Share your story
Are you a new mom with a story to tell? Join other women just like you and share the thoughts you wouldn't normally reveal to the public. Erin Buckley has arranged a series of workshops for moms to do just that in her program TMI: a Rebirth into Motherhood.
"The idea is to get moms to explore their identity and lives and how they have changed before motherhood
and now as a mother. We will focus on the joy, depression, struggles and complexities that moms will be most
comfortable sharing with someone else who has been there," explains Buckley.
This Beacon workshop will culminate in a new play based on the stories these moms share. The workshop starts mid-June and runs every other week. Moms will meet for two hours to discuss their thoughts on the triumphs and defeats that being a mom has brought them.
Buckley insists, "For a woman to be supported through this transition in life, her stories must be heard."
Go to TMIMoms.com for more information on how you can get involved and join a group of like-minded women.
Practice self-care
You spend so much time taking care of your family and the ones you love that you often forget to make the time to make sure you are in a good place.
Roxanne Ferber, otherwise known as The Whatever Mom to the many women who read her blog, insists, "Self-care isn't always a mani/pedi or a visit to the spa. Sometimes it's the little moments you build into your day to stay sane, or recharge."
It can be even harder in the summer to find time for yourself. The kids are home all day and you are busier than ever. But now is when it's most important to make sure you are taking care of yourself.
Ferber suggests finding time whenever you can. Ferber recalls, "Before two kids I made time every single day for exercise. I started my mornings with a mile walk and I'd hit the gym after work for a class. Now it can be difficult to fit exercise in even once a week." Walk on your lunch break, take a nap while your kids are at sports practice and focus on making a routine that actually schedules time for you.
Ferber insists that you should reach out for help from others to make more time for yourself. "I'm a big fan of using the curbside grocery delivery in my area," she says. "It can be weird at first having someone else pick your produce, but the time and sanity you save not having to shop with screaming kids is worth it."
Your mental health is just as important as your physical well-being. Take care of yourself for your kids and your family, but mostly for you!
Ferber recognizes that her work schedule allows for a little more flexibility, but insists that every mom deserves some extra time to recharge. "Nothing is perfect so expect some blips. Just look forward to the next self care moment on your list."
Plan a girl’s night
It's been a long time since you talked about anything other than Paw Patrol and carpool plans. Tonight, gather your go-to group of mommy friends and go out on the town.
Do something you haven't done in years and you'll feel like teens again! Bowling is a fun and inexpensive way to spend an afternoon with friends.
Maybe you've been dying to see a movie that isn't Rated G. Gather your friends for this summer's biggest blockbuster and some dinner that doesn't come from a Happy Meal box.
Is your group of gals crafty? A sip and paint night is a super fun way to release your creativity and indulge in your favorite wine.
Your outing doesn't have to be expensive to be fun. Enjoy the beautiful weather and head to a local trail or park. Pack a grown-up picnic and enjoy food, fun and conversation with your pals.
Your husband is babysitting tonight, you've got plans!
Your kids have the right idea
When you hand a child a fresh box of crayons and a new coloring book,their eyes light up! Adults can have the same response.
Your kids use coloring as a relaxing, creative way to spend some time and you can do the same.
Next time your kids sit down with their Crayolas, you should join them.
Head to your local craft store and pick up a coloring book that is a little more intricate than the ones your kids use.
Looking to join other adults that enjoy this hobby? The Newburgh Free Library holds adult coloring groups throughout the month to give parents a way to relax. Coloring sheets, pencils and markers are provided by the library.
Write it down, cross it off
Is your schedule overwhelming you? There is so much to do during the day and it's making you crazy! Take the time to reorganize your overfilled calendar and the random notes in your phone and make one to-do list.
Color code the recurring items and the things that have to get done right away. Having everything in one place will make your once overwhelming list seem a bit more manageable. Prioritize your tasks so that you can guarantee the important ones get done.
Pick something small to get out of the way first. You will feel a sense of accomplishment and be motivated to tackle something that has been looming over you.
Organizing your thoughts and tasks will also give you the opportunity to eliminate things that don't matter and release tasks to other people who can help.