Now that I’m spending my days taking care of our newborn twins, rather than running my marketing and creative consulting business, I am prioritizing at-home self care more than ever. Being a mom is seriously hard work! Of course, I don’t have time for a trip to the spa or anything that would take me out of the apartment at the moment, so I’m finding ways to create zen moments during nap time or when the night nurse is here. From unwinding with a virtual happy hour to adding skincare tools to my daily routine, these are the ways I’m prioritizing self care at home these days. Whether you have children too or are just spending more time at home because of the pandemic, hopefully, you can find a new way to bring some peace and relaxation to your daily life.
1. Add skincare tools to your routine
I’ve really honed in on my skincare routine this year and have loved adding a couple of tools to my arsenal that make it more effective and relaxing. I’ve talked about my love for the Ice Roller a lot on my Instagram, because it’s such a refreshing way to start the day. More importantly, it helps with lymphatic drainage, shrinking pores, and undereye circles. If my skin is breaking out, I love using this facial steamer to prep my skin for extractions. Before using either of these tools, I liberally apply either Drunk Elephant’s Virgin Marula Oil or True Botanical’s Pure Radiance Oil. It’s seriously like a spa day at home.
2. Have a virtual happy hour
Being pregnant and being a new mom in a pandemic can be seriously isolating. The moments I envisioned us enjoying as new parents with our friends and family are on pause, so I’ve had to adjust my expectations significantly to stay positive during this time. That’s what surviving 2020 is all about, right? Pouring myself a great glass of wine in these colorful glasses by new-to-me brand, Estelle, and dialing up a friend or two certainly helps. Facetime’s group chat feature has been amazing for keeping in touch and chatting in a group setting. It almost feels like the good old days when we would meet up for happy hour IRL. After just a few minutes of adult interaction, I always feel so much better.
3. Watch something delightfully girly
While I love a good docuseries or drama just like the next girl, sometimes I just want to watch some romantic, lighthearted television. There, I said it. After ferociously binge-watching Emily in Paris, I was reminded just how much I love this genre of tv. There’s something so indulgent about it, especially in a time when there’s so much seriousness going on in the world. Right now I’m watching The Queen’s Gambit and The Good Place on Netflix, and have my eye on watching The Holidate next, even though it looks sinfully cheesy. Maybe I’ll even rewatch Gossip Girl after that. Let’s just embrace it, k?
4. Bath time, but make it luxe
I am counting down the minutes until I can take a bath again, but I have to wait six weeks from delivery for my c-section incision to heal (womp, no one told me this!). Even though I’m not taking baths at the moment, no self-care list would be complete without this in my opinion. This photo was from my last lukewarm bath before heading to the hospital to give birth, I’m counting down the minutes until I can take my first proper hot bath in almost a year (!!). There are a few key ingredients I use to make my bath experience as luxe as possible. First, I use these lavender epsom salts in the water, and I also layer in Kiehl’s lavender bubble bath. Then, I use this bath pillow and a bath caddy to put my drink of choice and reading materials on. Lastly, I put on a relaxing playlist, like John Mayer radio or jazz. Unwinding made easy!
5. Update a space in your home
Since I’ve been on maternity leave, I’ve been organizing and enhancing corners of our home while the babies are napping. So far I’ve organized the spice rack with these jars and these labels, cleaned out my dresser drawers and added this pampas grass to our living room. Next, I’m planning to do a proper closet clean out and re-organize the baby clothes for the 17th time. These small decluttering projects make a huge difference in the space and honestly make me feel so accomplished, especially in the chaos of taking care of newborns. I’ve linked a few chic interior objects that I’m eyeing at the moment below, in case you’re on the hunt for something special.
6. Actually get dressed
I know it might sound crazy, but I get dressed in an outfit almost every day, even though I have absolutely nowhere to go. Styling my outfit has always been one of my favorite parts of my day—even in a pandemic with newborn twins. Something about pulling myself together boosts my mood every time—even if it’s my minimal makeup routine and a casual outfit. I’ve rounded up a few pieces below to upgrade your own at-home outfit.
