Becoming a mom for the second time around has me questioning if I can even still consider myself a ‘new mom.’ Luca, my almost 2-years-old, boldly asserts his independence daily by jumping off the coffee table with a monster truck in one hand and a snack bar in the other, which makes me feel more like a seasoned pro at this point. Needless to say, life has undergone a significant transformation over the past few years, which has inevitably shifted my wellness habits and self-care routines. I’ve had to say goodbye to leisure solo mornings and replace them with a constant juggling act of planning meals, activities, meetings, my marriage, and self-care.

Navigating this new reality has been a year-long journey, and while I’m far from perfect, I’ve discovered some strategies that have helped me maintain my sanity and feel grounded in both body and mind. Keep reading below for my favorite’s…

Embrace a Quiet Morning Ritual: I recently listened to a podcast that introduced me to this practice—a 5-minute ritual known as 5-4-3-2-1. It’s a simple yet effective grounding exercise where you list 5 things you see, 4 things you can touch, 3 things you hear, 2 things you smell, and 1 thing you taste. It’s perfect for those precious 20-minute windows of ‘me time’ before the house turns chaotic. Pairing this with a glass of water sets the tone for your day, calm and centered. You can customize your own quiet morning ritual—whether it’s solving a crossword puzzle while sipping your morning coffee or taking 5 minutes to stretch while listening to your favorite “wake me up” song.

Leverage your church or gym’s childcare. Finding out our local gym and church had childcare facilities has been a game-changer. Even if there’s no scheduled workout planned, I simply taking that hour to focus on work, reading, or even unwinding in the hot tub while Luca’s having fun with all the other kids. It literally feels like a mini-vacation.

Keep a box with new toys. Introducing a new toy to engage your LO’s attention for a quick 10-minute workout session can be surprisingly effective. Not only does it allow you to prioritize your physical health, but it also sets a positive example for your little one. I pop on a Melissa Wood or Sculpt Society for 10 minutes and BAM – I got my dose of movement in!

Communicate with your husband what you need. Don’t hesitate to communicate your needs with your partner. Whether it’s asking for help with a specific task or carving out some time for yourself, fostering open dialogue ensures that both you and your partner feel supported in this journey. Frank and I love to set morning meetings every Sunday after church to review our week ahead and see where extra support needs to be given!

Take your toddler on a coffee date. Sometimes, a simple coffee date with your little one(s) can be just the tiny “break” you need. It’s an opportunity to connect on a deeper level while also enjoying a moment of relaxation outside the house.

Acknowledge your needs and write them on paper! Take the time to acknowledge and prioritize your own needs. Whether it’s carving out moments for self-reflection or jotting down your intentions on paper, recognizing what truly nourishes your soul is essential for maintaining balance in your life.

Rotate weekend time alone. Make it a point to rotate weekends where you can have some alone time. Frank and I will designate 1-2 hours every weekend that we get to do whatever we want while the other hangs with Luca. Sometimes I catch up on a show and sometimes I use it for a walk while listening to a podcast. If I’m really feeling lucky I take a short nap ;). Remember, dedicating time to yourself is crucial for recharging and rejuvenating.

Navigating motherhood—especially with multiple little ones—is undoubtedly challenging, but hopefully these strategies with help you remain adaptable to your ever-changing daily life. Let me know if you try any of these ideas out!