Self. Care.
Those words almost sound cliché and vague. What does it mean to practice self-care? And how does that actually show up in my day to day life?
Those are some of the same questions we’ve continuously received from our Pause moms throughout the years. We decided to dig a little deeper to understand the why behind the difficulties of self-care. We learned the biggest factor was time - something most of us can relate to. For others it was feeling unworthy of self-care or not having the space to make self-care a priority.
In October 2020, in partnership with the Ohio Children’s Trust Fund grant, Pause created a fun and sustainable way to implement daily self-care. The pilot launch of the #MamaNeedsAHotMinute Self-Care kit included a subscription box feel, but also took moms on a 30 day experience that included self-care education, community and encouragement along the way.
Last week our second 30 day self-care experience launched! This time, we were excited to add a self-care Open House event for participants to meet other moms and engage with community partners who specialize in self-care. Their customizable boxes included fun goodies, but also were embedded with education on the 7 different types of self-care. Each caregiver was also invited to join a private Facebook community group where they will continue to receive and share ideas and also meet peer coaches who were part of the pilot series.
Special thanks to…
Aveda for pampering our moms with hand massages and a goodie bag with a free facial, shampoo, haircut, moisturizing cream AND samples of calming oil!
Kym Cappel, local nutritionist, for giving Pause moms different dinner tips and tricks
Pause partner, Mary White, for leading our moms in yoga exercises
Why does this matter? It allows our moms a moment to exhale and fill their bucket so they can go back to being the best mamas to their children. It helps them feel less alone. It reminds them they are enough and that they matter.
They are already pushing themselves to make at least 5 minutes a day a priority! Some have taken a slower walk to the mailbox, some have gone to lunch alone and read a book, some have folded the laundry they were putting off or cleaned off their desk to feel a sense of accomplishment. Recognizing they can do it and that the little things can make a difference is such a huge step in making this really important rhythm stick. We are really proud of their progress, dedication and self-love they are showing themselves. They deserve it more than we can say!
This is CAN DO. This is COMMUNITY. This is YOUR SUPPORT.
*Is your business Interested in partnering with Pause? Do you have a passion or a talent you want to share with Pause families? Reach out to Sara Porter, Community Engagement Coordinator at Sara.Porter@pauseforparents.org!
