, listening to crooner music, and cooking dinner. It's also, me time.
Do you practice mindfulness? If so, how?
I didn't used to. But now, yoga helps me to be in the moment. To take a breath when needed. A big part of that is taking in my surroundings–the smells, the sites, the feeling. It's grounding.
What's a "mindful mama" tip you have?
I JUST heard this. When things feel out of control or chaotic, choose a color and start finding it. The grass is green, the shirt is green, the plant is green. It helps to ground you.
What is your favorite self-care activity for when you have… 5 minutes, 30 minutes, 60+ minutes?
5 minutes- Paint my nails. When my nails are done I always feel put together. (same, Sarah, same!)
30 minutes- Read. It feels so good to put screens away and get lost in a book.
60+ minutes- Aimlessly walk around Target. You don't know until you know.
What are your top 3 - 5 self-care and/or wellness products?
1. OPI Nail Polish and Gel finish
2. Burts Bees Face Wipes (vegan friendly)
Motherhood can be overwhelming! How do you center yourself when you’re feeling stressed, anxious or overwhelmed?
Wine! Just kidding. I use the trick I explained above by naming things in the room. It helps to be grounding. And I remember that my reaction directly impacts my kids. So I'll count to 10 in my head or give myself a few moments in another room during a tantrum.
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?
Remember, everyone has felt that way at some point. If you are going some place like a gym or new salon and worry about fitting in–start with a friend. Get the lay of the land. Then go back. Getting started on supporting yourself shouldn't come with anxiety.
When do you feel your most bliss’d out?
When I have my nails done, finished a good workout, put on a cute outfit, and work from a coffee shop for the day. I feel so myself.
What's a mama mantra you live by?
This is temporary. Enjoy or tolerate the moment because this too shall pass (likely too quickly).
Anything else you'd like us to include?
Talk about it. Talk about the way you're feeling. There is 100% someone out there that feels the same or has been there. We need to normalize how overwhelming mom-ing can be.
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Thank you, Sarah, for sharing your thoughts with our community! I completely agree that the more we talk about it, the more we normalize the many feelings of motherhood and the more we connect and build our mama tribe! If you'd like to connect further with Sarah, check her out on Instagram, LinkedIn, or check out her website if you're in need of marketing support!
