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Happy Women’s Health Month!
Considering Mother’s Day is the second Sunday in May, it’s no surprise that May is Women’s Health Month. As a woman, as a wife and as a mother I know I’m guilty of giving more of myself than I am of giving TO myself. Especially after kids. They just take precedent. They are the first thought on my mind when I wake up, and my husband is the last thought when I go to sleep. Don’t get me wrong, I wouldn’t have it any other way! But there’s a lot of give. A LOT. And there’s a lot of forgetting about myself and putting myself last.
But that’s not how it should be! After all, you can’t pour from an empty cup. I am a firm believer of self care, and after a really rough few months of not taking care of myself, it’s about time I start again. Taking care of yourself is not selfish. It’s necessary. By treating myself well and prioritizing my needs, I’m setting a good example. And isn’t that what we’re all trying to accomplish?
Here are a few of the products I’ve been using to get my head and heart back to where it should be:
Zenni Optical UV Blue Blockers
I’m a huge fan of Zenni. A few years ago I stumbled upon them via a Facebook “Mom group” and fell down the rabbit hole of wonderfulness that is Zenni’s affordable glasses. As a stay at home mom, I’m very conscious of the family budget. But I still like to have a few pairs of glasses to switch things up every now and then. Enter Zenni Optical.
Now that I’m working from home, I spend way too much time in front of the screen. Between being outside with the boys, working on my phone or computer, and binging my favorite streaming series, my eyes take a big hit. And yours do too. I bet you’d be surprised at just how much high-energy visible (HEV) blue light and UV rays your eyes come in contact with everyday. And when you start to look at the repercussions, including eye strain (confession: I’m feeling this MAJORLY right now as I write this) and permanent eye damage, it’s pretty scary.
But what can you do other than throw out everything with a screen and climb into a dark hole? Zenni’s online glasses store has a really easy answer. And it’s not going to break the bank either. With their technology, the Zenni Beyond UV Blue Blockers are incredible. They can be used with your everyday glasses and will offer all day protection from HEV and UV light!
Champion Absolute Mesh Sports Bra
I’ve written before about how transformative working out has been for me. Not even just physically, but emotionally as well. Being a mom is a LOT of work, and can be so isolating. I am so thankful to have friends that get me out of the house and into the gym. Sweating out all my frustrations and feelings of shortcoming. By the time I leave, I always feel stronger and refreshed. And of course, it doesn’t hurt that I’m finally fitting into my pre-pregnancy clothing again!
This Champion Absolute Sports Bra is fantastic. I am *mostly* done breastfeeding, and let me tell you – “the girls” aren’t what they used to be. My old sports bras weren’t doing me any favors in the support department. And having to hold myself during Zumba or Body Pump isn’t fun. There are a few things I am really loving about the Champion Athletic wear. First, the support is amazing. I’m somewhere around a 34 DD at this point and I can easily Zumba around the room comfortably. And no matter how sweaty I get, the Absolute Mesh Sports Bra’s wicking feature is quick drying and there’s never any chafing.
AfterShokz: Trekz Air Headphones
I am probably so far behind, but these Trekz Air Headphones are the first of their kind that I’ve tried. After being so over the cord of my earphones thumping against me at every me, I found AfterShokz. And they are SO COOL. Made with titanium, the Trekz Air are so lightweight it’s insane. Rather than my old little nubs that went in my ears, the Trekz Air has an over the ear curve and are ridiculously comfortable. Seriously.
In fact, I’ve actually started using them for work while J is napping. That way I can blast my music and podcasts without having to worry about anything being too loud to disturb anyone else. The multifunction button is fantastic – I can answer phone calls, pause and play music and more. No matter whether I’m running, lifting weights, or just jamming to my favorite music, I’m OBSESSED. And am highly considering buying another pair for my husband for Father’s Day!
Chesapeake Bay Candle: Mind & Body
You know how sometimes a scent can kind of transport you? The second I lit Chesapeake Bay’s Balance + Harmony candle, I felt like I was at the beach. Summertime calm with a hint of fruity florals. It smells clean and happy and isn’t that what we all want our homes and lives to be like?
It’s no secret I’ve been having a rough time. So anything I can do to help me relax and unwind, I’m going to do. Right now, I’m listening to some Ray LaMontagne, this wellness candle is burning, and it’s helping to take the edge off that’s kept me away from the computer for the last few weeks.
Designed and poured in the USA, Chesapeake Bay Mind & Body is a soy wax blend with a clean burn. That means no sooty or toxic fumes! Just 50+ hours of the natural essential oil infused scent to help you relax and unwind, body and soul. Plus, the frosted almost sea-glass like container would be so easy to re-use afterwards!
Pure Synergy: Organic Beet Juice Powder & Turmeric Extract
*Savings alert!* Use code: PureSynergyPartner for a 15% discount!
Remember how I have that pesky little “old people” condition? You know, the incredibly painful arthritis that takes over my joints and causes me to ache and hurt while trying to do regular, every day things? Thanks to a new doctor prescribed diet that’s removed gluten, cane sugar and most dairy, my inflammation is so much less. It’s fantastic. But there are still some days where something slips through my clean diet and – BAM – there goes the ache.
Organic Turmeric Extract:
Through my research, I’ve discovered that Turmeric is an incredible natural inflammatory. I started drinking a turmeric and ginger tea every morning and its been AMAZING and totally has me convinced. The Synergy Company has this fantastic SuperPure Turmeric Organic Extract that has been a wonderful helper in keeping my hurt at bay. It’s free of gluten, dairy, additives, and GMOs. It’s vegan. And it’s certified USDA Organic! I ran out of my tea last week and decided to try using these turmeric capsules in hot water with a slice of ginger. I was pleased to find that emptying the capsules in hot water worked perfectly!
Organic Beet Juice Powder:
Along with my daily morning cup of Turmeric, I make an Organic Smoothie at least once a day. Because I’m always running around with the boys, I’ll sometimes realize that I’ve gone most of the day without eating. And even if I have, it’s mostly snacking. The Organic Beet Juice Powder has been a powerhouse addition to my favorite smoothie recipes.
In multiple fertility books, “blood foods” are highly recommended to help get your body healthy and ready for pregnancy. Beets are jam packed with good-for-you nutrients and vitamins, and are a definite blood food. They’re good for your liver, for your heart and your circulatory system. I love how beets taste, but I know I’m in the minority there. I really like that this Beet Powder is tasteless in the smoothies, and I want to see how it does in my gluten free morning muffins (stay tuned!). It’s an easy way to sneak in extra health everyday!
Don’t forget to use code PureSynergyPartner to save 15% off your purchase!
The Myth Of A Nice Girl
Full disclosure: I’m only about halfway into this book right now. But so far, wow.
Working from home as a stay at home mom has its obsticles. There are constantly kids to attend to and I really struggle with things like self doubt and time management. I’m obsessed with the full title of Fran Hauser’s book: The Myth of the Nice Girl [Pushover Ineffective Weak Mediocre Pleaser Bland] Achieving a Career You Love Without Becoming a Person You Hate [Selfish Rude Abrasive Arrogant Brash].
Umm, hello! I would easily describe myself as 1: most of the adjectives in the first part, and 2: terrified to be labeled as any in the last. And I don’t think I’m the only one! I am so glad female empowerment is a big topic of discussion nowadays. And so glad to have an amazing circle of business minded entrepreneurial women who have helped guide and shape me into the boss lady I am today. But I still have so much to learn. And one thing that keeps me from pushing and trying is my fear.
I love how Hauser is guiding me to an authentic confidence and strength as a woman in today’s world. Where I dont have to acquiesce – I can stand up for my truth and my value. After taking some time off, I have had a lot of time to think about what I want. And Hauser is helping myself and other female professionals take their career to the next level. Because it’s about time we speak up and get rid of the old-fashioned stereotypes that we and others have set forth.
Taking time for yourself is not always easy.
I know this. I live this. But the more you take time for yourself and for what you need, the easier it will become. And I promise you, you will feel so much better for it. The days when I get off my schedule and daily “musts” (like always making the bed and never going to bed with a dirty sink), I can FEEL it. Deep in my bones, I just feel off.
We work so hard. Every. Single. Day. And unfortunately, a lot of the time that comes without thanks and without much of any reward. It’s up to me and you to find the good in every day, to acknowledge that we need to take care of ourselves just as good as (if not better than) we take care of others. And IT’S OKAY TO DO THAT. You are not selfish, you are a human with real needs. And you deserve to be taken care of.
Happy Women’s Health Month to all those who identify as such. May this month bring you a fresh start!
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