Let me tell you this straight up. Self care is not selfish. Now repeat after me. Self care is not selfish How about you? Do you take time for yourself? What do you like to do?

Now if you have been following my blog or my Instagram account you will know about my struggle with post natal depression and anxiety. You see I am really not very good at making myself a priority. Or at least I wasn’t. I am better at it now although still a work in progress. I understand how hard it is in that new phase of motherhood. Sleep when the baby sleeps they say. What we actually do is clean, laundry, meal prep and any other number of tedious but necessary tasks. We forget in the trenches of the fourth trimester how important it is to prioritise ourselves. It is an absolute truth that you can’t pour from an empty cup.

As I progressed through my cognitive behavioural therapy sessions it became obvious how I was not looking after my wellbeing or taking time for self care. This is so important for maternal mental health. I learned to schedule tasks but to also schedule time for self care and positive wellness. If I had done a huge chore I would schedule a reward for afterwards. That was key in the beginning.

The talented Isabella and Us has created the ‘Positive Wellbeing Zine for Mums’. It focuses on self care and positive wellbeing.

Believe me, we are a family of 6, and I know that between the zillion loads of laundry and the constant clearing up of dishes – why do teenagers use so many cups?! finding time for yourself is hard. This magazine has humour, inspiration, tips and short articles written by other mums. It is so beautifully illustrated and that is one of my favourite things about this magazine. Although truthfully I enjoyed reading it so much I stayed in the bath until I had finished it from cover to cover. I was rather prune like when I got out! However the articles are a perfect length if you have a bit less time on your hands, you can dip in and out.

This edition is pregnancy and the fourth trimester edition. It covers informed choice in infant feeding, surviving the last month of pregnancy, sleep in pregnancy (eh? What?), slings (seriously get one), mindfulness and so much more. Oh and I’m loving the meditation.

I really like that Emma has worked together with other mums and small businesses to put together a great publication while also helping them promote their business. I felt so relaxed after reading it and it really lifted my mood. I’m looking forward to seeing what the next edition will contain.

Mums, don’t fall into the guilt trap of trying to be everything to everyone. You will be a much better version of yourself if you take that time. I am saying this as a mum who was at absolute rock bottom. Noone was getting a good me while I was like that. I could have done with reading this magazine while I was pregnant or in the early days after my son was born.

This zine would be a lovely gift for a new mum or for mother’s Day…aherm Mr th3secretlifeofme.

If you would like a copy head on over to https://instagram.com/isabella_and_us?utm_source=ig_profile_share&igshid=1xzwaf4o3ecgh

Love and peace xx