7 ways that i’m being present as a mom this season
if you’re craving more presence this winter season, i was too! Here is how I’m changing my mindset and connecting deeper with myself and my family without adding anything else on my plate.
Being present and happy this season doesn’t even need to be about being a mom. Meaning everyone can benefit from the tips I am sharing below. The last few winters I have struggled. We moved to the north and it gets cold and dark. I had a new baby and a pretty negative mindset last year. This winter I knew I needed to make changes to truly embrace and enjoy the (long, cold, pale, bundled up) winter season and it is working!
Your mindset supports your lifestyle and routines and these in turn support your mindset. It is a cycle. If one is off balance, they both are. If you want to be more present with your family (or self) this winter or anytime really, I hope my 7 non-negotiables help you.
1. Planned meals that bring nourished grounding energy and connection.
Think hot soups, warm roasted veggies, fresh sourdough and butter. Hot protein drinks (recipe below) in place of a smoothie or a cold breakfast and afternoon tea parties. Extra everything (gimme those good calories) and fruit that is off the counter vs. cold from the fridge. I truly feel better when I eat warming foods, especially in the winter and I notice my kids are more grounded as well.
Some days it feels like time creeps by. There are five hours between 3-6:00 PM vs. three. What do we do when it feels like 10:00 PM and it’s only 5:00 PM? I have found it so relaxing and a nice change to take more time to cook vs. rushing to the next thing like we do in summer. Getting my entire family involved with dinner, playing music and taking our time to connect has been a great shift. Don’t get me wrong, not every meal is planned, often times the kids are also coloring or running around, we eat simple meals and sometimes that means a charcuterie boards but the intention is different and that is what I am after here.
2. Turn the lights down.
I live in the northwest and it is dark by 4. Instead of fighting the darkness I lean into it. A few of my favorite ways to do this are, dimming the lights as the sun sets, having dinner earlier or swapping snack time with dinner time, lighting the fire and candles so my home can glow with warm light vs. bright lights. This doesn’t directly help me be more present as a mom but indirectly it does. How? Less artificial lights on equals less screens too.
This keeps me in sync with nature and increases the cozy factor. It also helps us all sleep well. If I need to be on a screen, I use blue light glasses. There is no TV or iPad either. Not saying you need to cut tv time but I promise you that playing cards or games by the fire with some tea > tv.
3. Walking every day.
Last winter I was blessed with a nature day once a week with my son. While it was freezing it was also magical to hear the birds in the woods. To feel the silence that snow brings. To feel the crisp air and be so filled with joy when the warm sun peaked out. The commitment to the few morning hours in the woods with him got me out at times where I would have much rather stayed in. It stretched my comfort zone and showed me that winter is stunning. Going into this winter I knew I wanted to commit to walking each day. 30-minutes outside no matter what to move my body, reset my nervous system and connect with nature. I usually drag my family along and we all get out the wiggles and feel invigorated.
Whether you are walking for exercise or simply wrapped in a blanket on the deck, nature is a must in winter. Your sleep will improve, your nervous system will feel good and you never know, you might learn to love the cold. Even if you live in the southern states (or especially) and it is not cold, get your buns outside and in nature. Winter reflects a beautiful stillness back to us no matter the temps.
4. Being a “yes” mom.
Snow ball fight? Yes. Ski day? Yep, I’ll tag along. We always want more time with our little humans and by saying “yes” to their invitations to hang out and play I say yes to my highest joy… connection. How can you be more of a yes mom, friend or partner in this season of your life?
5. Less phone.
I shouldn’t even need to elaborate on this. Even if you live alone, you will benefit from less screen time. The whole world is happening right now, in front of you in your real life. Be present for it by being on your phone less. I always try to not be on my phone but in winter I feel like the temptation is loud. Unplugging, even for a few hours a day can also really support your emotions and stress levels too.
I lead a digital detox inside of my signature coaching program, Beyond the Body. Every time I teach it, women are blown away by the changes they experience and the time they get back by being on their phones less. It’s pretty amazing.
6. 3-4 nights a week I go to bed early.
Like 8:00 PM early. It’s so luxurious. I now look forward to the early nights in bed. Everything will be there for me in the morning. It always is. My rhythms of dimming the lights early and unwinding with the night helps me feel sleepy. In winter we also need more sleep and I honor this.
I don’t go to bed early every night, that is not practical but 3-4 nights a week I make it a point to go to bed early. In my opinion, sleep is queen. It supports so many body systems, your hormones, your weight, your anti-aging and mental health to name a few. I am a better woman when I sleep well. The other nights that I am not in bed so early, I sit in the dark house sipping my hot protein cocoa and chatting with my husband or simply enjoying the silence wrapped in a blanket.
7. I’m not fighting the darkness outside or within me and I’m not complaining either.
Winter is energetically the time to connect with our shadows and our dreams. I’m making space for both while staying in a space of gratitude and flow vs. bitching that it’s cold and dark. I want to use the introspective energy of winter to look within, to honor the slow down and to be with myself more. Think of winter as your ultimate self-care season. We all need to connect with ourselves and create more joy.
How can you create a nurturing routine to support your mind or your body? How can you look forward to winter the same way you get excited for fall?
Your mindset is everything and how you view winter or any season, will make or break it for you. If you struggle with seasonal depression or just lack motivation, see if you can shift your mindset and add in some lifestyle tweaks to support a happier you.
For me, I want to live in ease and flow. That means flowing with the seasons, with my natural energy as well as my family's rhythms.
Holidays and winter are about connection, peace, and joy. My heart and home feel like they are overflowing with both. For this I am grateful.
xo. Lyns
Lyndsey’s Winter Hot (protein) Cocoa:
1/2 cup of cold milk
1 cup heated water
1 serving protein powder. I am obsessed with Just Ingredients Salty Caramel and my kids always want anything chocolate.
I first mix the protein with 1/2 cup cold milk using a frother or blender.
I then add the hot water to the protein and milk mix.
Top with a dash of pink salt or cinnamon and you are good to go!
If I am feeling really fancy, I add homemade marshmallows made with maple syrup, water and gelatine.
note:
I have found that if you mix protein powder with really hot water, it clumps more. Blending the protein with the cold milk first was a game changer.
I use a hand frother or hand held blender to mix and an electric kettle to heat my water.
You can add in more protein if needed and organic cocoa (like the kind you bake with) for a stronger chocolate flavor.
xo. LynsP.S. if you’re feeling a little bit like a hot mess - that’s good - i specialize in hot mess! Yes, you can have that juicy happy life beyond your wildest dreams. Let’s make it happen! (just click here!)
