Being a mom is one of the most fulfilling roles in life, but let’s face it—sometimes we can feel like we’ve lost a bit of ourselves in the process. Okay I’ll be the first to admit, I LOVE that I’m not the same person! Before I became a mom I was scatter- brained, unorganized, irresponsible, etc. but what I mean is, looking and feeling my best. I wasn’t what you’d call “THAT Girl”, but let me tell you, mama had a little bit of something to work with. And just like you, I found myself feeling depressed and unworthy, my sense of style was non- existent to say the least, my skincare, I had none, everything about me was 1000% dedicated to being a mom. Here’s the thing: it’s not selfish to prioritize your well-being; it’s essential. When you’re at your best, you’re a better mom, partner, and version of yourself. Let’s talk about how to ‘level up’ and rediscover that spark, starting with beauty, diet, exercise, and balance.

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1. Beauty Routine: Simplified Self-Care

It’s easy to let your beauty routine fall by the wayside when you’re a mom. But taking a few moments for self-care doesn’t have to be an indulgence; it’s a form of self-respect. If you’ve only got 10 minutes, here’s a minimalist approach:

• Skincare first: Invest in a good cleanser, moisturizer, and SPF. A three-step routine can do wonders for your skin’s glow. This was the one area I didn’t mind the splurge.
• Bodycare products: I always keep an eye out for BodyCare products that are specified to my needs, in my case dry skin. I found the BEST lotion and body wash (according to Google)
• Oral Hygiene: Depression played a HUGE role in the health of my teeth, it was something I neglected for such a long time. BUT, with a good toothbrush (I use the Oral- B Pro 1000), an even BETTER toothpaste, and a mouthwash to tie it all together

Remember, beauty routines are not just about appearance—they’re about feeling like yourself again.

2. Implementing Your Beauty Routine

Here’s a step- by- step tutorial, on day and night routines that worked wonders for me!

Day

Brush my Teeth: I always brush prior to taking a shower or washing my face. That way I make sure there’s no dried toothpaste on my face!

Shower: If you’re not double washing in the shower, you ain’t doing it right! Argue with your mama not me! I use a antibacterial soap, like Dial, to wash first. Using a white washcloth (YES A WASH CLOTH) and washing all over. I follow that with a moisturizing body wash, like Dove or Olay, for this I just use a soft luffa. Last but not least, I hit the lady bits. Since EVERY woman is different I won’t go into what to put down there. Use what’s best for you!

Skincare: Now here’s the fun part, I double wash, with Noxima ( I know, I know, but hear me out) my grandma had me on this creamy crack since my very first break out, and after stopping this product (because of all the bad things people said about it being too harsh, or whatever it was) Noxima has never done me wrong! I follow- up with my absolute FAVORITE foaming cleanser on my spin brush, toner, Hyaluronic Serum, Gel Moisturizer and SPF (YES! Black Girlies need sunscreen) I proceed with makeup (if I’m wearing it that day).

After all is said and done, I always follow up with lotion and my favorite smell goods, before I get dressed.

Night

Brush Before Bed: This is self explanatory. We don’t need another breakdown right? Brush and Floss before bed folks!

Shower: Some of you may think my shower routine is a bit much, but one thing you’ll never say is that I stink! I follow the same shower routine as the daytime, BUT, at night I always use this time to exfoliate. A good scrub, and exfoliating mittens after I cleanse, keeps me nice and soft!

Skincare: Like my shower routine, my skincare is pretty much the same at night, but with a twist after my toner I follow up with a vitamin C serum, and a slightly heavier moisturizing cream, I use two ) because I’m extra, and end with Vitamin E Oil on my lips.

At night this is time for your skin to recover from the day, a good lotion, before bed works wonders! At night I also put lightening cream on my inner thighs, after gaining weight and my thighs rubbing together its just a little something I do for me.

Memory updated

A Mom’s Guide to ‘Leveling Up’ and Getting Back to YOU

Being a mom is one of the most fulfilling roles in life, but let’s face it—sometimes we can feel like we’ve lost a bit of ourselves in the process. Between diaper changes, school runs, and endless laundry, where’s the time to focus on you? Here’s the thing: it’s not selfish to prioritize your well-being; it’s essential. When you’re at your best, you’re a better mom, partner, and version of yourself. Let’s talk about how to ‘level up’ and rediscover that spark, starting with beauty, diet, exercise, and balance.

3. Diet: Nourishing, Not Neglecting

With kids in the mix, it’s easy to fall into the habit of finishing off their snacks or grabbing whatever is convenient. But your body needs proper fuel to keep up with the demands of motherhood.

• Eat the rainbow: Incorporating colorful fruits and vegetables can boost your energy and mood. Plus, it’s easy to make this a family habit—get the kids involved in picking their favorite produce!
• Meal prepping is your friend: Dedicate a couple of hours on the weekend to prepare healthy snacks and meals for the week. You’ll thank yourself later when you’ve got ready-to-eat options during busy days.
• Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate: This is a big one! Often, we mistake thirst for hunger. Keeping a water bottle on hand can make it easier to stay hydrated. If plain water feels too boring, try infusing it with lemon, cucumber, or berries for a refreshing twist. I invested in a cheap (but reliable) juicer, helps hydrate and get in some fruits and veggies. It’s also a great meal replacement on busy mornings!

Focusing on nourishing your body will help you feel more energized and less prone to those mid-afternoon crashes.

4. Exercise: Movement That Fits Your Life

Gone are the days when you could spend hours at the gym, but that doesn’t mean exercise has to fall off the radar. The key is to make it work for you.

• Start small: Even just 15-20 minutes a day can make a difference. A quick walk around the neighborhood or a short home workout is better than doing nothing. I started waking up at 5am just to get a walk in before getting my day started.
• Get the kids involved: Family bike rides, dancing in the living room, or a park day where you run around with your kids are great ways to combine exercise with quality time.
• Carve out “me” time: If possible, schedule a regular workout time when someone else can watch the kids. Whether it’s early morning yoga or an evening run, these moments can become a sacred time for you to reset.

Exercise isn’t just about physical fitness—it’s also about boosting mental clarity and improving your mood, which helps you tackle the rest of your day.

4. Balancing It All: Prioritizing YOU Without the Guilt

Let’s address the elephant in the room: mom guilt. The idea that taking time for yourself somehow takes away from your family. It’s a myth, and it’s time to debunk it.

• Time blocking for sanity: Try using time blocks to organize your day. Carve out designated time for work, parenting, and—most importantly—you. Even 30 minutes of “me time” can recharge your batteries.
• Delegate when possible: You don’t have to do everything yourself. Whether it’s asking for help, hiring a babysitter, or getting your older kids involved in responsibilities, sharing the load is key. My personal self care of choice is hiring a maid twice a month to give me a moment of rest…again…judge your mama!
• Say “no” sometimes: It’s okay to not attend every playdate or school committee meeting. Protect your energy by saying no to commitments that don’t serve your well-being or your family’s needs. “No” is a complete sentence and DOES NOT require an explanation.

Balancing being a mom and taking care of yourself is an ongoing process, not a one-time goal. Some days will be easier than others, and that’s okay.

To help you get started, here’s a few of my favorites I use daily for well being and self improvement:

• Oral B Pro 1000
• Fluoride Free Mouthwash
• Fluoride Free Toothpaste (fun fact: this toothpaste helps your teeth re-mineralize if you have cavities)
• Noxzema
• Foaming Cleanser
• Oil Cleanser (if you wear makeup use this at night to get all the oil and makeup residue off before using the foaming cleanser)
• Rice Toner (rice helps even skin tone and brighten skin)
• Glow Serum (I’ve been using this for three years and its my go to serum)
• Vitamin C Serum (this helps with hyperpigmentation)
• Gel Moisturizer (I use this in the morning because it’s light weight)
• SPF Moisturizer (again, I use this anytime I go out, protect myself from UV rays)
• Rice Cream (this is my night moisturizer, it’s a little heavier, NOT GREASY, but it makes my skin feel soooo soft and hydrated)
• Exfoliator (I use this once a week, this is the brand we used in beauty school and I see immediate results)
• Vitamin E
• Puffy Eye Patches (I only use these on selfcare Sundays, but do you girlie)
• Gold Bond Healing Lotion
• Lume Deodorant
• Lightening Cream (for my inner thighs)
• Boric Acid (self explanatory, but if you don’t know, to keep me fresh, down there)
• Exfoliating Gloves (yes the bulk pack, you’re going to need it!! This should last you a few months, THANK ME LATER)
• Spin Brush (this one is my favorite, it also has a larger brush for the shower!)
• Yara Moi Arab Fragrance (everyone loves the pink one, I felt like it was just way too strong for me, this is my FAVORITE!!!!) (Please don’t sell them out, haha)
• Cold Pressed Juicer (this was a good juicer for beginners, I haven’t upgraded yet because it works really well)

Final Thoughts

Leveling up isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress. It’s about showing up for yourself so you can show up for your family in the best way possible. As moms, we pour so much love into our kids, but let’s not forget that we need to pour some of that love into ourselves too.

So, take a breath, schedule that workout, or enjoy a quiet cup of tea—and remember, you deserve it. What helped you get back to yourself? Drop a comment below!