Sick Season is Slow Down Season

You may or may not have noticed that I disappeared quite suddenly from social media and whatnot. The fact of the matter is that I simply cannot divide my attention and care between many things effectively. I have my husband, my three boys, my home, my friends/family, and my doula clients to care for! I usually don't have the mental capacity to think up a clever social media post, and then while I'm in the process get my attention drawn to posts about people that I don't know well and that I'm not doing life with.

ANYWAYS.

Writing is something that I DO enjoy, and when I feel inspired to do so I will add to my blog here on my site. (If you have any ideas of topics that you would like for me to write on, please leave it in the comments!) I also love to share pictures and birth stories as my clients allow, so I'll continue that as well.

So lets talk about the importance of slowing down in certain seasons of life. This is so important, especially for mothers of little ones. There are certain "signs and symptoms" to look for which will communicate your need to tap the brakes.

sickness
lack of internal peace
overwhelm
children are overstimulated

Buying more presents, going to every festive event, and forcing yourself to be productive in the evenings when it's dark at 5PM is not going to solve the "winter blues." Consider embracing what it is that nature is communicating. Here's a scenario:

• You just finished dinner, and now you're ready for everyone to go to bed so that you can go to bed. Oh wait, it's only 6:30. Consider lighting a fire (or some candles), getting everyone cozy on the couch with tea and cookies, and reading a book aloud or playing an audiobook. Depending on the ages of the children, this may only last as long as the cookies do. You can always pivot to early-extra-long bath time before bed with some calming music.

Doesn't this sound so cozy? What a nice way to end the day. A plus is that there wasn't screen time involved in this routine so the kids will sleep much better. In the past couple years, I have loved the winter season so much more because I have taken steps to make my home more cozy with lighting, with music, with activities.

the source of warmth in my home

It seems that nature just screams at us to stay home during sick season. I'm usually fine with that, because I love being home, but even I feel the need for an outing every now and then. Did you know that parks and playgrounds are open in the winter? Wild. But really, fresh air and sunlight during these winter months is so good for us body, mind, and soul. This year I finally got all of our winter things organized by the back door so the kids (and adults) can easily find hats, gloves, boots, and bibs. Taking this simple step has resulted in much more outdoor play time this year! If I just keep repeating to myself the quote "There's no bad weather, just unsuitable clothing," then I feel more motivated to press on.

fun in the backyard

If you really have an itch to get out and stay inside but also are terrified of being hit by yet another virus, here's what I did. I called my local library and asked them what their cleaning routine is so I could know if it was safe to show up first thing in the morning when it's quiet. Turns out they clean and sanitize twice a day! I think I'm very lucky with my little library, though.

But when the inevitable happens and you are hit, I'd like to share some of my favorite tips and tricks of viruses with kiddos:

• Go to the grocery store, get a rotisserie chicken, set the meat aside, make bone broth with the carcass, then make the best chicken soup ever that will certainly heal all ills.

• If you're hit with the stomach bug, I'm sorry. Just know that we have been through the thick of it with this one, and it is no joke. For babies, line the pack 'n play with towels and peel away the layers as they are soiled. Once they hit 3, you can start introducing the bucket, and that is a game changer. They will never make it to the toilet so young, but if you stay close to them and are at the ready (calmly) with a bucket to offer, they will catch on quick.

• For respiratory illness, I absolutely love these saline mist inhalers. They have helped us so much with the little ones with chest colds.

• Holy water. Cover all your bases, body and soul! Whenever i'm worried about the kids being sick, it brings me peace to give them a little blessing with holy water.

And as for the business side of things, I'm quite busy! I have the very best clients/family/friends who are very devoted in "spreading the word." I have the absolute joy, time again, of witnessing births, and witnessing mothers come in to their own. In fact, I am so busy, that I am in search of some other Catholic Doulas to add to my team. If you are interested or know someone who is, reach out!

God bless all of you during this Advent season. This is a time to slow down, to maintain your inner peace, to prepare hearts and homes for baby Jesus- at your own pace.