Moms in Mind: De-Stress!

As busy moms, de-stressing is important to keep our sanity. Have you taken time to pamper yourself lately? Or perhaps you are rolling your eyes at my suggestion, seeing how we are all so busy juggling babies, children and their school schedules, work, housework, breastfeeding, and all that comes with our daily routines?

Just as your baby needs to nurse, why not prepare a steaming hot cup of herbal tea? Easily available from many stores these days, including our friendly neighbourhood Fairprice Supermarket. It can be chamomile, a cleansing ginger/lemon tea, or any of our Nursing Mother's Blend. Did you know that as you nurse and drink a warm drink, this helps your body to relax, warms up your chest and helps milk letdown and flow? Furthermore, our Nursing Mothers' Tea Blends have herbs that have anti-depressant and calming effects. Great to drink during a busy work day when you are feeling all frazzled too! I reach for a cup of our Nursing Mothers' Tea too when I start feeling myself getting fairly nervous and jumpy at work especially. It helps my nervous system to calm down.

These days, the facial masks are so convenient! I'm not talking about those that are used in salons - sticky and messy. For a little pick-me-up, get those gel masks or cloth masks that you can just peel off when done. No mess at all. The range is so great - from calming blends to invigorating refreshing blends. Lots to choose from with just a visit to Watson's or Guardian Stores. Just place it on while watching TV or nursing your baby. It will leave your skin all tingling fresh and lift your spirits too!

This might be a little tricky if you have young babies at home. But if you do get the time when the babes are napping or when dear dear hubby has brought them out for a walk, a foot soak is a much needed treat! Especially for us moms who make trips to the market, carrying our babies and tonnes of groceries. Those legs and footsies would certainly love some pampering! A pail of hot water with a few spoons of salt (best if you can stock up on sea salt ahead of time) and a few drops of peppermint oil or a few drops of lavendar oil as well. I also found these Crystal "Mud" Sachets from Watsons' Store (also available at some reflexology centres) that are very convenient - quite cheap to do it ourselves at home. To "save time" while working at my computer doing graphic work or updating my webpages, is to place a pail for this foot soak while I am sitting at the

Of course, the other important activity that we need to balance out our lives, busy though we can be, is to fit in some exercise. And I am not talking about going to the gym or organised courses. If there is no one to babysit, put baby in a pram or stroller or in a babysling and go out for a brisk walk around the neighbourhood or the nearby park for 30 minutes at least every other day. Aerobic exercise helps your blood circulation, keeps your mind fresh, burns calories and most of all, it actually helps to alleviate depression.