Healthy Mom Life

Category: Mom-Life

  • The 10-Minute Morning Routine that Changed My Mom Life

    The 10-Minute Morning Routine that Changed My Mom Life

    With two kids under 4 and working full time, I find it so hard to incorporate time for myself, especially in the mornings.

    My mornings have often felt like a mad dash to get the kids dressed, fed, and driven to school. They’ve felt like Olympic sprints to beat the clock and getting myself ready and packed for work has turned into an afterthought. Man, what a way to start the day – who doesn’t love a solid dose of chaos in the morning?

    However, over the last few months, I’ve given my mornings a major overhaul and have prioritized a quick routine for myself that focusses on a slower, more relaxed start to my day. This has given me a solid foundation to be my best self to tackle whatever curve ball life throws later and I feel more organized with my family’s rush out the door.

    Read on for my life-changing 10-minute morning!

    Ground Rules:

    On Sleep: I want you to know that employing good sleep hygiene is key to a relaxed morning. This means going to bed at a reasonable time in order for you to wake up feeling rested and not like a walking zombie. There are a lot of supplements and tools, like a sunrise alarm clock, to help you fall asleep and wake up gradually. But focus on the fundamentals before spending money or time on those extras. Having a bedtime routine, reducing afternoon caffeine, and avoiding stimulating activities close to bedtime will go a long way towards improving your sleep.

    On Wake Time: If you want to have time for a 10-minute morning routine, you will also need to wake up at least 10 minutes before your children. If they’re 7am-ers, set your alarm for around 6:45am. Give yourself a buffer of at least 5 minutes.

    On Motivation: I also want you to find a motivator to wake up that truly resonates with you. Is it the alone time you crave? The first quiet sip of coffee by yourself? Or is it watching a few minutes of that highly child-inappropriate police procedural that has you excited to get out of bed? Having a good motivator is so important when the sky is still dark and it’s freezing everywhere but your bedsheets.

    On Life Phase: Please note that if you’re in the phase of life where you have a very young baby and you’re waking up multiple times in the night, this might not be something for you. And that’s ok! That’s the era you’re in, and while it doesn’t seem like it now, it won’t be forever. Enjoy those cute baby snuggles with their sweaty little heads.

    Minute 1-2: Wake-Up

    Wake up and leave your bed as soon as you can. The longer you stay, the harder it is to leave. Scrolling Instagram can also eat your time without you realizing it and then your earlier morning will be gone.

    I do not set more than 2 alarms. The first one is the time I want to get up at, say 5:15am. The second is my backup alarm in case I oversleep the first, roughly 5:30am. For me, setting only the two alarms makes me take the first alarm more seriously. Like ok, if I don’t get up now, I’m sleeping in and missing out.

    Waking up earlier does get easier the more consistent you are with your bedtime and waketime. Also, being very gradual in moving your alarms earlier does help. If I want to change wake-times, I gradually move it by 10-15 minutes each week. This gives my body plenty of time to adjust and ease into earlier wakeups without much trouble.

    I love this podcast episode by Kaylie Stewart on her Hot Girl Energy Podcast – “become a 5am morning girly”. She gives actionable advice for waking up earlier and her motivational energy is infectious.

    Minute 2-3: Body Refresh

    Splash cold water on your face. Cold water does seem to help wake me up and I also use this opportunity to put sunscreen on so that I’m ready for the day.

    Minute 3-4: Hydrate

    Hydrate with a big glass of water. I add half a pack of electrolyte powder to my very cold water in the morning and it’s something I look forward to. I find it so refreshing after waking up and I feel more energized. Right now, I’m using LMNT electrolyte powder that I order from Amazon, but any brand that you love works!

    Minute 4-5: Eat Something

    This can be a few bites of yogurt, a banana, or cottage cheese (my personal favourite). If you’re feeling fancy, you can make overnight oats. Women do need to get calories into their bodies earlier in the morning as it helps with our metabolism and our hormone regulation. I’ve been making sure I have a few bites of food in the morning for the last couple months, and I truly feel a difference in my energy levels and my mood. I don’t get those caffeine jitters anymore and mornings seem less stressful. Try to prioritize food that includes protein or complex carbohydrates to start the day off strong.

    Minute 5-6: Breathing and Affirmations

    I absolutely love affirmations. They can really help to bring you into the right headspace for your day. Spend this minute breathing deeply and relaxing into your space while saying your affirmations out loud. Saying them out-loud is key, as I find I’m more likely to believe in them when I do that.

    I try and choose 2-3 monthly affirmations that I focus on. Choosing a smaller number helps me remember them throughout the day, not just in the morning. But if that’s not your vibe, you can always decide on a daily affirmation for what you’re currently feeling.

    Minute 6-7: Light Stretching and Posture Focus

    Some gentle neck rolls, shoulder rolls, and seated leg stretches are nice to incorporate in the morning. Ease into them and have them be very light – you’re just waking up, so the goal is to just get any sleep tightness out of your body. Focus on your posture and standing or sitting up straight.

    Minute 7-8: Journal or Verbalize Gratitude

    I love journaling. This is a great opportunity to thought dump or just plan your day. You can choose a journalling prompt, free write, or write down what you’re grateful for. Some moments of quiet reflection are great to help you be present in the moment and to “slow” your mornings.

    Minute 8-10: Choose Joy

    For your last 2 minutes, do something that brings you immense joy. It can be playing music that pumps you up – I’m personally a huge fan of Taylor Swift here. It can be drinking your tea or coffee uninterrupted. It could be sitting outside in the morning and listening to the birds. Choose something that resonates with you and brings that spark to your eyes.

    Some mornings, I enjoy having a little “touchpoint” chat with my husband. We talk about the kids (since little ears can listen and understand now), chores, work, house tasks, things to plan etc… It’s a nice opportunity to check in with each other while we’re able to dedicate our full attention.

    Find Your Slow Morning

    If you follow along with these 10 minutes, at the end, you’ve cared for your body and your mind. You’ve “filled your cup” for the morning and can jump into the day with both feet!

    Feel free to edit the order of the tasks and if it’s a good day, feel free to add give yourself more time! I like to jump into my daily work out straight from this routine, and afterwards, I feel like a million bucks. Hello Supermom!

    Click below to get the checklist version of my 10-minute morning routine that you can put on your fridge or use as your phone screensaver!

    Download Your Free Morning Routine!
  • Golf Update #1

    Golf Update #1

    I recently started golfing.

    My husband’s been golfing since he was about 13 and he loves it. He’s in a summer league that golfs every Saturday, and he’s often golfing Friday nights. Look, I’m all for sports and hobbies, but as a mother of young kids the 6-hour golf day can sometimes be a bit of a grind.

    However, after a few drinks at a wedding he recently suggested (a drunken mistake on his part?) that I should go to the driving range with friends as a way to have a break from the kids and to get out of the house. And, what started as just a small curiosity about the appeal of golf, has blossomed into a new appreciation.

    Please welcome to the stage: my golfing era. I am starting to really understand how difficult a sport it is and how it’s also such a great outdoor activity. And, it’s been really fun, albeit humbling, to try something completely new that I’ve never really paid any attention to before.

    I did also really want to start playing golf just because the outfits are *so cute* and I love being outside. But, as of today, I’m sticking with it because it’s enjoyable to challenge myself and I love the fact that I now have a hobby I can share with my husband.

    Come for the cute fits, stay for spirit of the game.

    What I’ve done so far:

    I’ve gone to the driving range a grand total of 4 times: twice with my friends, once with my husband, and once by myself.

    I’ve done two rounds of 9 holes with my husband. Which I am extremely proud of – I even kept score on the second round! A lovely benchmark score of 55.

    What I’m doing for the next month:

    My husband and I have plans to continue a weekly Sunday 9-hole date with just the two of us. I love it because we don’t often get 1-on-1 time together, and it’s nice that it’s a sport we can both cheer each other on in. It’s mutually beneficial because I get the practice of actually being on a course and he gets to dial in on the finer points of his game.

    I’ve also joined an all-female GTA golf league with Iron Lady Golf. The league starts in September and runs for 4 weeks. Here, I’m really looking forward to getting more beginner-based tips, as well as an opportunity to talk to other female golfers.

    Additionally, I will be golfing with my brother and sister-in law when I visit my parents up north near Algonquin Park.

    I would like to continue going to the range with my friends, but we’ll see how that pans out considering I’ve got two golf days scheduled per week right now.

    My swing so far:

    Here’s where I’ve started:

    Here’s where I’m at as of this post:

    My main focus right now is to have consistent contact with the ball and to establish my own cues to get that contact. Basically, just figuring out what works for me!

    I did get approached on the range by another experienced golfer who offered me some tips, which did help a lot. Generally, I’m finding that there are so many different ways to swing a golf club, and some tips resonate with me more than others.

    It is also extremely hard to look at videos of my own swing where I look like an awkward giraffe swinging a stick willy-nilly. But I’m getting there! Positive vibes and all that!

    I’m looking forward to where I’ll be in my next golf update!

  • 15 Healthy On-the-Go Snacks for Busy Moms

    15 Healthy On-the-Go Snacks for Busy Moms

    If your kids are anything like mine, then you know that the key to happy days and seamless transitions between tasks is to have your snack game be A++.

    I like to keep my snack list full of snacks that are minimally messy, don’t need a lot of prep beforehand, and for the most part, don’t need to keep cold. My other rule of thumb for when I’m packing snacks, is to include something with fibre, protein, or a healthy fat. Bonus if it’s all three! That helps keep bellies full for longer.

    Here’s a collection of my favourite on-the-go snacks to fill bags, strollers, and pockets with.

    1. Fruit with Skin or in Punnets

    Starting the list off with my favourite snack to pack: fruit that does not need to be cleaned or cut. Think bananas and oranges. I like how they travel pretty well and hold up in warmer weather. Obviously, the preference is to less ripe bananas (to avoid them turning into mush) and clementines/mandarins since they peel easier.

    I also like to pack blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries in their store punnets. When we’re ready to eat, it’s pretty easy to rinse them with water from a water bottle or to find a potable water tap. Also, kids love berries. My daughter goes bananas (pun intended) for raspberries!

    2. Fruit Snacks or Chews

    This is my next favourite snack to pack because we can choose more real fruit options. I like the “Fruit to Go” snacks by SunRype. They’re really tasty, almost like a treat, and they’re vegan. Some include added veggies, which is a bonus.

    I also like the Bear brand Real Fruit Snack minis. There’s no sugar added, and they come in cute little bear paw prints.

    My kids are also fans of the Bob Snail line-up. They have a variety of fun options, like leather strips, roll ups, and gummy disks. We’ve had the most fun with the Bob Snail “Eat&Play Bobnimals” that include a snail toy inside – like a better Kinder Egg. They work fantastic as rewards, and it makes you want to collect all versions of the snail inside.

    3. Cheese Puff Snacks

    I love popcorn and before kids, I used to make homemade popcorn weekly and buy fun flavoured bags from the grocery store as a treat. With kids, especially young ones, the choking hazard of popcorn is something I don’t want to deal with. I find that buying cheese puffs can scratch the itch of eating popcorn without you hiding in the closet to eat it.

    I’m a big fan of Angie’s Boom Chicka Pop White Cheddar puffs. I like buying a big back of puffs and then using snack baggies or cups to portion out some puffs for on the go.

    4. Pretzels Plus Spreads

    Another fun and easy snack to keep kids occupied are pretzels plus a dip. I like this because you can buy a big bag of pretzels but still keep the snack fresh by cycling through different accompaniments. We pair our pretzels with:

    • Homemade cheese sauce, or a soft cheese spread like laughing cow cheese or cream cheese (can be flavoured)
    • Nut spread (sunflower seed butter, peanut butter, almond butter, cashew butter)
    • Chocolate spread like Nutella, or Kraft Chocolate Peanut butter
    • Jams
    • Hummus (can even sneak in celery or broccoli to go with it)

    5. Energy Balls

    This is snack that you can make at home and with your kids. The recipe is very forgiving for little hands and it’s fun to customize. I love making energy balls with little chocolate chips and maybe a bit of protein powder.

    For a series of energy ball recipes from The Real Food Dieticians that I like: click here!

    6. Homemade Muffins, Cookies, or Loafs

    Nothing beats homemade items. I love baking with my kids because I feel like they’re more likely to eat what they make.

    We just made these strawberry muffins with some fresh Ontario strawberries, and I highly recommend it.

    We also just made banana cream cheese swirl muffins and those been a hug hit for everyone.

    7. Lunchables or Cheese and Crackers

    What kid doesn’t love Lunchables? It’s basically a cute little bento box. If you’re time pressed, there are some really great cheese/cracker options in the store that include healthier options like cranberries or dark chocolate. You can always make your own version with the crackers and cheese of your choice. Then, if you’d like, you can add a sweet treat like a Hershey’s Kiss or fruit gummies.

    8. Packaged Baby Snacks

    Don’t sleep on baby snacks! They are actually fun snacks to add into your snack rotation, especially if you have children of different ages. I really like yogurt melts as a sweet addition, or arrowroot cookies as something else to munch on. Baby stars are also a fun, eating activity if your kids are being pushed in a stroller. The stars can also be added to a toddler friendly “trail mix”, along with other fun finger foods. The bonus is that a lot of baby snack are very portable and easy to store or dispense.

    9. Cheese Snacks

    Cheese is a great option because it contains protein and fat which help satiate appetites. I like Babybel cheeses because they are coated with wax, pre-portioned, can come in spiral options, and sometimes have fun Disney characters on them.

    Cheese strings are another great pre-portioned cheese option.

    These may not last as long on a hot day and they can be a little pricier, but they’re great options.

    Also pairing sliced cheese with an apple or pear is another great way to achieve a healthy fat/protein with a fiber-full fruit.

    10. Nuts and Dried Fruit

    A classic charcuterie board combo which works for kids too! Nuts provide healthy fat and fibre with the dried fruit adding more fibre and nutrients.

    Dried apricots are great because they also provide a small source of iron, which for pickier eaters, can be hard to get.

    Cashews are a great starter nut option because they are a little softer to chew on. Pistachios are also great because they contain a little bit of protein. Be most cautious with smaller hard nuts, like peanuts, which are choking hazards for younger children.

    11. Applesauce

    Applesauce squeeze packs aren’t just for babies. They’re a great on-the-go source of fibre and carbohydrates. Essentially, they’re instant energy for when your kids are hitting an afternoon slump. They’re portable and come in a ton of fun flavour combinations.

    If you’re feeling ambitious, you can also make your own applesauce and portion it into these reusable dishwasher-safe pouches from amazon.

    12. Cereal

    Allegedly, my husband was obsessed with plain Cheerios as a kid. And honestly, it’s such a great snack. For younger kids, Cheerios are a great finger food, and they dissolve easily. And for older kids, the benefit is that they contain added iron and vitamins.

    Cereal is also another option that can be dispensed into smaller snack bags for travelling. There are also a bunch of cereal options in the store, where you can choose a variety of flavours to keep things fun and exciting.

    13. Granola bars

    Another classic snack on the go. Granola bars are great for when you’re in a pinch for snacks and they usually travel well. There are a variety of options at the store to choose from. I do like brand Made Good, which usually includes added fruit and veggies to their granola bars.

    You can also make fantastic granola bars at home. I really like this recipe by The Real Food Dietitians for making my own: Homemade Peanut Butter Granola Bars

    14. Yogurt: Tubes/Cups/Drinks/Parfaits

    I LOVE yogurt. I eat it almost every day. If it’s Greek yogurt, it can be a great source of protein as well as full of good gut probiotics. You can add cinnamon, vanilla, and nut butter to make a fruit dip. Or you can add spices or a ranch salad dressing spice pack to make a healthier veggie dip.

    On the go, I also love packing frozen yogurt tubes since they help keep other food cold and they’re just really tasty. The tube is also a great way to keep small hands less messy – watch the squeezing from the bottom though!

    Yogurt drinks are also another great snack, and some contain a good amount of protein. They’re a great option when you stop at the store for a snack before hitting the library or the beach.

    You can also quickly put together a yogurt parfait in a small glass lock container by layering chopped fruit and granola in the yogurt.

    Do monitor the nutrition labels as a lot of children’s yogurt products have been overly sweetened to make them more attractive to children.

    15. Sandwiches/Wraps

    Ok, this may seem boring to some. But sandwiches are such a great option to pack. Not only can you choose your own ingredients, but you can create the perfect snack: a mix of complex carbs, protein, and fibre.

    Use either homemade bread (who has time for that?), or healthier bread options like wholegrain and sourdough. Then you can go with the classic ham and cheese (maybe sneak some sliced cucumber or sprouts on there) or some fun flavour combos. If you make your own fruit jam (essentially mashed fruit, honey, chia seeds, and lemon juice) with natural peanut butter, you have a tasty, better for you PB&J. Maybe go crazy, and have a cream cheese, honey, and strawberry sandwich!

    The world is your oyster with sandwiches.

    Same thing with wraps! I love making little wrap pinwheels using meat and cream cheese. Changing up the format keeps things fun for young kids!

    Take-Away:

    Having snacks is a must! I hope you found some inspiration from my list.

    For snacks that require some cooling: a cooler bag or insulated bag works just fine. My baby bag has a small section for milk bottles that is insulated, and I use that for snacks that need some cooling. Often, my kids are eating these snacks within a half hour so sometimes, if I’m really pressed, I just put them in a regular bag. But you can find some fun backpack coolers on amazon like this one.

    Share in the comments if you have any fun snack options that you like to pack! I’d love to hear about them!

    Also, please always supervise your children when they are eating. Safe eating practices include having them sitting upright and not talking or laughing while chewing. Knowing what to do in the event of a choking emergency is crucial, so please update your CPR skills regularly.

  • How “Non-Negotiable” Daily Habits Can Change Your Life and Easy Ones You Can Start Today!

    How “Non-Negotiable” Daily Habits Can Change Your Life and Easy Ones You Can Start Today!

    Happy August! Or as I like to say, happy “fall-lite”. I do hate saying that, but it’s hard to ignore the fact that our Ontario weather is starting to cool down, the sun is setting earlier, and I’m sitting here craving a latte. I’m just mentally trying to get into the headspace that summer is coming to a close and the lovely warm weather will be behind us soon.

    Recently, I’ve been reading and hearing a lot about daily “non-negotiables”. Essentially, they’re a daily habit that you simply cannot skip. You can think of them as business meetings with your most important client (aka you) – cancelling them would be in bad taste. They’re a little sprinkle of self-care that should be as important to you as brushing your teeth.

    I absolutely love the idea of incorporating “non-negotiable” habits into your day or week because it allows us moms the permission to prioritize ourselves without feeling guilty. And *say it with me now* you can’t pour from an empty cup!

    Like, do ever you feel guilty for brushing your teeth? Of course not.

    That is what non-negotiables should feel like.

    Here are my current “non-negotiables” that I sneak into my day to help me be my best self. You can easily take inspiration from mine or create your own. They can be as big or small as you want, but they just have to make you a little bit healthier and bring you a little bit closer to living your most aspirational life:

    Health and Fitness Related Non-Negotiables

    1. Drinking Water:

    Ok, starting the list off strong with a very basic survival activity. I try to have my first drink of the day be water. Really, I just aim to have a few healthy gulps before I chug a bunch of caffeine in the morning.

    I recently got a Larq water bottle, and I love it! It filters the water well, and the tracking/reminder to drink features are a fun bonus. Another easy way to drink more water, aside from flavouring it or buying a new water bottle, is to drink a couple of big gulps after every bathroom break. Not super groundbreaking, but it’s something that’s easy to make a habit.

    How is this a non-negotiable? I tell myself I can’t start my day without water, and I prioritize water throughout the day. When I go somewhere, I’m bringing a filled water bottle. Simple. Non-negotiable. Mission accomplished.

    2. Move My Body In Any Capacity:

    This could be aiming to get 10K steps a day (really anything about 7k is a win) or getting a workout in. Basically, for me it is something that is as important as eating a proper meal, taking a shower, or brushing my teeth.

    I prioritize working out/moving for at least 20 minutes a day. This can also be broken up into smaller chunks throughout the day, like a 5 minute stretch in the morning, a 10 minute strength or cardio session, and a 5 minute walk after dinner. It doesn’t matter what it looks like as long as it happens, and I always feel better after it.

    3. Go Outside:

    This one is similar to “move my body in any capacity”. However, there is something so invigorating and healing about walking outside. And bonus points if it’s around trees, grass, and water.

    This makes me feel good, and it helps me to recognize that the world is bigger than some of my little nagging problems during the day. There is so much beauty in the world and often it’s hidden or taken for granted.

    4. Eat a Vegetable or Fruit at Meals (or hide it!)

    I make an effort to eat healthier foods as much as I can, however, if I don’t have a benchmark to go by, it is pretty easy to “forget” to incorporate fruits and vegetables into my diet. Therefore, I aim to add fruits at snacks or as sweeter treats after a meal, and at least one vegetable at mealtimes. I also try to eat the veggie or fruit first before any other food item. In other words, I eat my salad first.

    As a non-negotiable: basically, I don’t get to eat my granola bar until I’m done my apple.

    Non-Fitness Related Non-Negotiables:

    1. Wear My Wedding/Engagement Rings

    I like wearing my wedding and engagement rings because they’re a sweet reminder of my love for my family. When I’m at work and the day is dragging on, those rings remind of what I have waiting for me at home.

    I love wearing jewelry that has sentimental meaning, and this is one easy way I can incorporate gratitude into my day-to-day. When I’m away from home, it’s a non-negotiable to wear my rings.

    2. Write in any capacity

    Writing and journaling have become my outlet and passion. I feel good when I’m creating and when ideas are flowing. It helps me to get out of my head and I just find it fun.

    However, writing, like a lot of things, requires practice to get better. I’m always looking to improve my writing skills and really refine my writing voice. So, for me, this is another non-negotiable.

    Sometimes, I promise myself I’ll write for just 1 minute or even just write one sentence. More often than not, this turns into something longer or more in depth. But here, I consider anything a win.

    3. Weekly day for myself

    This is something new I’ve started doing. As a working mom of two very small children, it’s really hard to carve time out of the week for yourself. Not only does there not seem to be enough time in the day, but mom guilt is also something that I struggle with. I do truly want to be with my kids all the time, but sometimes the little cuties drive me bananas.

    Having a weekly “date” with myself, to just do whatever I want has been so nice. It’s something that I look forward to and it helps me get through tough days at work and wild bedtime routines.

    I’ve recently started playing golf and it’s been so fun to do something new that I’ve never done before. It’s also a pretty social game, and I have friends that I go to the driving range with regularly. I highly recommend trying something new where you’re a beginner – it gives you something to focus on and the new challenge of it can be so fun.

    4. Daily Affirmation

    It feels super kooky to say things like “I move through life with quiet confidence” out loud to yourself. But it works, and it helps you zero in on whatever goal(s) you may have.

    Saying affirmations to myself daily has really helped me frame who I want to be at work and at home. I am a quieter person, and affirmations that tell me I am a person with something valuable to say does wonders when I’m about to socialize with other people.

    I’ve been using ChatGPT to suggest and refine affirmations for whatever I’m feeling. If you’re looking for a prompt to start with, you can always just ask ChatGPT for “cool girl affirmations” and go from there.

    Take-Away

    So, what can you do today? Well, I’d suggest choosing one that I’ve listed and making it your goal for today. Start with adding just one and going from there – you want this to be fun, and not another to-do list.

    Your own non-negotiables should be things that make you feel good, make you a better person/colleague/mom, and that are actually good for you!

    What do you do if you miss your non-negotiables for the day? Well, please don’t panic and stress. Tomorrow is another opportunity to incorporate them.

    Let me know what non-negotiables you’re going to try to out. Are there any great ones you’d recommend? Let me know in the comments!

  • My 15 Summer 2025 “Game-Changers”

    My 15 Summer 2025 “Game-Changers”

    With the official beginning of summer, I’m starting a new *insert season* Game-Changers segment. This is where I’m compiling a short list of my favourite things to bring with you into a new season. These are things that make me feel good, motivated and excited for the upcoming months.

    Here is my Summer 2025 “Game-Changers” list:

    1. Get your nails done
    2. One Golden Summer (Carly Fortune)
    3. Kobo E-Reader
    4. Pinterest Vibe Board
    5. Phone Restrictions
    6. Writing
    7. Sunscreen – La Roche Posay
    8. Carving Time for Yourself Unapologetically
    9. Running Shorter Distances – Let’s be Sprinters
    10. Chat GPT
    11. Mel Robbins the “Let Them Theory”
    12. Buy New Summer Clothes
    13. Evening Walks
    14. Affirmations
    15. Stop Caring What Others Think

    1) Get your nails done

    There is something about getting my nails done that makes me feel so put together and ready for all the summer events. Pretty nails can give you a “cool girl” vibe and they obviously go with everything you wear.

    For me, when I’m presenting my “best self” I feel more confident, and one of the ways to look like I’m at my “best” is when my hands/nails look healthy and clean. However, this is definitely a luxury I’ll just be indulging in over the summer.

    When your house is in chaos and you haven’t washed your hair in a few days, at least your nails will look great!

    2) One Golden Summer (Carly Fortune)

    I loved this book! It brings the best summer energy and has such a sweet story. I loved the characters and (I may be a little biased) but I loved that it was set back in my hometown again. Every time I read it, I felt like I was at my parent’s house, sitting in the sun, and hanging out by the water. If you want a great summer read with a cute little romance, I highly recommend you give this one a read.

    3) Kobo E-Reader

    I was given a Kobo for Mother’s Day and I love it so much! I know in my post “How to Read More Books as a Busy Mom – 10 Easy Tips” (link here!) I talk about an e-reader not being crucial to reading more, but it has definitely motivated me to spend even more time reading.

    I love the buttons on it and I love how it syncs to my library (Libby) app. It’s so easy to download library books to it and I can even read in bed with the lights off since it has a back-lit screen feature.

    I can’t recommend it enough and I wish I had gotten one sooner!

    4) Pinterest Vibe Board

    I love a good Pinterest Vibe board. It helps you bring the right energy into the season, and it can give you that extra motivation for your goals. I really recommend making it your phone screen and just feeling the good feels every time you unlock your phone. I talk a little bit more about how to make a Pinterest vibe or mood board in my post “12 Easy Steps to Help Moms Mentally Prepare for a Return-to-Work after Parental Leave” (link here!).

    5) Phone Restrictions

    One of my top priorities for this summer season is to be present with my kids more. They really do grow so fast, and I don’t want to miss any of their cute little moments as they discover and learn about their world. I also don’t want to be the parent who’s glued to their phone and not connecting with their kids. It breaks my heart when I see parents on their phones at the park and their kids are looking over at them for them to watch something they’re doing, and the parent is just completely oblivious.

    Look, I’m not shaming anyone here – sometimes you need to be on your phone and that’s just the reality of our present day. I, personally, just want to use my phone mindfully since it is really easy to get sucked into social media scrolling (it’s such a dopamine hit for your brain!). So, this summer, I’m adding screen restrictions between 9-5 during the week, and focusing on being ok without my phone. I’m talking leaving it in another room, going for a run/walk without it, and just being with my kids without it. Just a fun little phone “detox” for the summer.

    Photo by Miriam Alonso: https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-person-using-a-smartphone-7623555/

    6) Writing

    Aside from working out/moving my body, I find writing helps me relax and eases my anxiety. It’s fun to come up with cool sentences and writing helps organize my thoughts into something coherent. So, this summer, I recommend carving out a few minutes every day to write something. It doesn’t have to be anything long and you don’t have to take it super seriously. It can be as simple as writing down 5 things you’re grateful for, what you did yesterday, what you’ll do today, or even just one sentence to describe the current moment that you’re in. Give it a try and see if it makes you feel good.

    I do really like Oprah’s “The Life You Want” Planner if you’re looking for a mix of mindfulness, self-help, and prompt-directed writing. It’s also nice because you enter the dates and there is no set calendar. So, if life gets in the way you can put it down and start back up when things calm down. But also, a cute notebook works wonders for motivating yourself to write. Browse Indigo’s notebook aisle for something that speaks to you.

    7) Sunscreen – La Roche-Posay

    With the warmer weather comes more opportunities to be in the sun and exposed to UV rays. Protect your face and body as much as you can with sunscreen. I’m currently really loving the La Roche-Posay sunscreen, it plays well with my makeup (i.e. it doesn’t pill) and I don’t feel like a greasy mess when I wear it. I also like the price-point and the fact that I can grab it from my local drugstore. I have the tinted version, but the non-tinted one is also great.

    8) Carving Time for Yourself Unapologetically

    I’ve been observing the moms around me who seem to have a pretty great handle on caring for their young children, and I’ve realized something that they all have in common. They all carve out time for themselves, and they don’t feel guilty about it! To me, this was groundbreaking. Like what?, no guilt?, how???

    And they just know that in order to be their best selves for their families, they need their “me-time”, and there’s no reason to feel guilty for that. Parallel this to fathers: my husband plans at least one 6-hour golf day a week, and he has no guilt whatsoever. And I’ve heard similar stories from other moms about their husbands.

    So, for this summer, throw away your guilt and go do that thing you want! By yourself or with friends! Because you need an unapologetic break sometimes too.

    Photo by Elina Fairytale: https://www.pexels.com/photo/happy-people-standing-at-a-garden-4834151/

    9) Running Shorter Distances – Let’s be Sprinters

    Ok, running in hot and humid weather is incredibly humbling. You’re breathing harder, your heartrate is so much higher, you’re sweating more, and your pacing is much slower than what you’re used to. Your body is working so much harder to meet the fitness and stress demands that hot weather brings.

    So, I’m thinking for the summer, let’s throw in some sprint work instead of long sweaty slogs. Look, you’ll still get extra sweaty, but at least your workout time is minimized so you can get back to relaxing on your porch with a cold bevvy.

    Try some sprint intervals of 30 seconds all out followed by 1 min 30 sec – 2 mins of rest. Repeat 3-5 times. Boom, sprints done in less than 15 minutes.

    Photo by BOOM 💥: https://www.pexels.com/photo/runner-at-the-starting-line-12659357/

    10) Chat GPT

    This is something you either love, hate, or have no idea how to use. I’m personally in the “love” group. I find Chat GPT so helpful as a brainstorming and proofreading tool. I just returned back to work after my second baby, and I’ve been a bit rusty on professional email vernacular. Chat GPT has been helping me out a lot with that – it helps me know what the tone of my email is and makes suggestions for flow and readability. I do give the final once-over and make sure the email is in my “voice”.

    It’s also been helpful in designing my website and answering any marketing questions I have. Really, I view it as a more direct and concise google search. I don’t have to scroll countless links/website to find what I want, and I can refine searches or even change the vibe of the search.

    I know AI can be pretty scary, but its staying, so we might as well get used to using it and using it properly. Obviously, be aware of personal information that you share, and know that it does collect a history of your prompts.

    11) Mel Robbins and the “Let Them Theory”

    I’ve recently been listening to Mel Robbin’s podcast, and I’ve been enjoying her content. A lot of her interviews are a nice blend of motivational and inspirational without seeming superficial or devoid of any real content.

    She recently released a book called the “Let Them Theory”, essentially saying to stop trying to control the things you can’t, and to instead focus on the things you can – such as your own emotional responses. Full disclosure: I haven’t read the whole book. I did find it very repetitive, and I felt like I got the gist of it after a few chapters. I will give it another attempt at a later date though!

    But I like the intention behind the “Let Them” idea. And I find myself bringing it into my daily life. Not only does it make me realize how much I let others dictate my life, but how much I actually try and control others. So, bringing this mood into summer, especially when you have some saucy toddlers, might help you tackle any curve-balls life throws you a little easier.

    12) Buy New Summer Clothes

    I just like this because updating your wardrobe can make you feel like a million bucks. I bought a few pieces from Athleta that were on sale, and I’ve been able to find some things from Winners. So, you don’t have to spend a lot of money or do a whole overhaul – just find a couple pieces that you really love. The key is to also toss out any clothes you no longer wear at the same time. Sometimes having fewer clothes can help make the decision of what to wear a bit easier, rather than being overwhelmed by choice.

    I’m a big fan of the Seasoft Mid Rise 4″ Short from Athleta.

    13) Evening Walks

    Summer in Canada goes by so quickly and I always want to optimize my time outside as much as possible. I’ve found the best way to do this is to go for a lovely evening walk after dinner.

    For my kids, it’s also a nice way to wind down and get ready for bed considering it’s bright out until 9pm. Also, it helps to get more steps in if it’s been too hot to walk outside for very long during the day. Ontario is in the middle of a heat wave, and the temperature today is 43 degrees Celsius. So, I’m definitely walking later this evening when the temperate is a little bit more tolerable.

    14) Affirmations

    I think the way you phrase and choose your affirmations is so important. I’ve found that changes in the way I say my affirmations makes a difference. For example, rather than saying “I am a fast runner”, I’ve started saying “I am a person who is a fast runner”, and I have no idea why, but this slight change makes the difference for me.

    Try rephrasing your affirmations with the phrase: “I am a person who …” and let me know if it helps you out!

    15) Stop Caring What Other’s Think

    I feel like I have to remind this of myself constantly. Sometimes I feel very anxious posting on Instagram, especially when it’s alongside all these influencers with all those perfectly curated pages. I’ve recently tried to change my mind set in regard to image sharing – I’m sharing my life with my friends and family. Maybe someone from high school is curious what I’m up to, maybe my cousin is curious about how old my kids are, maybe my mom’s friend wants to post a comment on my photo etc… I’m going to stop overthinking things and just do what I want in my life. So, I started off this blog post by instagraming this image.

    Let me know if you have any of your own “game-changers” that you’re bring with you into summer 2025!

  • Your Guide to Conquering the Chedoke Stairs in Hamilton, Ontario

    Your Guide to Conquering the Chedoke Stairs in Hamilton, Ontario

    If you’re from the Hamilton area, chances are good that you know of at least one massive staircase that goes up the escarpment – there are currently 5 total. Walking or running the stairs in Hamilton is a great way to get outside and challenge your body.

    My current favourite staircase is the “Chedoke stairs”. The base is located near the Chedoke Golf course and its top is at the West Mountain. It is 298 steps of pure fun. And while it’s not the only staircase in Hamilton, I do find it to be one of the hardest flights with easiest parking lot to access as someone who doesn’t live in Hamilton.

    If you’re looking for workouts you can do on these stairs, look no further!

    1) CN Tower Walk

    This is probably my favourite way to tackle the stairs, just because it is the most straight-forward. It is a goal directed walk of the stairs and a test of endurance.

    The CN tower in Toronto has 1,776 steps, so if you walk up the Chedoke stairs 6 times that’s essentially the equivalent of climbing the tower straight. Now obviously, we’re not including the descent of the stairs in this equation – but you can if you want to.

    However, I have heard some people argue that the CN Tower is equivalent to 10 climbs of the Chedoke stairs. I’m guessing this is based on the fact that the CN tower has 144 flights, and if you estimate a flight at 20 steps, it works out to close to 10 time the Chedoke stairs. The CN tower has just 12 steps per flight so do with this what you will – you can choose 6x or 10x the Chedoke Stairs to accomplish this.

    I basically make this a time competition. How fast can I do 6 climbs of the Chedoke stairs (i.e. scale the CN tower)? I usually start off at a faster speed and end with a slow (controlled!) trek up the last couple of flights.

    You can also adapt this to any building you’d like to metaphorically climb. For instance, the 911 climb is 110 flights of stairs – that’s approximately 7 climbs up the Chedoke staircase.

    2) Mixed Stepping

    If you do this one right, it can be more of a leg strengthening exercise than a cardio workout.

    This is where each ascent up the stairs, or even at each landing, you change the way you step. You can start off with your basic stepping, then transition to a larger stride and hit every second step. Then you can repeat.

    Alternatively, you can walk sideways up the stairs, leading with either leg and having your back leg do a crossover. Switch this up as you ascend.

    The real tip here is to make sure you’re pushing with your leading leg and reducing the assistance from the leg behind you. Essentially, you’re doing mixed lunges up the stairs so follow lunge mechanics to really turn this into a booty-targeting stair climb.

    An example workout can be:

    2 stair flights “normal”

    2 stair flights “Every second step”

    2 stair flights “left leg leading”

    2 stair flights “right leg leading”

    and repeat.

    I’ve seen some people walk down the stairs backwards as another alternative way of stepping. For some, this can be easier on the knees but obviously be aware of your surroundings when doing this.

    Photo by Maksim Goncharenok: https://www.pexels.com/photo/women-running-on-gray-concrete-stairs-4348629/

    3) Sprint Interval Training

    I recently listened to the Mel Robbins Podcast with Dr. Stacey Sims as the guest speaker. Click here to access the episode – I highly recommend giving this a listen!

    During this interview, Dr. Sims touched on the concept of sprint interval training (SIT) and how beneficial it is for women. Essentially, it is a max effort activity done for 30 seconds, with a 1 minute 30 second to a 2-minute break between each max effort. She recommended doing this a maximum of 5 times. I like it this because not only is it great for heart health, but it is also a pretty intense workout in a very short time span. Perfect for moms and those with busy lifestyles.

    What this could look like on the stairs: running up the stairs as fast (and safely) as you can for 30 seconds. Then, you can either stop and stay standing where you are and rest. Or, for those who want more or who have a higher level of fitness, your rest period can be slowly continuing your climb up the steps. The most important part here is making sure your heart rate decreases back to an acceptable level where on your next stair sprint, you’re able to give your maximum effort. In other words, you’re pushing your heart rate to its max and breathing heavy after those 30 seconds.

    Photo by Andrea Piacquadio: https://www.pexels.com/photo/crop-sportswoman-ready-for-running-3763867/

    4) Weighted or backpack training

    I’ve recently been getting into rucksack training. This is training – walking, running, hiking, bodyweight workouts – with a weighted bag on your back. It originated from army training where soldiers would be training with their packs or “rucks” on their back. Rucksack training has benefits for your heart, your posture, your core, building muscle, your bone health, and a whole heck of a lot more. It’s a very accessible way of training that anyone from beginners to advanced athletes can do. It can also build your endurance and your mental toughness.

    Thus, rucking or weighted training is something that you can try on the Chedoke stairs. You can just add some form of weight carrying and then just tackle climbing the stairs. You can scale this to your level: do a straightforward stair walk if you’re a beginner or new to weighted walking, or you can get fancier if you have some experience. Here, you can increase your weighted carry, or you can add in any of the other workouts in this post.

    If you want to get into rucking, I recommend the GORUCK Ruck Carrier 3.0. You can purchase the weighted plates separately, either from the same provider or from amazon. The general rule of thumb is to go with 30% of your bodyweight when rucking. You could also try a weighted vest and there are many options available on amazon. Weighted vests, however, are limited in the weights that you’re able to increase to, and because of the way they sit on your body, they may not be as comfortable or stress your core as much as a rucksack.

    5) Stairway to Failure

    This one is for those of us who’d really like to struggle to sit down the next day. You essentially just walk/run the stairs until you can’t anymore. In other words, you hit muscle failure. While this sounds a little crazy, the cool thing about this workout is that if you do it consistently or say you do it at the beginning of the summer and then at the end of the summer, you’ll be able to directly see if you’ve gotten stronger. If you walk/run longer and further, you’ve improved.

    Photo by nappy: https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-wearing-black-sports-bra-and-jogger-shorts-smiling-936075/

    6) Stair loop with Dundurn

    If you’re a person who likes to go in one direction, then this is the workout for you! This is an approximately 4km loop of the stairs that can be done in either direction. Essentially, you walk up the Chedoke stairs, head up the path to Upper paradise road, follow Scenic Drive east, turn north on Garth Street, walk down the Dundurn stairs, and then finally hike the Chedoke Radial Trial east to end back at the base of the Chedoke stairs.

    Unfortunately, there isn’t a sidewalk on a portion of Scenic Drive, but there are bike lanes. It’s a nice workout to do if you want a touch of hiking, a little bit of neighbourhood strolling, and you want to see two sets of historic Hamilton Stairs.

    A Google Maps Image of the area, with the route outlined in red.

    7) Stair Ladder or Good Ol’ Fashioned Intervals

    If you’re looking for a very straightforward workout then any kind of interval work on the stairs is a winner. You can do timed intervals, distance intervals, or you can even get fancy and do a ladder workout.

    With timed intervals you have a timed rest period followed by a timed work period. It’s totally up to you how you want to tailor your work/rest – for example you can do 30sec on/30 secs rest, or 40 seconds on/20 seconds rest, or 20 seconds on/40 seconds rest. You can also determine how intense your rest period is by either choosing to completely stop or to continue a slow walk up the stairs.

    With a distance interval, you can choose to do a certain number of steps before a rest. The easiest would be to do a sprint up one stair flight, followed by a rest on the landing. Then, when your heart rate has settled, repeat. You can do this all the way up to the top of the staircase.

    Ladder intervals are a way to make intervals a bit more fun and varied. This is where you work up from an “easier” workout to an intense harder workout, and then back to an “easier” workout. It should parallel the metaphorical idea of climbing a ladder to the top and then climbing back down, with each “rung” of the ladder being a portion of the workout. What this can mean for a timed interval is something along these lines:

    1. 10 seconds of stair sprints/50 seconds of rest
    2. 20 seconds of stair sprints/40 seconds of rest
    3. 30 seconds of stair sprints/30 seconds of rest
    4. 40 seconds of stair sprints/20seconds of rest
    5. 50 seconds of stair sprints/10 seconds of rest
    6. 40 seconds of stair sprints/20 seconds of rest
    7. 30 seconds of stair sprints/30 seconds rest
    8. 20 seconds of stair sprints/40 seconds rest
    9. 10 seconds stair sprints/50 seconds rest

    Then rest for 3-5minutes. This ladder is approximately 9 minutes, so you could repeat this 2-3x for a solid workout.

    You can also do a ladder interval for distance. It could look something like this:

    1. 1 flight of stairs sprint, 30 seconds rest
    2. 2 flights sprint, 60 seconds rest
    3. 3 flights sprint, 1 minute 30 seconds rest
    4. 2 flights sprint, 60 seconds rest
    5. 1 flight sprint, 30 seconds rest

    I’ve never attempted this ladder workout, so if you do, you’ll have to let me know how it goes for you. Personally, I’m a big fan of timed workouts, since I find I lose focus with my form if I measure my progress by reps (or in this case steps).

    Intervals are fun, and they’re so easy to customize to how you’re feeling on the day, or even in the moment. If you’re tired, just decrease the intensity or number of intervals. Feeling good? Up the work time or repeat the whole thing again.

    Photo by Ketut Subiyanto: https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-in-black-tank-top-and-black-leggings-standing-on-wooden-dock-5037415/

    Prepping for the Stairs:

    If you want to get the most out of your workout on the stairs, it pays to prep a little bit. You’ll want to be dressed in the right clothing for the weather and you should be bringing some water with you.

    Generally, it is best to visit the Chedoke stairs in the morning when there is less of a crowd. And you’ll want to be considerate of those who are using the stairs just to get from point A to B. In other words, no elbowing your way past someone just so you can complete an interval. Getting there early also helps you snag a parking space, since it gets busier in the summer with golf season.

    Most importantly, you should make an effort to go through a proper stretch routine before tackling the stairs. Depending on what you’re doing, you’ll want to put yourself in the best position possible where you’re less likely to get injured. So, stretching is crucial.

    When you go up the stairs, in order to work the proper muscles (aka that booty), you’ll want to be using your heels or whole foot to step on each stair, rather than your toes. As you ascend, just pay attention to your body mechanics and which muscles you feel doing the work.

    Then, when you’re descending the stairs, pay attention to your surrounding and your feet placement. You’ll need to ensure you’re keeping your knees in a healthy position and that you’re descending in a controlled manner. Again, some have recommended walking the stairs down backward since it might be less stress on your knees, but this obviously opens up other issues (like not being able to see where you’re going).

    Finally, don’t be fooled into thinking stair climbing workouts are easy. These sprints are HARD, and you will be sore the next day. It is very humbling.

    Photo by Sinara de Melo: https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-stretching-her-foot-2331055/

    Post Stair Activities:

    After conquering your stair workout, please do not neglect stretching! You will be sore after, and the best way to mitigate any stiffness to stretch when you’re done. Then, I’d recommend spending some time the day after doing even more stretching or if you can handle it, some foam rolling.

    I want to end this post by saying that I’m not currently a certified fitness trainer, nor am I a doctor. However, I am a fitness lover – I do really enjoy creating workouts and tackling new athletic challenges. This all being said, please listen to your body and your doctor’s recommendations when it comes to your own physical activity and wellness journey.

  • Easy Strategies to Improve “Mom Brain”

    Easy Strategies to Improve “Mom Brain”

    My New Year’s Resolution this year was to learn names. I know – it’s very basic and a bit embarrassing. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized how awful my excuse of “I’m just terrible with faces” is – it makes me sound lazy and flippant. And c’mon, everyone likes to be remembered. The moment someone I’ve met only briefly remembers my name or one of my kid’s names, I’m instantly impressed, and I like them even more.

    However, I’m in the thick of parenting with two small kids under 3, and I find my brain just isn’t firing quite like it used to. The lack of sleep, lack of R&R, constant housework, and returning to work have led to the perfect storm of “mom brain”.

    Mom Brain: the forgetfulness and brain fog that occurs after having a child

    So, if you’re like me and find that some thoughts just *poof* disappear from your head if you’re not careful, then here are a couple tips that you can start using to improve your memory and combat “mom brain”.

    Tip #1: Write things down

    This is the biggest and best thing you can do to help you remember something. The list could probably stop here if I wanted it to.

    Basically, if there is something important you need to remember, you should write it down. At work, I’ve started volunteering to take meeting notes, just because it forces me to a) pay attention and b) have a copy of what happened that I’ve transcribed. This makes me more aware of what happened in the meeting mostly because I either remember it being said or I remember physically writing (or typing) it.

    For my day-to-day, I have a few notes saved to my phone that hit on important things in my life. Like my to-do list, grocery list, meal list, book list, ideas list etc… If I don’t write down a thought I have, it’s gone. Similarly, once you book an appointment, put that directly into your calendar. Don’t wait to do it later, put it directly into your phone’s calendar ASAP.

    Tip #2: Try to Prioritize Sleep

    I’m sorry to include this in my list – but you do need sleep. You’ll be fighting a losing battle without it. Now, I’m not trying to tell you to go to bed at 8:00pm, because for some families with littles, that’s unfortunately not realistic. What I am trying to say is: evaluate how you feel. If you’re a little spacey, on edge, or just not feeling yourself, maybe go to bed instead of watching another episode of Netflix.

    Tip #3: Use Mnemonics

    Whenever I think of mnemonics, I’m immediately transported back to grade school history and trying to memorize dates with my mom before a test. I find mnemonics to be boring, but they do work.

    Essentially, they’re a personalized memory hack – it can be special patterns, rhymes, songs, or stories to help you create an association in your mind for whatever it is you want to remember.

    For example, there is an emotional support dog in my office building. He’s absolutely adorable and I want to remember this cutie-patootie’s name. His name is “Jack”. He’s unfortunately missing one of his eyes. Pirates wear an eye-patch to cover one of their eyes. Captain Jack Sparrow is a famous pirate. Ergo, I think of Captain Jack when I see him and remember that “Jack” is this pup’s name.

    I’ve also heard of people repeating names back when they are introduced to someone new. Like: “Hi, my name’s Jessica.” “Oh hi! Jessica, was it?”.

    Sometimes, just a little song or repetition can do wonders to help you remember.

    Tip #4: Eat Well

    Your body wants whole, nutritious food and your brain runs best when it’s fueled properly. So, try your best to nourish your body with good, healthy, nutrient dense foods.

    I feel like we all know by now that excessive sugar and caffeine can wreak havoc on our body systems and our moods. Do yourself a favour and try your best to eat well.

    I follow the 80/20 rule when eating. Basically, I aim to eat as much whole, nutritious foods as possible but I’ll throw in a few treats here and there. I have a sweet tooth, so I’ll generally throw in something on the sweeter side during the day. If you find the majority of your food choices are fruits, veggies, protein sources, and complex carbohydrates – you’re good. If not, there is always room for improvement.

    Tip #5: Pay Attention When Your Routine Changes

    Our brain simplifies our life by often running on autopilot throughout the day. This is why you might not remember locking your door before you left the house even though you definitely did.

    But this all gets shaken up with changes to our routines. This is how clothes, school bags, coffee cups, work bags, lunches etc… can get forgotten when we’re rushing somewhere new. Our brains haven’t had time to process the new stimuli into habits.

    Therefore, with any changes to your routine, make sure you’re taking a quick, slightly more in-depth assessment of everything you need and have to do. Also, maybe write them down.

    Tip #6: Live in the Moment and Use Your 5 Senses

    Running on autopilot can be great to accomplish everyday tasks (i.e. see tip #5 above), but it’s not great for your memory. When you start to make an effort to “live in the moment” you’ll pay more attention to the things that are happening around you.

    Take a few minutes every so often in your day to pay attention to your surroundings. The easiest way to accomplish this is to use your senses and narrate it in your head with 1-2 sentences each:

    • What do you see?
    • What do you smell?
    • What do you taste?
    • What do you feel/what are you touching?
    • What do you hear?

    Bonus: this can also work to ground you if you’re feeling anxious.

    Tip #7: Review Your Notes and Calendars

    You know those notes I talking about you writing in the first tip – you should probably review them on a somewhat regular basis. Not only does this keep them at the forefront of your mind, but it also helps you avoid making a duplicate note.

    Also, review your family calendars at least on a week-to-week basis. You want to avoid having events pop-up when you’re expecting a free weekend, or having double booked your kids to two parties on the same day at the same time (guilty!).

    Just take a few minutes before you fall asleep on Sunday to check out the amazing week ahead of you.

    Tip #8: Know Your Capacity and Limitations

    You know yourself best, and at the end of the day, you know if you’re pushing yourself past your limits. If you’re in the thick of “mom-ing” and your kids are small, give yourself a little break and know that sometimes things will slip through the cracks. And really, “mom-brain” can be the perfect, funny excuse. Did you forget to put on mascara this morning? Or is your shirt on backwards? Well, that’s mom brain. It can be hilarious and quirky and innocently goofy.

  • How to Ace the Small Talk so People Think You’re Cool

    How to Ace the Small Talk so People Think You’re Cool

    A lot of people hate small talk. Its repetitive, awkward, and those moments of silence can be terrifying. And as a mom of two littles, I’m realizing that in order to make any kind of “mom friends” I need to start chatting people up at the park.

    First off – you’re already cool. Don’t let anyone else try to tell you otherwise, especially yourself. You have a whole wealth of knowledge and experience that other people don’t have and that’s valuable.

    Anyone who makes it seem like they don’t want to talk to you, clearly doesn’t know you enough. A huge part of tricking people into thinking you’re cool is really just projecting confidence and kindness. As someone who would describe themselves as introverted and shy, talking to other people can sometimes feel like a huge, overwhelming task that you’re bound to fail. But with a little preparation, practice and a few strategies, you can become a small talk expert!

    So, here are a few things you can do to trick other people into thinking you’re fun to talk to and someone they’d like to be friends with!

    Loosen Up Your Body

    If you have the time, I highly recommend doing a workout or some mobility stretching. I like doing this because it can get some jittery energy out if you’re nervous and it also makes you more aware of where your body is in space. Sometimes I find I start to hunch into myself when I’m nervous (like a subconscious desire to become smaller), but moving my body in a controlled way can get some tightness out and literally “loosen up”.

    Bonus points if you’re able to get your heart rate up a little bit since it will give you some fun exercise endorphins that will boost your mood and approachability.

    At the very least, wiggle out your arms, roll your neck, set your shoulders back, and stand tall. Body language is something that as humans we’re evolved to detect, so try and release any tension you have before you meet with others.

    Photo by Luemen Rutkowski on Unsplash

    Dress Your Best

    Plain and simple, if you dress your best, you feel your best. You don’t have to drop buckets of money on a new outfit for every event but choose your outfits carefully. Dress for the occasion (it’s generally better to be over-dressed than under) and dress for comfort. The worst thing is to constantly be adjusting some part of your clothing because it’s itchy or it’s falling down. Or to be constantly thinking of these things when you’re supposed to be paying attention to your new friend that you met from HR who knows where the best coffee in the city is. If you’re a stay-at-home mom, or a working mom out for a park walk with your kids on the weekend, try and wear something that doesn’t make you feel like a slob. Obviously, play to your season of life and if you’re barely surviving with your littles, just focus on yourself and your kids, not your outfit.

    Listen And Ask Questions

    Everyone likes conversations that flow and transition smoothly from topic to topic. The best way to achieve this is to listen and ask questions. I know. Groundbreaking!

    Basically, what I’m implying is that you need to really listen – be active in what you’re hearing. Oh, your coworker has a daughter who just got accepted into university? Neat, what’s their major? Or why did they choose that? What does your coworker think? Can you tie in any stories about choosing your own major? Or any thoughts you’ve heard about that major (keep them positive!)?

    Get to the core of the person’s story. Obviously don’t end up drilling them but make the conversation a give and take. Don’t be a passive listener (aka listen without contributing) and don’t be the only talker.

    Photo by Brooke Cagle on Unsplash

    Prep Beforehand

    This is something I like to do before a big event when I know I’m going to be doing a lot of small talk. Think Christmas parties, conferences, and children’s birthday parties.

    I like to think of a few talking points to bring up in case the conversation starts to lag or if I just want to get to know the person I’m chatting with a little better.

    For example, I might bring up a popular TV show that I’m watching. Maybe the person is also watching it, and we can chat about their thoughts, or maybe they’ve never heard about it in which case I can tell them about it for a few minutes. I might even rope someone who’s also seen it to help me describe it (a more the merrier conversation!).

    Just make a quick short list in your head of fun things you (and others) like to talk about, are topical, and don’t exclude other people. This means keep them fun, open-ended, and not complicated. Talk about the new exhibit at the museum, not a super complicated coding program. But you can obviously tailor it to your audience – if you’re at a coding conference or talking to IT, then bring up your experience with R and Python. Similarly, try to avoid talking about kids with childless coworkers, unless they bring it up (or they have fur babies). Play to the interests of your group.

    So, prep a few talking points – but be flexible! Let the conversations progress naturally and just use them when you feel a lag.

    Assume Positive Intent

    This is something that I don’t think is done enough. Sometimes it can feel like the world is out to get you and everyone is making fun of you behind your back. But, more often than not this isn’t happening, and a lot of people are genuine. The assumption of positive intent is something one of my mentors told me about when I was working for a rehabilitation counsellor. She spoke about it in the context of cognitive behavioural therapy – a form of psychotherapy where the goal is to reframe your thoughts/attitudes/beliefs to inform healthier emotions and actions. Essentially, you work on the assumption that everyone you meet comes to you not wanting to cause you harm or discomfort and that they truly want to be your friend. For example, if someone interrupts you when you’re talking, try to have your first thought be “oh, they want to contribute to this super cool conversation I’m having” rather than “oh, they don’t like me and they think what I say doesn’t matter”.

    I also think this is something that moms tend to struggle with. I hear a lot of moms saying that they fear being judged by other moms or families for the way they parent. If you come into the conversation believing that the other parents are on your side, you’re more likely to come away feeling positive and grateful to have made the social connection. And if every mom is afraid of being judged, then we (all moms) really need to step it up and show them (other moms) more support or at the very least have a neutral reaction in the conversation.

    Assuming that everyone is coming from a position of kindness and positivity can help you reframe many conversations that you have. And it can genuinely help you have a healthier approach to life.

    Photo by Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦 on Unsplash

    Body Language

    Humans have evolved to be very social creatures, and we subconsciously process a lot of external cues to make sure that we fit into our social groups. This means that body language is very important when we talk with others and our thoughts can inform our postures. If you’re scared, you will tend to close yourself off: wrapping your arms around your body, leaning away, not making eye contact. Similarly, if you’re not interested in someone your body will take on an avoidance posture: you’ll face away from them, avoid eye contact, or show annoyance on your face. These are all postures you obviously want to steer clear of when you’re trying to get to know someone.

    So, focus on the presence you wish to project. If its confidence and approachability: stand proud, shoulders back, arms loose and at your side, and a neutral or positive expression on your face. You can also mirror the posture of whoever you’re talking to. Are they leaning in? Maybe you lean in too. Are they telling a wild story and their brows are raised? Maybe you raise your brows.

    Show that you’re listening and engaged with someone – offer a genuine smile (smile with your eyes), nod along, and make eye contact. If you struggle with having awkward hands, find something to do with them that isn’t weird. Hold a drink or hold a plate. if you’re desperate, play with some jewelry, but just try to avoid the crossed arms.

    Compliments

    Everyone loves to be told how great they are. And I whenever I’ve been complimented, it’s been such a mood and confidence booster. However, the real trick to making an impact with compliments is to make sure they’re real and you mean them. For instance, don’t compliment someone’s outfit if 1) it’s not that nice, and/or 2) you actually don’t like it. People can sense when a compliment seems off and it will seem like you’re poking fun instead.

    Obviously, don’t overdo it and don’t bend over backwards spewing compliments to anyone who will listen. Make your compliments thoughtful, true, and few.

    Deep Breaths

    I’ve mentioned how anxiety can sometimes get the best of me in social situations and really the best thing to stop it from getting worse is to control your breathing. Every so often do a quick check – are you belly breathing (ideal) or are you using your chest to pull in breaths (not ideal). Check out some YouTube videos if you’re not super clear on how to belly breathe.

    If you do find yourself getting a little anxious or nervous when chatting with others, take a few minutes (you can do this when you go to the bathroom) to consciously slow your breathing down. The more you practice this before any social event, the easier it will be when you are in a social situation.

    Be the Person You Want to Talk to

    Ok, this doesn’t mean that I want you to become the most interesting/smartest/best dressed/richest person in the room. This means that if someone is looking around a room of scary strangers, they’re going to want to talk to the most approachable and welcoming person there first. Become that person. Smile at people, meet their eyes, exude confidence and respect.

    Really dig deep into what qualities you like in people who you find easy to talk to. Maybe it’s not just that they’re funny, but that they really nod along with what you’re saying and make you feel special.

    Basically, just focus on being a nice person with a welcoming face.

    Photo by Malen Almonacid Trossi on Unsplash

    What is “Cool”?

    At the end of the day, being “cool” is subjective. If you like spiderman, you immediately become cool to my son. If you have a bunch of kids and somehow look put-together, I have an instant girl crush on you.

    The most important take-aways are really to be confident in who you are and know that you bring value to any conversation. At the same time, try to bring that out in the people you talk to – boost their confidence and really listen to them so that they can feel that what they are saying is worthwhile. That’s being cool.

    Let me know if you have any other tricks and tips that you use to help make small talk a little easier and a little less awkward!

  • 10 Thoughtful Last-Minute Gifts to Buy for Mother’s Day 2025

    10 Thoughtful Last-Minute Gifts to Buy for Mother’s Day 2025

    With Mother’s Day a little over a month away, I’ve put together a list of gifts you can get to show your appreciation for the mothers in your life. Sometimes special days can creep up on us in our calendars, so this list has some items that should be pretty easy to source quickly. And honestly, they’re all gifts I would love to get – so its basically my wish list!

    I view Mother’s Day as an opportunity to get the mother’s in your life something they wouldn’t normally buy for themselves – aka something luxurious or something fun. Moms are so accustomed to putting everyone else’s needs before their own, so it really goes a long way when you do your best to get them something thoughtful and a bit personalized.

    Jewelry

    Jewelry will always be a winning choice. But, what makes this gift really special is having there be a personal significance to it. I have a necklace that has the two initials of my kids and a pair of earrings with the birthstone of my son – both of these pieces are as important to me as my wedding ring. If the mother in your life doesn’t have commemorative jewelry, this is a perfect opportunity to get them something.

    Etsy is fantastic for this! There are a variety of affordable birthstone, birth flower and name jewelry. Just make sure to check where the seller is located and the delivery time. I prefer to select Etsy sellers from Canada if possible – this also shortens the delivery time for me.

    But if you’re willing to spend more and you have more time for delivery my necklace is from Right Hand Gal and my earring are from Mejuri.

    I do also like the name necklaces from Oak and Luna. And, recently, I’ve been liking morse code jewelry as a more subtle nod to my little progeny. You can customize your morse code jewelry with initials or phrases (like Super Mom).

    Pajamas or Lounge Pants

    I don’t know any mom who doesn’t love a good lounge set. The important thing here is making sure the set is not only comfortable, but also stylish. I’ve been eyeing some items from the Londre Bodywear Cool-Comf Collection. I like that their products are sustainably made and that they’re a Canadian Company.

    And Skims and Aritzia have some nice loungewear and sweat suits as well. If you’re into dupes, Amazon is always another spot to look, just monitor reviews.

    Bedsheets/Bed Sets

    Ok, hear me out! Fancy sheets and a new duvet cover can really elevate a bedroom. For the mom who seems to only have quiet time when she’s sleeping, this might just be the best gift to get her. Bonus points if you’re the one to wrestle her duvet cover on.

    I like the inviting look of this duvet cover from Crate and Barrel and this sheet set from West Elm.

    Cosmetics and Spa Care

    This one might need a bit of snooping or asking the mother’s friends for help. I can guarantee that the mother in your life has some expensive cosmetics that they only treat themselves to on their birthday or during a sale. Whether that’s a fancy face serum or a signature scent perfume, there is big-budget product she loves.

    Salt & Stone is a certified clean brand at Sephora that has some lovely body scents and deodorants (all gender-neutral). I also like Caudalie (another clean beauty brand), and their Detox Mask would be my pick to give moms a little “me time”.

    Gifting moms a giftcard to their local spa is also always an option. Very few moms will say no to a massage or a facial. However, just make sure that you put in the effort to have them be able to go – i.e. if there are young kids, make sure arrangements are made for their care while mom’s away.

    Photo by John Tekeridis: https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-doing-facial-mask-3212179/

    Family Photo Sessions

    A family photo session is such a fun gift to give to a mother. It’s also a gift that doesn’t have to be scheduled for Mother’s Day, making it a perfect last minute option. Obviously, make sure you’re booking a time that works for everyone who should be in the photos.

    Some photographers do hold mini sessions especially around special holidays like mother’s day. So, you might get lucky if you hunt around for any photographers who have extra time slots on mother’s day.

    If you’re travelling in the future, Flytographer is an option you can use. It’s a service that pairs you with a photographer local to whatever international destination you’re visiting.

    Just a quick note: prepaid photography sessions will only cover a certain number of photos for you to digitally download, with any extras that you want costing extra. Additionally, you’ll need to then print the photos and buy frames. Make sure to anticipate these costs when gifting a photo session.

    Creative Gifts

    I love creative gifts and I think they’re highly underrated. They can be opportunities for mom’s to explore new hobbies and have something tangible that they create. Etsy is again, a fantastic resource for this, and there are a lot of options for crafting like: dye kits, stamp kits, water colour paint kits, cheese making kits, and crochet and yarn kits. There are also companies like Wool and the Gang that sell yarn and crochet kits with modern, fun patterns in beginner to expert.

    You might also want to try looking to see if there are any creative classes offered in your area. Classes like pottery, candle-making, DIY wine making, flower arranging, paddle-boarding classes, yoga, paint & sips, etc… Try to even think outside the box a little bit – I’ve been wanting to try a horseback riding class for forever, so to me, that would be an incredible gift! These classes not only are fun, but they give moms time to themselves and an opportunity to connect with others. Better yet, if you’re buying for your own mother, gift the class to yourself as well. Your mom will love having the opportunity to spend quality time with you learning something new.

    DIY Brunch

    Ok, maybe you’re short on time and all the brunch places near you have no more reservations left. No worries – just bring the brunch to your mom!

    I love homemade brunches, not only do you get to curate the menu, but you can spend as much time at the “restaurant” as you want. Your mom is always looking after you, so why don’t you look after her for a little bit. Make your mom’s favourite foods, and maybe have some mimosas handy. The trick to making brunch easier on yourself is to choose one breakfast dish to be your show stopper that you make from scratch, I like these cinnamon rolls from Ambitious Kitchen. Then, you can also make a quiche (or buy one), or just have scrambled eggs and bacon. You can also order in brunch (like bagels and lox).

    Buy some flowers for the table, or set it up outside if the weather co-operates! Then, when it’s all done, please please please, clean up and do the dishes.

    Special Subscriptions

    Subscription services definitely fall into the luxurious category for me. These are things that I would love to have, but really don’t need or would buy for myself. There are a ton of fun subscription options available that cater to every possible interest your mom might have.

    A book subscription service like FairyLoot, Illumicrate, and Owlcrate are great for the fantasy loving-moms. For other book genres there are LitLoveBox and Book Box Canada. You can choose how often to receive these boxes and whether you want to get the books only or books plus merchandise related to the stories.

    Wine or coffee subscription services are always a winner and clothing subscriptions (like Nuuly) can be fun for the moms who might be looking to wear something other than leggings.

    Matching Clothing

    There’s something adorable about twinning with my kids. Anytime we wear the same colours, my son is so proud to point out that we’re matching. Etsy offers some cute mommy and me clothes and so does The Children’s Place. And you can also get matching swimwear from Little Mia Bella.

    Classic Gifts are Classic for a Reason

    If you’re short on time for a mother’s day gift, just go with something classic like flowers. Mother’s day is in the Spring and the blooms are so beautiful and colourful. Nothing beats a bouquet of tulips, hyacinth, and daffodils. Take it up a notch by watching a Youtube flower arranging tutorial and bring them already prepared in a vase. For the mom with a green thumb, you can also buy these flowers potted for them to be planted in a garden later. These blooms are perennial, meaning that with proper care, they’ll come back every year.

    Photo by Alex P: https://www.pexels.com/photo/bouquet-of-gentle-bright-blooming-tulips-7080078/

    Time with Family (or Time Away)

    Sometimes, all a mom wants is some literal time. Whether that’s time away from their young kids (think spa day or just leaving the house for a few hours), or some quality family time with everyone. You can always ask what the mom is thinking of doing for mother’s day and go from there.

    In my experience, mom’s with littles usually want to be a little more hands off on Mother’s day – perhaps you change all the baby’s diapers, or you play with the kids so mom can drink her coffee warm. But, they still want to be with their kids and with their families. So basically a “mom-lite” kinda day. Just be responsive to the mom in your life and maybe take over some big chores for the day (laundry, dinner, cleanup etc…).

    Celebrate The Mother in Your Life

    At the end of the day, moms want to be appreciated and acknowledged for all that they do. As long as you’re putting some effort into thinking about what to get them, you’re doing fantastic. Therefore, it really doesn’t matter what you get your mom/wife/partner/friend, as long as you’re there to thank them for all that they do for their families.

  • How to Read More Books as a Busy Mom – 10 Easy Tips

    How to Read More Books as a Busy Mom – 10 Easy Tips

    If you’re the mom who set their Goodreads goal as 50 plus books this year, this article is for you! Or if you’re the mom who has no idea what Goodreads is, this is also for you!

    Children are busy creatures. They’re moving constantly, they’re messy, and they need attention. This is opposite of what we need when we cozy up with a good book. And a large majority of the moms I’ve talked to have said they’ve read fewer books than they ever have with kids. Some can’t even remember the last time they’ve read. This is so sad because there are so many great reasons why reading a book is so good for you, especially as a parent:

    • It’s a healthy escape.
    • It can calm your mind and reduce stress. And reading before bed can help you sleep better.
    • It is leagues better than scrolling socials.
    • It expands your horizons and you might learn something.
    • It gives you something to talk about.
    • It improves your vocabulary and language use.
    • It makes you more creative.
    • It can help fight depression*.
    • It is a great behavior to model to your children.

    As a busy mom of two littles, I’ve been able to consistently read 30-40 books per year for the last 2 years. And as of this posting, I’ve read 12. Reading is something I prioritize, but it can be something easy to incorporate into your life if you’re open to it! Here are some tips to help you add some reading minutes to your day even if you’re working 9-5 with a household of little muskrats to take care of.

    1. Get a Library Card

    First and foremost, if you want to start reading more books, you need to go to your local public library and get a library card. Libraries usually have a bunch of community programs, so even if you’re not sold on books, you should probably still be going to the library for other events and services. A library card will give you access to not only the library’s physical collection of books, but their online content. And the best part? It’s all FREE. In Canada (and the USA), the Libby app connects you to this. It includes e-books, audiobooks, movies, and magazines. Libby can be downloaded to your phone or to a Kobo e-reader (unfortunately in Canada, the Kindle e-reader is not compatible with Libby). Once you have a library card/Libby App, it’s off to the races – start browsing and placing holds on the e-books/audiobooks you want to read!

    Photo by Pixabay: https://www.pexels.com/photo/full-length-of-man-sitting-on-floor-256431/

    2. Get a Book App on Your Phone

    This is the next big thing to do in order to read more, and the reason why I’m able to read as much as I do. You need to have books available to you at all times. You could buy an e-reader, but in my opinion they can just be another thing to carry around or forget. The best way to read more is by opening up your book at any given time. Going to the bathroom? Read a few pages. Waiting in line? Read a few pages. Nursing your baby? Read a few pages. I call these “Book Snacks” – these little minutes you accumulate reading will start to add up.

    Then, get into the habit of having your book be the last thing on your phone when you lock it so when you go to use it again, the book is the first thing you open your phone to . For me, this really helps me replace the social media doom scroll with reading a book. When I have the urge to check Instagram and open my phone, my book is there to fill the boredom instead.

    A note on e-readers: a lot of people prefer e-readers over reading on their phone. Understandable since e-readers have been developed to elevate the reading experience and the font is larger. This can be especially true for those who spend their work day staring a computer screen. I really love e-readers, but I don’t always carry mine with me. So, just for the purpose of reading more, I don’t think they’re absolutely crucial. But, you can download the Kindle or Kobo book apps without having one of those e-readers. While you’ll have to purchase your books, the e-books will be cheaper than a physical copy and they will be ready for you to read immediately.

    Photo by SHVETS production: https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-using-a-smartphone-7516237/

    3. Make Audiobooks Your Friend

    Audiobooks are a great tool to use as a busy mom – I love a good multitask. I especially love listening to an audiobook while I do the dishes, fold laundry, drive, grocery shop, or walk the dog. It makes the chores feel less like a grind and more like something to do with your hands while your mind is in another world. I especially use audiobooks for books that I just can’t seem to get into. These are books where I’ve read the same page 5 times and am getting nowhere despite its golden recommendation from my friend. I also use them for genres of books that I’m not used to (like historical fiction). They can also be great to have for autobiographies or self-help books (where the author usually reads it) or for some fantasy novels where the audio has the flexibility to be more cinematic.

    I usually listen to my audiobooks at 1.3-2.0 times the speed of the original audio – to me, it just sounds better and more like “normal” speaking. But, play around with the speed, and don’t be afraid of changing it throughout the book.

    Photo by Stas Knop: https://www.pexels.com/photo/black-corded-headphones-with-colorful-books-in-between-5939401/

    4. Follow Book People on Socials

    I’ve started following a lot of book recommenders and book accounts on Instagram and I’ve found this so helpful to get me to read more. First, I’m introduced to new books that they suggest. And second, whenever I go on Instagram and see their pages, it reminds me to pick up a book and read.

    I started following a lot of the accounts because they liked the same books I’ve previously read and also liked. Therefore, when they recommend a book, I already know that most likely it will be another good one. This has saved me a lot of time in searching for my next read and it keeps my “to read” list nice and exciting.

    I’ve recently been liking the recommendations from @kaila.books, @reviejane, and @amandathebookworm on Instagram.

    5. Go to a Book Store

    I love the atmosphere of bookstores – they’re cozy, curated, and just full of reading potential. When I’m feeling like I’m in a book slump, I like to visit an independent or chain bookstore. You don’t have to buy a book when you’re there (you can if you want), but just taking in the atmosphere can give you inspiration for your next read. There are also recommendations sections and everyone who works there will probably have a couple books to suggest.

    Photo by Ksenia Chernaya: https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-reading-in-a-coffee-shop-bookstore-3965493/

    6. Talk about Books

    This leads me to my next suggestion on how to read more. Talk about reading and what genres you like reading with others. Seriously, ask people “have you read any good books recently?”, because sometimes you’ll get lucky. Maybe that mom friend you met at the park is into Romantasy (fantasy romance) just like you and they have a suggestion. Or maybe that coworker who has an amazing vocabulary, has a non-fiction that they’ve just finished and love. Overall, if you connect with someone’s personality, maybe you’ll also like some of their reading materials.

    7. Join a Book Club

    Reading is solidary activity. For those who struggle to find the motivation to read, joining a book club can help. You can find book clubs at your local library, or you can make an unofficial one with your friends. I prefer the unofficial book club, because the group can collectively agree on book titles and I love any excuse to get together with friends. It’s nice to have others hold you accountable and they’ll be there to chat about the book.

    If your kids are old enough for chapter books, you can do a book club as a family. Or if you want a cute little date idea with your partner, you can both read the same book.

    Photo by cottonbro studio: https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-in-gray-jacket-holding-white-paper-4861364/

    8. Join a Book Tracking Website

    I love tracking my books – I find it so satisfying to give a book my rating and add the date I completed it. I prefer Goodreads (the most popular platform) for this, but there are other tracking websites you can use. Once you make a profile, these websites usually allow you to set a reading goal for the year and have a method of monitoring your progress towards that goal. You can also follow your friends and see what they’ve been reading and their reviews. Additionally, you can browse for recommendations and mark books you want to read to your online reading list.

    9. Don’t Feel Bad About Not Finishing a Book

    For me, life is too short to read a book that you don’t connect with. I hate derailing my reading goals with a book that I’m slogging through. But to give some books the benefit of the doubt, I’ve started employing the “100-page Rule”. This is where I’ll read the first 100 pages and if I’m not hooked or the story is falling flat for me, I give myself permission to stop reading it. This is where a library card is particularly useful, since you haven’t purchased the book and therefore feel no obligation to finish. Reading should be fun – pick books that make you feel good and leave behind the ones that don’t for another reader.

    10. Magazine Palette Cleansers

    If you want to read more, it helps to maintain a momentum by always having a good book to read. However, sometimes you might experience a “book burnout” where maybe you’ve just read a super emotional book and need to sit with that for a bit, or maybe you’ve just finished a book series and aren’t sure what to read next. My suggestion is to read a magazine in the meantime. I find this prevents me from using social media as a filler activity, and magazines are easier reads where you can learn new things. After a few magazines, I’m ready to jump back into a book.

    You can also do this with podcasts/radio shows if you want a break from an audiobook.

    Photo by Lisa from Pexels: https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-turning-page-1476057/

    You Can Find Time to Read

    With everything on your to-do list, it can be hard to prioritize reading a book. And it can be easy to find yourself in the trap of skipping reading just to scroll socials on your phone. Hopefully the tricks above are able to help you become a more seasoned reader and make reading a natural part of your day.

    Let me know if you have any suggestions in the comments on how you incorporate reading into your own busy schedule! Or comment what you’re currently reading – I’d love to hear about it!

    *This is in reference to an article on adolescents and screen use. But I think the benefits can be applied in this case. Here’s the article reference if you want to read for yourself: Twenge, J. M., Martin, G. N., & Campbell, W. K. (2018). Decreases in psychological well-being among American adolescents after 2012 and links to screen time during the rise of smartphone technology. Emotion, 18(6), 765–780. https://doi.org/10.1037/emo0000403