14 Mamas Share Their Favourite Self Love Rituals

Being a Mama is rewarding but hard work, and therefore we reached out to some amazing mamas from the Yoga Mamas community to find out how they incorporate self love into their daily routines. How do they recharge, renew and restore?

We are so inspired by some of their rituals, we hope they will inspire you too.
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Don't forget to enter our Self Love Giveaway, where we will be giving away a TYM $50 Wellness Gift card to a lucky Mama to put towards her self love ritual! 
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Dr. Aliya Visram, Chiropractor at Yoga Mamas

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"As a mom of 2 young babes, self care too often gets dropped from my mommy to-do list amidst the chaos of family life.  In the past, taking care of myself mentally and physically involved a lot of yoga, spending time at the gym and going out with close friends. And although these things are still important to me, my new (post-babies) self care rule is purely about spending time by my SELF.  Let’s face it  - as moms we are never ever alone.  There is always a toddler or baby (or both) hanging on to you.  When I have moment alone it is absolute bliss!   So the truth is, these days my self care practice involves solitude, time alone to be still and think through my thoughts and ideas and allowing myself an opportunity to just slow down and take time to reflect on things.  Not only does this help me recharge, but hopefully it also makes me a better mama!"

Jennifer Kalynuik, Mama 

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"I hand my kids off to my amazing husband and I escape to my bedroom and do whatever I want. I'll have a bath, get lost in Instagram, do a quick yoga sequence or just lay in bed and watch tv. I decompress, restore and reconnect with myself. Ahhhhhhh #metime"

Taya Griffin, Lactation Consultant

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"A self care ritual full of love for myself and my home is the weekly purchase of fresh cut flowers - usually tulips or hydrangeas.  I grew up with the mentality that purchasing oneself flowers was an unnecessary extravagance - perhaps even a waste.  However, the sight of them as I walk through the door and the act of choosing them with my girls brings me joy and makes me feel as though I am treating myself!   As a mom and an entrepreneur, I would also say that every time I research and purchase a book to read that isn't parenting and breastfeeding related is also a wonderful ritual!"

Trisha Enriquez, Founder of No Tummy Mommy

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"My favourite self-love ritual is daily meditation. I find it helps to keep me grounded and less stressed when 'life happens'. It was hard at first, but I committed to it and even just 5-10 minutes a day makes such a difference. I notice positive changes in my mood, energy and patience as well. I recommend guided meditations and exploring different apps like Headspace or Insight Timer to help you get started. This is an incredible practice that not only you will benefit from, but your friends and family will also appreciate a happier and healthier YOU as a result."

Janet Hill, Community Manager at Yoga Mamas

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"I keep myself very busy, and that's why I turn it all the way down to show myself love by eliminating distractions and practicing mindfulness.  My way is through my yoga practice. Whether it is 20 minutes at home or taking a class at a studio, I honour my health and cultivate a strong connection to the present moment, which in turn helps me be my best self off the mat.  I carry my gratitude with me and channel that unselfish love into every aspect of being a mum to my daughter.  Showing motherly love is so perfectly natural to me, and it doesn't end with my children!  She sees me taking care of myself and taking care of others.  Each time I dedicate some time to practice, I am grateful and I become more resilient."

Ivy Chen, Founder of Bebe Fete

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"One of my favourite self-love rituals is going to the spa and getting a 90 minute Swedish massage as I nap in peace. But it's hard for me to find the time to always do that (as I run a business and raise my toddler), so my second favourite thing to do is to unplug from the world and organize my closet. Organizing my closet makes me feel organized in life; it's weird but it has always made me feel better after a bad day."

Bekki Draper, Photographer

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"What I do for self-love: Nothing clears my head quicker and relaxes me more than exploring. I love nature and fresh air. I grew up in a small town so maybe I crave it after living in the hustle and bustle of Toronto life. 3 days after giving birth to Henley I was back at it and enjoying long walks. I have an amazing group of mama friends so we've spent our maternity leave exploring with our babes and it's definitely helped relax the nerves of a new mom."

Joy McCarthy, Founder of Joyous Health

Follow @joyoushealth

"A self-love ritual for me is simply being in nature. I make it a daily priority to get outside in nature and go for a walk. Nature is incredibly nourishing for my mind and my body. I notice the smell of the trees, the earth, the feel of the sun on my face or just the fresh air and hearing the sounds of nature like birds chirping is food for my soul!"

Joana Peixoto, Yoga Instructor at Yoga Mamas

Follow @joanaalteri

"Taking a time out to connect with my body. Sometimes this is in the form of a massage session. I especially love Thai yoga massages. Other times it means an intense circuit class, where my body is challenged and strengthened or a great vinyasa flow. And most often (because it's something I can do every day at home ) it's taking time out to just stretch and move. I think an easy way for everyone to do this is to create a stretching ritual . Once a day, ideally morning ( before your babe wakes up or during nap time) Take 5 - 8 minutes  do a few down-dogs, a few up-dogs, a few twists , and get deep into your hip-flexors and hamstrings anyway the best suits your body. This will change your mood instantly and helps you connect to your physical body. Connection is love."

Christine Russel, Founder of 889 Yoga

Photo by Trisha Robinson Photography 
Follow @889christine

"My favourite self care ritual is a delicious bath. I never used to be big on baths until I was pregnant but now it's my jam. It's not just any bath :). Step one: ensure someone else is watching the girls. Then I fill the tub full of hot water, Epsom salts, baking soda and my Essential Oils of choice to support me in that moment. Lately it's been Bergamot, the Oil of Self Acceptance; Lemon, the Oil of Clarity; Grapefruit, the Oil of Honouring the Body; and Lavender, the Oil of Communication. Other bath faves are doTERRA's Balance Blend for when I need to get grounded and feel the earth beneath me, or the Peace Blend when I'm anxious or overwhelmed. Before I slide in I tape my Vision Board (I know, sounds weird, stay with me) to the wall at the end of the tub so I can stare at it as I relax. I do a gentle dry brush for 1 minute all over, stroking the brush towards my heart, and I grab my iPod or phone and turn on a recording. Depending on the day it could be a guided Yoga Nidra, a recording of a neural tool from a coach I'm working with, a planetary transmission of what's happening in our universe by a teacher I love, or just some music. If I have the time I also put in a mud mask on my face to get purified. My fave is my doTERA clay mask loaded with Essential Oils (yes, I'm an Oils junkie!)."

Lindsay Forsay, Founder of Tenth Moon Mothercare

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"To be completely honest, I spend far more time encouraging other moms to take care of themselves and each other than I do taking care of myself. Running my own business and being Mom to two young children doesn't leave much Me time, but I've started a routine of practising yoga nidra - a guided savasana meditation - most nights before bed. It's perfect because it requires me to do nothing except lie still and breathe. (Huzzah!) It helps me relax and recharge and it's amazing drifting off to sleep without a zillion ideas and to-do list items buzzing through my mind. It's an easy way for me to unwind at the end of my busy days and to bring some awareness back to refilling my own cup."

Natalia Lumby, Professor at Ryerson Univeristy

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"I walk. When I'm stressed, when my mind is running, when I feel "busy" I make time to walk. In motherhood the opportunities for self-love come in quick bursts. I know being outside and moving are excellent for balance so I work walking into my day. In the warm months I walk to work. If I'm late I get off the streetcar a couple of stops early. Some days my husband and I walk to work together and get almost an hour to talk (probably about our kiddo haha). When it's cold out you will find me romantically meandering the aisle at Loblaws, because there is no harm in combining a little self-love with a chore."

Sarah Longacre, Founder of Blooma Yoga

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"I love being alone in my house. Shipping my kids and hubby off for a few hours is amazing. The quiet of my house and just “being” in it is my best self care… and maybe I pour a glass of wine and soak in the tub if all works out."

Xenia DiNatale, Mama to Jamie Kalynuik Founder of Yoga Mamas

Follow @xenia1416

"Recharge with my family. Spending time with my husband, daughters and grandchildren lights me up instantly and revitalizes me after a long work week.  I'm lucky to have such a close family that makes time for each other - I get to see them at least once a week. I find it relaxing to to cook with my daughters and bake with my granddaughter. Slowing down over good food {and wine}with my family is my self love".