Disclaimer: I am a Lubriderm Brand Ambassador. This is a sponsored post. As always, opinions and thoughts regarding Lubriderm's Daily Moisture Lotion Shea + Calming Lavender Jasmine and Daily Motion Lotion Shea + Enriching Cocoa Butter are my own.
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I loved being pampered on Mother's Day by my husband and son. It's nice to be appreciated for putting my familia first. But it's also important that I take time to pamper myself everyday. After a long day at work and a hectic commute, I want to relax, unwind and leave all the stress at the door. I don't want that negative energy in my home. And I certainly don't want it in my bed. The more relaxed sleep I have, the easier it is for me to get up and start another day.
Wash off the day. Even when I'm not sleepy, a warm shower always helps. On nights I don't shower before bed, I feel the difference. It's my one and only time of day where I am truly alone. I cry, I think and I let all my days worries wash away. After a shower, I feel so much better.
Meditate. From time to time, I get anxiety attacks. When one occurs, I close my eyes, take deep breaths to clear my mind and slow down my racing heart. I started doing this right before bedtime and sometimes even in bed, I find that it helps to quiet my mind.
Stretch. I have been struggling with my weight for a while. I started out the new year really well, but I've fallen off the fitness wagon. As a result, I've gained more weight...that's for a whole other post. Anyway, with the weight gain has come backache. I find that stretching helps. I usually stretch after I shower when my body is more relaxed. I just raised my arms and touch my toes (or fold my arms around my ankles) and hold the position for a few minutes. I do this 3 or 4 times.
Pamper myself. After showering, I always apply Lubriderm lotion. And my evening routine consists of Lubriderm's Daily Moisture Lotion Shea + Calming Lavender Jasmine or Daily Motion Lotion Shea + Enriching Cocoa Butter.
Research shows massage relieves tension as toxins are released and the oxygen and blood are able to circulate through the system. -- Dr. Maria Patricia Rivas
I generously apply Lubriderm lotion to my aching muscles (my feet especially - since I'm on them all day). Lubriderm's Daily Moisture Lotion Shea + Calming Lavender Jasmine is my favorite; it has a calming fragrance that soothes me. And Lubriderm's Daily Motion Lotion Shea + Enriching Cocoa Butter feels like a complete indulgence. Both lotions leave me skin feeling soft and smooth, and I feel less stressed. When my skin is properly moisturized, I sleep better. On nights when I don't, my skin feels dry and uncomfortable and causes a restless nights sleep.
Relaxing Music. My husband goes to sleep with the TV on and I can't stand it. But I do love falling asleep to nature sounds - like a stream or heavy rain. I recently downloaded the Sleepy Sounds app (it's free!). It has so many choices and a timer. Falling asleep to it (or even listening to it on the train) is so peaceful. It clears my mind.
Unplug. While I charge my phone in my bedroom, I don't keep it on my nightstand. I find that when I have it within hand's reach - I check it. If I'm drifting off into sleep and I hear it buzz, I reach for it. If I wake in the middle of the night I'll scroll through my social media feeds or check my email. It's hard, but I try to put down my down at least an hour before I go to sleep. On the night's I do, my sleep is so much better.
As someone who gets very little sleep, I want to make the most of the sleep I do get. I'll be honest - sticking to a routine isn't always easy, but I'm learning to pamper myself and making the time to unwind. Because this routine is working for me.
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Labels: #FamiliaFirst, Ambassadorships, Atypical Mami, Brand Ambassador, Lubriderm, Relaxation Techniques, Sponsored Posts, Working Mom Life
