Healthy Practices I’m Doing with Three Tiny Ones and a Chronic Illness

Last Updated on July 30, 2019 by melissanreynolds

I’m right in the trenches of the war known as infant reflux. In addition to this I have a 4 year old, a two year old and fibromyalgia. It can be difficult to remember to look after myself. I have developed some healthy practices to help me stay as well as possible in amongst it all.

Here are some healthy practices I’ve been managing and some I want to begin:

Stretching

Sometimes it’s just my legs and neck while I stand with the baby in the wrap. Other times it’s a very modified yoga practice for my pelvis issues. It’s always a healthful thing to do.

Teas

Peppermint for my tummy. Chamomile to relax. Chai tea latte for a treat.

Shower or bath

Every single day. This is not negotiable as I need the pain relief and the time out (in addition to cleaning up!)

Gratitude

Usually I do my best to notice and be thankful for the good, but I am currently formalizing the practice with a journal book I purchased for 100 days of gratitude. All you really need to do to get started is to write down three things you are grateful for each evening. It can be as simple as you survived! I talk about gratitude as part of the mindful practices you can incorporate to help you manage chronic pain, fatigue, anxiety, overwhelm and more. See the free workshop here.

Water

Lots of water is required for nursing. I would like to start adding fruit and herbs for even healthier hydration.

Essential oils

I have an essential oil pain cream that I adore, especially for my neck and shoulders. Lavender and german chamomile for pain relief and sleep aid. Peppermint for headaches or tummy aches. I’d like to learn more and diffuse them during the day.
Action: tell me your favourite types and what you use them for!

Eating (as healthily as possible)

While I am mostly one-handed carrying a baby all day I am just trying to eat enough. When I can I priorotise salad, fruit and smoothies. Check out four healthy eating practices you can start right now.

Meditate

This is big, especially when your sleep is being interrupted more than usual. Having a tricky napper means that the old saying “sleep when your baby sleeps” is irritating and impossible. So I will get everything set up (heat pack, earphones and YouTube video I want that day), get baby to sleep and quickly lie down. I love this 15 minute one for when I’m not game enough to try for this 30 minute one.

Hobbies

Reading! I’m an obsessive reader and usually have more than one book on the go at a time. I also like to scrapbook and colour – although I haven’t had the time for these recently. My blog is also something I spend time on.

Do you have any healthy practices you do to sustain you in busy seasons?

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