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 Jessica Efstathiou
Jessica is our next Bliss'd Mindful Mama! Jessica was born in New Jersey, grew up outside Chicago and moved to Washington, D.C. for college and now lives in Alexandria, VA. She is a mama of two - a 4 year old and an 8 month old. Jess and I actually met in college (American University!) and were housemates for two amazing years together!
She runs her own PR business, Jessica Courtney PR. She helps clients get media coverage for their company, products, research, etc. to gain publicity and attention for their work. She has deep experience in child development and maternal health, and she's passionate about media relations, loves to learn, and is open to working with a variety of industries. Read on for my full interview with Jessica.
What is your definition of self-care? Has this changed since becoming a mom?
Self-care helps me relax and destress. To me, self-care has always been about doing a yoga class, going for a long training run or reading a great book. As a mom, self-care has become more important than ever because I never know what will happen throughout the day so it's crucial to remain as zen as possible! The baby might wake me up at 4am to nurse or daycare might call at 3pm because my 4-year old came down with a fever and needs to be picked up early.
What does your self-care routine look like? Feel free to share small practices you do regularly and/or a set routine (morning, evening).
As a mom to two littles, I don't really have time for marathon trainings these days, but I love going for a quick 2 mile run and stopping at my favorite coffee shop on the way home while my husband stays home with the girls. Instead of going to an actual yoga class, I often do yoga videos online and I read before bed (if the girls go to sleep early enough!)
Do you practice mindfulness? If so, how?
I practice mindfulness during my yoga routines. I try to end my work day with a "to-do" list which helps me feel centered and keep track of everything I need to do each day for my business and the family.
What's a "mindful mama" tip you have?
It's not easy but try waking up before everyone else does in your house. I aim to do so a few times a week so I can squeeze in a yoga video or catch up on some work before morning chaos starts!
What is your favorite self-care activity for when you have… 5 minutes, 30 minutes, 60+ minutes?
5 minutes - quick yoga video, 30 minutes- taking a bubble bath or going for a run, 60+ minutes - sneaking out for a pedicure at my local salon!
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?
My husband and I are honestly a great team. Whenever either of us is feeling stressed out we have a "stress-reducing conversation" and talk through next steps to feel better! Talking to other mom friends always helps too!
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?
Think about your interests and how you can use them to take care of yourself! It can feel like an indulgence to take time for yourself, but it's so important!
When do you feel your most bliss’d out?
When I'm at the beach or pool on vacation!
What's a mama mantra you live by?
On the difficult days when the kids won't go to sleep or someone has a raging fever, I try to remind myself it's just a season!
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Thank you, Jessica, for sharing your thoughts! If you'd like to connect further with Jessica, follow her on LinkedIn!
