WALKING & READING FOR SELF CARE

 Dear Mommies,

 Hi, I’m a stay-at-home mom of three beautiful girls (plus a dog, chickens, quails, and a whole household to run!). Life is busy, loud, and sometimes overwhelming. For a long time, I struggled to find myself in the middle of all the chaos. That’s when I discovered two simple practices that completely changed how I care for myself: walking and reading.

 Walking: My Reset Button

 Walking started as my escape, but it became so much more.

 I’ll never forget my very first walk. The kids were screaming, the house was a mess, and I felt like I couldn’t breathe. I grabbed my sneakers, slipped on my headphones, told my husband I’d be back, and stepped outside.

 It was freezing. In my rush, I had forgotten my jacket. The cold made me start jogging, and before I knew it, I was crying—loud, messy, healing tears. I poured everything out. I talked to myself, released my frustrations, and let my emotions flow.

 Then I stopped, sat down on the sidewalk, and for the first time in a long time, I noticed the beauty around me—the trees swaying in the wind, the birds singing, kids laughing and playing outside. I felt peace wash over me.

 When I walked back home, I felt lighter, calmer, and more ready to love my girls fully. That was the moment I realized walking wasn’t just exercise—it was healing.

 The Benefits of Walking

 Walking is not only a mental release but also a physical reset. Some of the benefits I’ve experienced include:

✨ Better sleep
✨ Increased energy and stamina
✨ Improved mood and reduced stress
✨ Sharper focus and mental alertness

✨ Weight loss and healthier endurance
✨ Lower cholesterol and stronger heart health

 It’s amazing how something so simple can bring such powerful changes to your body and mind.

 How to Start Your Own Walking Routine

 If you’re ready to try walking as self-care, here are some gentle tips:

✨ Don’t overthink it. Just go—the more you think, the less it happens.
✨ Stretch before you start. Warm up your muscles to prevent injury.

✨ Begin small. Even 10–15 minutes is a win.
✨ Find your route. A quiet street, park, or just your neighborhood block.

✨ Build up gradually. Aim for 30–45 minutes once it feels right.

✨ Celebrate every step. Whether you walk for 5 minutes or an hour—it counts.

 During your walk, let it be just for you. Put on your favorite music, cry if you need to, sing, or even talk to yourself. If you’re lucky enough to have a lake or park nearby, stop for a while, breathe, and soak in the beauty of nature.

  Whether it’s lacing up your sneakers for a long walk or curling up in a quiet corner with a book, I encourage you to make that space for yourself. Start small, be consistent, and let these simple practices bring you peace.

 You deserve it. ❤️