This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Tom’s of Maine for IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine.
When I was younger, it seemed like I lived my entire life outdoors. Every moment I could find, I was either hiking, camping, or simply taking in the cool air outside at a nearby park. There is something invigorating about the smell of pine as you walk through the woods, the crunch of the leaves under your hiking boots and the feel of the warm air against your skin. This is my happy place. This is the place I retreat to any time things get tough and raising a high needs child, things get tough pretty often. While I can’t run outdoors every time things get ugly, I can do small things to retreat to these memories. Today, I’ve partnered with Tom’s of Maine to share simple ways for special needs moms to recharge even in survival mode.
I know right now it feels like you can’t take any time for yourself. Honestly, I know that if you are reading this, this is your attempt to shut out the world around you and “recharge” by zoning out and scrolling your feed on Facebook. But I promise you, from a mom that’s been there, there are better ways to recharge when you are smack in the middle of surviving than mindless scrolling. In fact, none of them require electronics at all.
5 Simple Ways for Special Needs Moms to Recharge During Survival Mode
Take a 5 Minute Walk Around the Block | I know it’s not the same as going on a hike in the woods, but let’s face it, when you are worried about when the next meltdown or problem is going to happen, you don’t always have time to drive to the nearest forest for a hike. Getting out in the fresh air can recharge your brain and fill your lungs with exactly what it needs to take on the stress.
Drink a Hot Tea | After a long day of running after a child that jumps on the furniture, hides under tables and has no regard for personal space, sitting down can feel really good. Take a moment to drink a nice warm cup of tea while you close your eyes and picture your happy place. For me, I can almost smell the pine when I close my eyes.
Visit a Bookstore | Take your high needs child with you or sneak away for a moment to be alone if you can. Take 20 minutes to just walk the aisles until you find a book that doesn’t require you to read the same line over and over again like the book your child must have every night. If you have you child with you, be sure to find them a good book (or 20) to look at so you can get a small moment of quiet to retreat to your happy place.
Give Yourself a Time Out | Yep, you read that right. Give yourself a time out. I’ve been known to lock myself in my closet and hide in the corner. I close my eyes. Breathe in with big deep breathes. Picture the sunset over the horizon, envision the leaves crumbling under my feet and smell the calming scents of nature… all from a corner in my closet. This 5 minute time out is just what I need to recharge and take on the rest of the day with my kids that need me so much.
Take a Warm Bath | This is a special treat that many of us tired and stressed moms in survival mode don’t do often enough. Take my word for it though. One night after you get your little ones to bed, turn the lights down, draw a bath full of warm water, grab some lavender body wash and take 30 minutes to just listen to the silence.
While I can’t enjoy nature like I used to during survival mode, I can fool my senses into believing I am enjoying all of the healing powers nature’s fresh air has to offer. I’ve recently discovered Tom’s of Maine new Natural bar soaps and body washes made with natural fragrances and ingredients. In fact, I was able to get the new soaps at 20% off using this awesome Cartwheel Offer.
Usually it’s my kids that I take so much pride in giving the best naturally sourced products. In survival mode, however, it is important to put some of that same focus on myself. That is easy to do with Tom’s of Maine new bar soaps that are triple milled and made to be gentle on my skin, while maintaining its natural moisture. 
Recharge and Grab Your Own Piece of Nature
Find the Tom’s of Maine at Target as well as their other new scents to enjoy your own mini-retreat from survival mode. With no parabens, artificial fragrances, or preservatives, it’s a great choice for the entire family and are currently 20% off through the Cartwheel app.
Tag @tomsofmaine on social media with how nature and natural motherhood inspires you with #NaturallyInspired for a chance to win Tom’s cleansing line which you can read more about on the Tom’s of Maine Website.
