In the past three weeks I reached quite a few of the goals set out by Ann Dunnewold and Diane Sanford, experts in maternal health and masterminds of the Living: The Self-Care Challenge.
But there are a few areas I still need to work on.
What surpised me the most is that I was already doing some of their suggestions, like talking to myself in positive language. I learned to do that after a bout of postpartum depression following my youngest son's birth four years ago. Back then, I found the book Learned Optimism: How to Change Your Mind and Your Life infinitely helpful. Had Dunnewold and Sanford's new book Life Will Never Be the Same: The Real Mom's Postpartum Survival Guide been published at that time, I've no doubt it would have been beside my bed for daily reading as well.
If you missed the challenge, it's not too late -- the authors have announced that they're continuing the site's popular daily self-care mantras and ideas. And if you read about it here but were scared off by the time commitment, give it a try! You may be surprised by how easy it is to work in the 10-minute-a-day practices -- and you may find you can pat yourself on the back for things you're already doing!
By Amy De La Hunt, Health Blogger for SmartParenting
Amy De La Hunt is a journalist and editor who lives in the St. Louis metro area and works across the country as a writer, copy editor, project manager and editorial consultant on everything from fiction books to monthly magazines to blog posts. When she's not chauffeuring her teenage sons to activities, Amy is an enthusiastic amateur cook, landscaper, Latin dancer and traveler. Follow Amy on Instagram @amy_in_words
Longmeadow Rescue Ranch is hosting its annual Spring Fling for families on April 20. The fun includes an up-close look at the Longmeadow Rescue Ranch horses, wagon rides through the 165-acre state-of-the-art horse farm and animal rehabilitation facility, and lots more.
Kids can work on existing gym skills, learn new skills or just play around during Open Gym at Miss Kelly's Gym. Reservations are not necessary.
Young artists and their families are invited to complete a fun craft activity in the galleries at the St. Louis Artists Guild. This program is designed for Pre-K to elementary-age children and their families.
Preschoolers can learn, play, explore and grow at the Saint Louis Art Museum's Wee Weekend program for its youngest visitors. Join in on the adventure as your little one discovers new ways of interacting with art and each other.
See the Zoo's California sea lions perform acrobatic and athletic feats, including Olympic-style dives on a high-diving platform, flipper walks, frisbee tosses and plenty of surprises. While on stage with the sea lions, the Zoo's trainers explain sea lion behavior and positive-reinforcement training, in addition to the need for conserving the sea lion's ocean habitat.