We talk about self-care a lot at Cooper. But when we say self-care, we’re not talking about going to the spa (although if that makes you feel good, go for it!). We’re talking about the things you can do to make yourself feel whole. Remember, self-care is not luxurious, it’s actually a necessity. Whether it’s therapy, exercise, fresh air – self-care benefits your regulatory system. And, the research speaks for itself. In a 2019 study, researchers found that on days when one parent exercises, gets more sleep than usual, or does something that fills them up, they AND their partner feel happier and closer to their child. Plus, couples engaging in self care activities are less likely to argue and tend to have warmer interactions with each other.
If you’re not convinced yet, let us continue… Self-care is essential, especially when it comes to managing the growing guilt, loneliness, and pressure so many of us feel as parents. If you’ve been in a Coop Group, you know that we often suggest turning off what isn’t helping (like a long scroll on Instagram) and finding out what does. Enter self-care – a way to help take care of yourself and make you a more present parent. Win-win.
Identifying the self-care that you need to feel refueled is important, and more and more, businesses are supporting these needs in new ways. Beyond the traditional “wellness” locations, new opportunities for parents to reflect, share and find community are being created to help provide the real self-care so many of us need.
One of the new wellness destinations that we’re particularly excited about is Sage + Sound in New York City. Sage + Sound is supporting parents in their self-care and parenting journey in a variety of ways, and we’re thrilled to partner with them for an upcoming Parenting with Presence Series. In anticipation of our 3 week series, we got a chance to talk to the founders, Lacey Tisch and Lauren Zucker, about what wellness looks like in their homes, and the importance of prioritizing your own well-being.
“As mothers, we often feel guilty about taking time for ourselves. However, it’s crucial to prioritize our own well-being to ensure our children’s strength and happiness. Make an effort to set aside time for yourself daily, even if it’s just for a few minutes. For example, you could meet a friend for tea or engage in a meditation session. This self-care can lead to positive changes that your family will notice. It’s important to remember that not every day will be perfect, and it’s okay to have bad days. Allow yourself grace during those times. To foster well-being within the family, practice nightly meditation, discuss gratitude lists, and emphasize the importance of physical activity in your household.” -Lauren Zucker, Co-Founder.
While we’re positive you’ve heard statements like “self care isn’t selfish” before, the research is pretty compelling on why this is true. Like Lauren says above, when we care for ourselves and fill our own tanks, we can show up for our family in a new way. When we are better regulated, we can parent with intention. When we model doing what we need to recover and persevere, we teach our children that they, too, can overcome challenges. At Cooper Headquarters, we feel passionately about the incredible positive changes that self-care can have on not only you, but your family.
“As a mom of two, I make it my mission to teach them that wellness is like a buffet – there’s no single right way to fill your plate. It could be a day-long meditation marathon or just a quick five-minute scribble in your journal; the choice is yours to hit that “reset” button whenever you please. As a mother, it’s vital for me to remember this flexibility as well. And remind myself that on a regular basis. I’m beyond grateful that Sage + Sound has become a space for moms seeking their own unique flavor of wellness.” -Lacey Tisch, Co-Founder
Lacey’s reminder that self-care can take many forms and that there is no “right way” is something we’re constantly talking about in Coop Groups. Embrace the ritual that feels right to you, whatever that may be. Though your feed may suggest it’s all about nails and nights out, maybe you need a reset in a different way. Take the time to figure out what brings you back to baseline and dig in. You’ll build important tools in the toolbox for the future.