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Playing with toddler

Source: Weekend Images Inc. / Getty

Processing these stressful times we live in, and thinking about what this next presidency will mean for my little brown child is nerve-racking. I am a wreck, but a high-strung, emotionally drained mother is no good to anyone so it’s time to be more conscious of my well-being so I can push forward for my daughter. I’ve been able to combat feelings of sadness and despair by being adamant about self-care. I know, everyone is talking about self-care to the point where it’s cliché, but it’s so necessary. I like my personal alone time, but I find that lately, including my baby in my wellness routine has been more helpful than being alone. Here are five things that have worked for me.

Get Fresh Air Daily

I try to make sure I get fresh air every day, even when it’s chilly out. My goal is to take a 20-minute stroll with my 3-month-old, just to walk around my neighborhood and get some sunshine. Twenty minutes may not sound like a lot, but it does help clear my head. It’s also fun to watch my daughter experience the outside world in a way that my jaded eyes can’t.

Work Out With Your Baby

My daughter is the cutest weight I’ve ever seen. Yes, I may or may not have used my daughter as part of a weightlifting. I’ve also used her stroller for support as I lunged and squatted. We both get something out of my workouts. I get the mood booster and body toning that I want, and she is entertained because she thinks it’s playtime. There are a lot of ways you can incorporate your baby in your workouts. Google and YouTube are your friends. Just make sure you’re safe.

Read Books That You Like To Your Baby

We know it’s helpful to read books to baby because them hearing your voice helps with their language development. But let’s be honest, sometimes children’s books are basic to the point of driving you insane. I still read children’s books to my daughter, but I’ve found that a good way to balance the monotony is to read the books that I’d personally read to her. That includes a lot of biopics—Taraji P. Henson’s Around the Way Girl is next—and eventually poetry from the likes of Audre Lorde, Warsan Shire, Sonia Sanchez and more. My daughter is only 3-months and doesn’t know what I’m talking about either way, but I still modify the content if it’s too adult or graphic in nature.

Invite Friends Over

Now is not the time to isolate your self. Have a game night or a friendsgiving and invite all the people you love. You won’t have to worry about finding a babysitter or the hustle and bustle of taking your baby elsewhere.

Dance As Much As You Can

Set aside some time to vibe to your favorite music. You could stick to familiar genres, mix it up by switching genres every week, or even learn about a genre you’ve never paid attention to before. I like various types of music, but lately I’ve been all about jazz for my baby girl. I’m talking Coltrane, Sarah Vaughn, and my daughter’s namesake, Ella Fitzgerald.

What are some self-care rituals you’ve developed that involve your little one(s)?

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