Pandemic life is hard for everyone.

But I can only speak to how I’ve survived thus far from my own experience as a mom- and of course talking to other moms.

It’s been 365+ days since the start of this pandemic and I am not trying to count those days. But it’s been really hard.

I’m writing this after I’ve been able to put my toddler to sleep. It’s the only time I can get a solid amount of time to get my thoughts and feelings out in sentences.

It feels like I’m always looking for pockets of time to be able to accomplish something for me but always gets overtaken by my toddlers needs, household needs and my business needs.

I’m trying to be optimistic – but that’s becoming harder each month.

One of the most valuable words of advice I’ve heard is that you need to take each day as it comes and try not to plan or look too far into the future. — this is really hard for someone like me (a planner & macro-perspective lifestyle viewer). But we have to try.

Anyway, Moms, here are my 5 survival tips:

1. Set physical and mental boundaries
   • I try to enforce a ‘no work time’ after 10PM during the week and on Sundays.
2. Ask for help when you want it (not when you need it)
   • This can be extra challenging as moms typically overlook their needs for their families. It’s really important to be aware of your feelings/energies and to not wait until you’re completely depleted.
3. Prioritize restorative care
   • Restorative care doesn’t need to be a 1hr long activity it can be something as easy as taking a quite shower or putting on your nightly face cream while you repeat words of affirmation or meditation. It can even be something as basic as making sure you get your cup of coffee in the morning.
4. Consistency & routine can be life savers
   • Having some kind of schedule – albeit flexible – during the day can really be sanity saving. But maybe that’s just me?
5. Live in the present moment – look to your relationships for happiness
   • Life is tough right now, trust me, I’m right there with you. We can’t always look at the brighter side of things especially when they are this hard but I still like to challenge myself to look for the silver lining.

This post isn’t meant to point out the easy ways you can survive the pandemic. This post exists because I want to survive and I’m sharing the tips I’ve learned so that maybe you can survive too.

Your mental health is important.

Please talk to your doctor or a registered counsellor if you need help.

xo, Maria