Photo Credit: A Canadian Foodie
It’s been a busy week, and this mama needs to rest, relax, and rejuvenate. The kids are finally sleeping, and I have a few minutes to breath, eat the dark chocolate I’ve been craving, and collect my cartoon-voice-free-thoughts. But when “me time” shows up, sometimes it’s easier said than done to switch into relaxation mode. What are your tips, and tricks?
Recently, I’ve been reflecting a lot about the importance of self-care. I’m inspired every day by people around me, and, thankfully, have picked up a few ideas to try.
Melanie
My dear friend, and neighbour Mel is a yoga enthusiast. Practicing, and teaching yoga revitalizes her — mind, body, and spirit. It’s ritual, and she swears she’s a better wife, mama, and friend because of it. When she talks about yoga she lights up. She’s found her calling, and is committed to helping others discover this joy, too. How awesome is that?! I have about ten pairs of yoga pants so it’s probably about good time to put them to good use, lol.
Stephanie
My energizer-bunny friend, and colleague Stephanie is a triathlete, and ironman-in-training. Steph fuels her soul when competing, and challenging herself to be better, stronger, faster. I’m constantly in awe of her discipline, character, and grit. On any given day you can find her on an adventure, beating down a path on the road less travelled — smiling, every step of the way.
Kaelin
My chef friend, and real bread maven Kaelin lives, and breathes scratch cooking. On the daily you’ll find her sourcing the most amazing local ingredients to share, and elevate, in The Ruby Apron kitchen. Kaelin’s passion, and commitment to quality is evident in her food, and cooking classes. I attended one of her sourdough workshops not to long ago, and she reminded me about the power of cooking in the pursuit of relaxation, and self-care. Let me explain …
I was about 14 when I first learned how to make bread from scratch. My Grandmother taught me the magic of combining three simple ingredients – flour, water, and salt. Kneading became somewhat of a therapy, and now what I recognize as my first experience practicing mindfulness.
Making bread demands your hands, your time, and your attention. And, seriously though, the aroma of baking bread is second only to “new baby,” as far as I’m concerned. True aromatherapy. You can’t text, or multi-task well when you’re making bread. You’re either 100% present, and “in it,” or it’s a flop. Bonus: At the end of this “mealtime meditation” you have bread. Yummy, nooks, and crannies, waiting for butter, bread. Knead I say more? Sorry, bad Dietitian joke.
So, my first yoga class with Mel is in the works, and distance run with Steph, not to far away either. But in the meantime you’ll find me in the GetJoyfull kitchen experimenting, kneading, and eating – real bread. I always feel a little more centered, more relaxed, and more me on bread day. If you’re looking to relax cooking might not be your first inclination, but I promise it’s a good place to start.
As always, Fill Up on Family Time, but, friends, don’t forget to make time to fill up on “me time,” too.