How I prioritize recovery in the morning…
ChampagneYogiThis is a very personal and heart-felt post as it describes how I prioritize my recovery after Stella has spiraled out of her major seizure episodes.
As a caregiver to a special needs young adult (gosh, it’s actually mind boggling to think I can actually say that) the best gift I can give myself is the gift of recovery. This is where I give myself extra time and listen to what my body needs. I invite a little more quiet time into my morning routine and I focus on revitalizing and nourishing my mind, body and spirit.
I call recovery, ‘me time’. The extra time and little things I may have skipped on during our epic times of crisis become a priority. While I try to be 90% consistent with my morning routine no matter how Stella’s health is, there are days when I come second.
Acceptance
I’ve learned to accept my needs come second to Stella’s. This allows me to truly appreciate her good days.
Stella has Dravet Syndrome a rare and catastrophic Epilepsy disorder. She has massive clusters of seizures that seem to happen every couple weeks and go on for days and nights at a time. This means I’m not getting my ideal sleep, and can feel sluggish or wake up with brain fog.
“If you can’t change your circumstances, change your attitude.”
So when she spirals out of these clusters, I have a recovery routine I follow to give back to me before things get hectic again.
And believe me they get hectic. We never know when the next seizure will occur, and we never know how her behavior will be. Our life at times can be a whirlwind, and we are constantly adapting. When I can’t change the circumstances, I can change my attitude.
With all this strain and constant unknown, it’s super important for me to prioritize recovery from the moment I wake up.
Beauty Routine
My skin care routine is pretty simple in the last 10 years. After working as a makeup artist for 20 years and medical aesthetician for 5 years I know what ingredients to use that are safe and actually work. Cold water and a skin serum have been my consistent go to products for 20 years. I still splash my face with cold water every morning and I now make my own serum. (recipe below)
After a solid 8 hours sleep (helps regenerate muscles and support a healthy immune system) I start my day by writing in my gratitude journal. As soon as I’m out of bed, I stretch for 5-10 minutes then I head to the bathroom where I start my skin care routine. I start with tongue Brushing, followed by Coconut Pulling and finally brushing my teeth. Do I do this every day? Absolutely No. This is my ideal recovery routine, one that I relish in when I have the time and Stella has had a night with no seizures. I take time to massage in my skin goddess face serum and moisturizer. Next I use a body serum and add a few drops of essential oil and massage that into my legs, stomach, tush, arms and chest.
Goddess Face Serum
Add all the ingredients to a 30ml glass bottle and top with either pure Pomegranate oil, or a combination of Argan, Jojoba and Rosehip oil.
10 drops Lavender
10 drops Frankincence
20 drops Yarrow Pom
5 drops Geranium
5 drops Blue Tansy
(If you are interested in learning more about essential oils, please reach out, I’d love to help customize oils for your specific needs and answer any questions you may have. You can also, buy your oils direct here)
After my beauty routine:
I spend 10-30 minutes meditating after repeating a Mantra 108 times that resonates with how I am feeling.
If I know i’m headed to the studio to teach I make a green smoothie, otherwise my breakfast of choice is always chia seed in hemp milk with 1/2 cup blueberries and a table spoon of goji berries. I whip up a cup of matcha and then I’m out the door.
If I’m teaching Barre, I go for a walk in the afternoon. Getting 20-45 minutes of fresh air is vital for my mental health. If I’m not teaching in the morning, then I take Luna for her walk early and I take a yoga class in the afternoon.
Make you time a priority
I know by prioritizing recovery, I am a happier mom, wife and business owner. I can focus so much better and I feel energized.
Your turn, I’d love to know how you start your day, and if you are a caregiver how you prioritize your recovery. You can read more of my morning rituals here and here. Download my FREE Self-Love Rituals Guide for more ideas. Remember you are worth it! 💋
Share your favourite ways to recover and rejuvenate on Facebook Pintrest or Instagram (tag me @amandavs and #amandavs and #healthyissexy I’d can’t wait to see how you celebrate simple pleasures.
Share our little secret with your friends and family. Healthy is sexy! Be sure to subscribe to my monthly newsletter to receive health tips, recipes, motivation mantras and so much more direct to your inbox.
xo Amanda