Namaste Mamas

A guide to becoming a zen mommy

I’ve always been a free spirit with a love for bohemian ideals and positive vibes, but after becoming a mama, I’ve reached a new level of zen. In order to live a happy and healthy life, you need to be your most amazing self, always. Whether your day is long, tiring, stressful, or challenging, you still need to find a balance in order to end the day with a smile and a grateful heart.

Mind

How do I maintain a peaceful mind as a busy mama? I fill my space with beauty; candles, pretty decor, etc. I keep my environment incredibly clean and organized. If you’re easily stressed or like me, you deal with anxiety, organization and cleanliness are everything. Cleaning calms my mind and keeps me focused. Whenever I used to feel a panic attack coming on I’d clean…I promise it works. I avoid anything that makes me feel anxious, irritated, and insecure. It is sometimes as simple as avoiding social media (or certain accounts) for a day, or not putting myself in the wrong environment (someone’s home, an event, or a public place) that may cause me unwanted stress. You are your best advocate and you need to start putting yourself and your needs first. Even as a mama, your needs matter. If you’re not being your most amazing self, you’re negatively affecting the way you parent and spend each day. If you’re spending each day feeling miserable and your mind is a mess, how will you be the best mama you can be?

Writing, reading, and creating calms the mind and helps you to recenter and focus. I write every single day (I don’t publish everything I write, by the way). I have so many writing projects and therapeutic posts saved as drafts on my website. I read as much as possible, but truthfully I get so caught up in my own words and thoughts that I forget to pick up a good book. There’s something peaceful about turning the pages of a new book and getting lost in the words. Creating can be as simple as redecorating a corner of a room, or as complicated as painting, doing a DIY project, etc. There are certain colors that calm your brain (blue being one of them)…discover those colors and fill your space with anything that will create a calming atmosphere for you. Again, candles are an amazing and easy purchase. Certain smells calm the mind, as well. Do a little research before buying new decor for your space and only buy what will bring peace to your environment.

Body

Postpartum is a challenge, even for those who bounce back quickly (trust). I still feel off when it comes to my body, even though I’m constantly being told how amazing I look (thank you loves). I had a beautiful pregnancy and a very easy delivery/postpartum recovery, but that doesn’t mean I don’t have moments of insecurity. I’ve also dealt with mild postpartum depression, which doesn’t help. Being a mama is a full-time job and the change in routine messes with your mind. Give yourself a break…it will take a little while to feel “normal” again, and as I always say, it’s a new normal. Unfortunately, as women, it doesn’t matter who compliments us, or how often…the only thing that matters is how we feel personally. Women don’t get in shape to please men or do anything creatively to their bodies to catch male attention. We do what we do for ourselves (and because we love when other women compliment us). Men always think we do everything we do for their benefit (from buying an expensive pair of yoga pants to getting a tattoo) and that’s not true at all. Women are mysteries and immensely complicated…am I right? We live for ourselves, always and that’s why we’re incredibly stubborn.

I’m eating as healthy as I possibly can (Mamas, it’s definitely hard to put our nutritional needs first). I’m busy and I often forget to eat breakfast, for example (working on it). I’m working out every night and for those who know me, they know I hate working out. I do it because it’s good for me and there are moments that I am happy to be exercising, but I’ve never been a gym gal. Ladies, you don’t have to work out for hours or go to a gym if that type of environment makes you uncomfortable. I work out for about 30 minutes each night and Andrew is my very own personal trainer. He comes up with routines for me in our own living room; I have weights, fitness bands, and motivation. I light candles, put on music, and exercise. If I have moments of free time during the day I’ll do sporadic, light workouts.

You don’t need expensive equipment or a paid trainer. You need to do whatever works best for you and it’s okay to ease yourself into a fitness routine, especially if working out has never been your thing. I’ve always loved walking, yoga, and of course, I was a ballroom dancer. If you love to feel centered and at peace, and you’re flexible like me, yoga is a wonderful way to get in shape at home. Yes, yoga works out your body, not just your mind. I have an app on my iPad called Daily Yoga and the routines are intense (you’ll feel it the next morning). The routines have a timeframe (1 week, 2 weeks, etc.), but you can always repeat the same routine, once you’ve completed it if you vibe with the program. I’ve done a few routines and I’ve repeated them, but I do those routines along with my little training sessions with Andrew. If there are periods of time when working out is prohibited, or you’re simply too busy, don’t beat yourself up! Fitness will always be there and it’s okay to take a break, but remain on a healthy diet and keep a healthy mind. By the way, there are even postpartum routines for yoga lovers! Most routines are about 35 minutes long and all you need is a quiet space and a yoga mat. Walking is an amazing way to quiet your mind, get out of the house with your baby, and exercise. I walk whenever the weather is nice and Greyson loves being outdoors.

Spirit

Your spirit is a non-physical place where your emotions, dreams, fears, and character lives…your soul craves harmony. I meditate, think positively, explore beautiful places, and I appreciate the little things. As a mama, it isn’t always easy to find a moment to meditate, but it only takes a few minutes (sometimes, even less). I meditate whenever Greyson is napping, if Andrew is taking care of him, and before bed. It’s so beneficial to meditate before bed because it reminds you to take a deep breath, let go of any issues from the day, and to be grateful for your life. It also helps you get a better night’s sleep and to wake up feeling renewed. Ever since I gave birth I’ve had trouble sleeping, but meditating helps me. Meditating connects your body, spirit, and mind in a beautiful and relaxing way. You can meditate solely, or with help from an app on your iPhone (I do both). It can be as simple as closing your eyes, listening to soothing sounds (beach waves, a rainstorm, or relaxing music) and quieting your mind.

It sounds so cliche and simplistic, but thinking positively and removing the garbage from your life is cleansing and healthy, especially for your spirit. In order to remove the trash from your life, you must let go of negative emotions, people, and situations. You also need to find a way to be at peace with your past, your mistakes, and your future. If you are still wrapped up in your past and worried about the future, your present will be nothing but stressful. Let it out, let it be, and let it go. I remind myself during moments of stress that I am happy, strong, and thankful. I think about all of the beauty around me and in my life; we tend to forget about the little things, but they’re everything. If you’re going crazy being home, go for a relaxing drive, and discover new, beautiful places. Find a new walking destination (a park, preserve, etc.) to take your baby to and fall in love with nature. Drive to the beach, if you have the ability to. Sometimes you just need to breathe elsewhere and clear your mind in a pretty place. Your spirit is who you are when nobody’s looking, but your spirit also affects those around you. Let your aura shine bright and be an inspiration ✨

Greyson’s Letter

Honey bee, you’re so inspiring and sweet. I love watching you smile and try to understand the intimidating, incredible world around you. Your eyes and soul are bright and filled with love, happiness, and innocence. There’s nothing more beautiful than watching you grow. I’ve said this many times before, but I’m the luckiest mama in the world to have you as my son and I will always be here to guide you through the trying moments and to inspire you.

I want to help you appreciate who you are, what you have, and everything you go through in life (you’ll learn so much). There are many choices in life that you have to make for yourself, but I hope you find peace in each day the way I do. I hope you enjoy the sunshine and appreciate the rain, love yourself and know your worth, stay positive and zen instead of losing your cool, remain kind and humble, and I hope you always take a moment each day to breathe and be thankful.

I’m thankful for you, every day. Thank you for giving me so many reasons to smile. I love you 💜

Stay tuned for the next entry of The Greyson Diaries 💙 & follow me on Instagram: lizziemognoni