The New Year often brings grand resolutions to change our lives in one capacity or another. This year, I’d like to suggest that we try something different. Instead of going from zero to 100, let’s dial it back by tuning into our needs in the present moment and taking baby steps from there.

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Before we go on, how are you, really? How is your overall well-being? Have you stopped to check in with yourself lately? When was the last time you spent time outside, not because you were rushing to get somewhere, but to observe the beauty of nature? When was the last time you had some quality alone time? How are you adjusting to life post-holiday rush? If you are experiencing the post-holiday blues or Christmas blues, please know that your experience is valid. The post holiday blues is described as the “let down” after the hustle and bustle of the Christmas holiday season. Some people may be more in-debt than usual, they may be missing the family and friends they were able to reconnect with over the holidays, or they may have a difficult time adjusting to the return to work. Wherever you are, remember that support is available.

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Mama, maternal health is important, YOUR (mental) health matters. As mothers, we become preoccupied with tending to the needs of everyone else and often have little to no energy left for ourselves. My hope is that we can do the necessary work so that prioritizing ourselves becomes second nature and our children pass on this legacy to their children and so forth. My hope is that we break the generational curse of maternal martyrdom and instead, support ourselves in the ways that we need so we can fully step into our power. If you’re anything like who I was, you may struggle to put yourself first or take care of yourself because you may not see or believe in the value of it. Truth be told, I am still on this journey and every now and then, I lovingly check-in with myself to make sure I am not falling into old patterns.

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Below are some ways you can begin your self-inquiry.

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A gentle reminder to release any judgment, shame, guilt, or any other negative emotion(s) that may arise as you move through these questions. The purpose of these exercises is not to come down on yourself for all that you “have not done” but to take inventory of where you are so you can move forward to where you want to be.

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Physically: How are your energy levels? How is the quality of your sleep? Are you sleeping well at night? Are you getting sufficient rest? Are you eating nourishing foods? Are you taking the necessary vitamins and supplements?

• Action step(s): if you’re feeling fatigued or “off” in any way, I urge you to make an appointment with your medical or naturopathic doctor asap to get some blood work and any other necessary tests done to help determine what your body needs to function optimally.

Mentally: What are your stress levels like? How is your stress and mood management? Are you feeling overwhelmed or anxious?

• Action step(s): seek a trusted and culturally competent mental health and / or medical practitioner that can provide you with the guidance you need. Please be gentle with yourself.

Emotionally: How’s your heart? Is there anything heavy weighing on it? When was the last time you had a good cry? Is there anything that you’re holding on to that needs to be released?

• Action step(s): choose the best time of day where you are able to take 5-10 minutes for yourself to write in your journal. Set a timer and write down everything that comes up for you. To jumpstart your journaling session, you may consider the following: How am I currently feeling? Is / are there any emotion(s) that I am trying to avoid? If yes, why? What is getting in the way of me facing this emotion? What would I rather feel instead? What is one thing I can do to cultivate this feeling?

Spiritually: When was the last time you communed with God / a Higher Power, nature, and / or the ancestors?

• Action step(s): choose the best time of day where you are able to take 5-10 minutes for yourself to engage in a spiritual practice. That could look like reading a devotion or your scriptures, spending time meditating in front of your altar, praying to God, or spending time with Mother Nature.

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If you find that the initial 5-10 minute block of time was not enough, I invite you to carve out the time you need to be present with the above exercise(s). Maybe it becomes a part of your morning / evening routine or something you do every other day; whatever best honours your needs.

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Mommy Monitor is here to help, visit their website here to find the support that you need.

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Take extra good care of yourself mama. Wishing you and your families health, ease, and warmth.

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