I’m in my 30s and about to become a mother of 2 under 2. Yikes! I’ve never seen the need for self care as crystal clear as now. I’m pretty sure I grew up rarely seeing my mom doing any self-care, if not at all. 100% of her time was devoted to taking care of our family, our extended family, and her full-time job. Mom is a true supermom. Me – I’m not exactly sure yet. What I’m certain is that self-care is crucial if I even want to me half-good as mom.

So, noting here things I have been doing that could be considered self-care, and a reminder that I should make time to keep these habits going:

1. Read. I’m not an avid reader, or an audio-book addict like Jon. But I like to read, and try to read more genres that usually are not my go-to. Doing a yearly reading challenge of at least 25 books of 25 categories with Jon have been so much fun and entertaining. Sharing the love for my Kindle here although I’m still a paper-book girl.
2. Meditate. The goal is to sit still for 10 minutes a day. Just 10 minutes a day. I know my mind would wander, and that’s fine, eventually it will go back to the happy place.
3. Catch up with my old friends. Jon and I are both agree that we barely have time to maintain friendships that are important to us, not to mention to start new ones. Now and then I try to catch up with my girls and guys who live oceans apart and despite the long pause, we would still talk like we talk to each other everyday. Anh Hieu, chi Nhu, Huy Trung, Ying, and more. I’m so thankful I have them in my life.
4. Home (re)organizing. One small spot at a time. I find so much peach in reorganizing and decluttering my station.
5. Journal. Beside this blog, I keep a journal of things I’m grateful for. I also tried one-line-a-day journaling in the past. When time allows, I will try a zentangle doodle 90-day challenge. Anything that keep my mind active.
6. Cross stitch. I actually would love to do embroidery, but I would need a whole station set up for this. Right now I cross-stitch the easy version of a painting readily printed on the cloth, with instruction on colors.
7. Grow my indoor plant collection. This is easily my number 1 stress-release activity. I’m genuinely happy when I get to care for my plants, try new things like hydroponic technic, setting up an indoor greenhouse, experiencing propagation, or browsing thrift stores and garage sales for cool plant pots. This is my happy place!
8. Write to my kids. I got a “letters to my son” and a “letter to my daughter” journal. I plan to write to them on their birthdays ❤