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on January 25, 2021 · Leave a Comment

My Self Care Journey As An Autism Mom

Last year I spoke about how difficult autism parenting can be and finding time for myself even harder.  However, throughout this past year, I did my best to find time even in the middle of the pandemic.  It hasn’t been easy because I am in the high-risk category for Covid.  Even when the stores are open, I am more comfortable just staying home.  That’s not to say that I haven’t stepped out to run to a CVS or Dollar Tree, because I have.  If you could see my disinfecting process when I get home, you would think I’m nuts.  But that’s a post for another day 😊

I thought I’d share some of the things I started to do last year and what I’ve added over the past few weeks to keep my head on straight. 

The post may contain affiliate links.  Joann Salas is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

Starting out my morning the right way is a big mood booster.  I try very hard to get up a little earlier than everyone else in the family.  It allows me the time to think about the day ahead of me.  What is on my To-Do List that day?  Whether it’s laundry or working on my blog, I love to have a clear plan for the day ahead.  Of course, I do all of that with my morning coffee in-hand!

During this time, I also like to take the time to pray.  I do most of my prayers at night, but this gives me the opportunity to say good morning to Jesus and read one page in my book, Jesus Always, Embracing Joy in His Presence, by Sarah Young.  This book is a 365-day devotional, that includes scripture and response from the author.  As a Catholic, I realized that as much as I enjoy this devotional, for me personally, I’d like to try to find a bible study book/guide that aligns more in with the word of the Lord and not through the voice of another.  However, as I said, this book is very readable and I do feel like it is a good way to start my day. 

Another way I’ve been staying on track, is remembering to take my vitamins.  I understand vitamins may not be for everyone and there are those who don’t believe in taking them.  I respect that but, for me, vitamins are a great way for me to add the extra nutrients I may be missing in my diet.  I’m so happy to report, that I’ve been consistent every morning. 

Shower and bath bombs have been exploding in my house all year!  I’m totally hooked!  I try to use them at least a few times a week.  It’s not been easy to escape my house physically, but a half hour soaking in the tub and enjoying the aromatherapy is a great way to release stress.  Some of my favorite bath and shower bombs are from Basin.com.  My current favorite shower bomb is the Lemongrass and, for a nice bath, I recommend the Let It Snow (inspired by Disney’s Frozen movie) bath bomb. 

It should come as no surprise that journaling is also an important part of my selfcare routine.  For me, writing down reflections of my day, how I’m feeling and the things I’m most grateful for, help keep me in check.  If you still haven’t tried journaling, I really encourage you to try.  It can be as little as a few sentences or a few paragraphs.  You’d be surprise as to how good you feel after writing. 

It turns out that putting yourself in a “time-out,” just as you do your kids, really helps me reset.  Now, I don’t go sit myself down, but I do take a mental break.  If I’m feeling overwhelmed during the day, I’ve realized that I need to walk away for a few minutes and get myself back on track.  With my husband working from home, this is doable.  I take a few minutes to go in my room and just take a breather.  It really does help me.  I wish the weather was nicer here in New Jersey, as taking a few minutes in my yard to get some fresh air was nice during the warmer months.  A few minutes to yourself can really put you in a better place. 

An afternoon cup of coffee or tea offers a nice delicious break.  I always try to find new and interesting flavors, so I never get bored.  My current favorite go-to coffee is New England’s Peppermint Bark coffee and my overall favorite tea would be Harvey & Son’s Paris tea.  Confession time – sometimes I can’t decide so I have both! 

These are just a few of the things I do during the day to incorporate self-care.  My evenings look a little different and I’ll be sharing how I reset for the night in a future post.  In what ways do you take care of yourself during the day?  I would love to hear in the comments below!

Thanks for stopping by! I would love to talk more! Please come hang out with me on Instagram at @Lovealwaysjoann. You can also find me on Twitter, Pinterest and Facebook. If you want to be alerted whenever I publish a new post, you can follow me on Bloglovin’ or subscribe via email.

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Filed Under: Autism, My Story Tagged With: autism mom, relaxation, selfcare, stress relief

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Hi, I’m Joann

Hi, I’m Joann

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I'm Joann, a wife, a mom of twin boys (one of which is autistic and nonverbal), and welcome to my blog! Please make yourself comfortable, so I can share stories from my life, my mad addiction to beauty products and my love of all things Disney!

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lovealwaysjoann

Lovealways,Joann
Missing the mouse! #disney #disneyhollywoodstudios Missing the mouse! #disney #disneyhollywoodstudios #mickeymouse #waltdisneyworld #disneymemories #disneyvacation
Good morning friends! Let's talk Disney! Today on Good morning friends! Let's talk Disney! Today on the blog and my YouTube channel, I am sharing the next Disney recipe for a year! I made Hollywood Studios, Toy Story Land Chocolate-hazelnut Lunch Box Tarts! I made these on Saturday, and by Sunday all 6 of them were gone! I hope you enjoy watching and remember the printable recipe can be found on my blog.  Direct link for Blog/YouTube in bio.  #disney #disneyfood #disneyfoodie #disneysnacks #disneyrecipes #toystoryland #chocolatehazelnutlunchboxtarts #lunchboxtarts .
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#autism #autismmom #autismeducation #autismdad #autismfamily #autismawareness #autismlife #specialneedsjourney 
#autismacceptance #autismstars 
#specialneeds #ourautismjourney #specialneedsfamily #specialneedsmom #littlestoriesofmylife  #asd 
#sensoryprocessingdisorder 
#mommyblogger #bloom
#autismboy
You know that saying, ‘It’s just like riding a You know that saying, ‘It’s just like riding a bike?” Well, I’m not sure that would apply to me. When I was dating my husband, he would always ask me if I could ride a bike.  I always said, “Yes, of course.” Truth be told, it had been years since I was on a bike, but I was sure I could still ride. The thing is, I hated to bike ride, even as a child. I blame it on the ugly bright orange bike my parents bought me and the time I fell off and landed in the sewer drain on my street. I was about 9 or 10 years old and I was only allowed to ride my bike on the sidewalk. It was always a nightmare. 
A few years ago, we were shopping in Walmart and happened to be passing a row of bikes that were on sale. My husband comes up with the brilliant idea of buying me a bike! What?? I quickly said to him, “No, that’s okay. We don’t have time right now.” I knew that excuse wasn’t going to work. He takes out a bike and says, “Let’s try this one.” 😳 I told him, “I don’t like the color.” He says, “Well, just take a look and see, what color do you want?” I thought to myself, pick a color you know would be impossible to find. I blurted out “Mahogany!” And wouldn’t you know, “Damn you Walmart! You had a mahogany bike!!” I walk over to the bike still in the row. I figured how hard can this be? I swing my leg over and start to back it out. I attempt to ‘ride’ it down the aisle and I couldn’t do it! I kept falling over, losing my balance and telling Gabe there’s something wrong with this bike! After a few tries, almost taking out a small child on her bike and taking down an entire row of bike helmets, Gabe says, “You can’t ride a bike?” Now I’m completely embarrassed and yelling, “Yes, yes I can!!” Again he repeats with a smirk on his face, “You can’t ride a bike, can you?” I get off the bike, walk it back and, as I’m doing this, I realize I just can’t hide it anymore. “Okay,” I said to him. “I guess I’ll need some practice.” And that, my dear friends, is why that saying, ‘It’s just like riding a bike!’ doesn’t apply to me!🤪 Lol!
#justlikeridingabike #wannabestuntwoman .
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#autism #autismmom #autismeducation #autismdad #autismfamily #autismawareness #autismlife #specialneedsjourney 
#au
Let’s talk Disney! The second Disney recipe is i Let’s talk Disney! The second Disney recipe is in the book!  The next recipe is from Hollywood Studios - Toy Story Land.  This week I am making the Chocolate Hazelnut Lunch Box Tarts! I never tried them during my last trip, so I had nothing to compare it with. However, I must admit they were delicious! YouTube video will be up this week.  Please make sure you subscribe so you won’t miss out on all the shenanigans! My son Michael couldn’t resist sticking his fingers in the Nutella and at one point he grabbed the tripod during filming.... good times! 🤣🤪😀#disney #disneyhollywoodstudios  #toystoryland #lunchboxtarts #nutellaexplosion #cameramangonewild #toystoryland #disneysnacks #disneyfoodie #disneyrecipes #outofmycomfortzone #disneysnack #woodyslunchbox 
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#autism #autismmom #autismeducation #autismdad #autismfamily #autismawareness #autismlife #specialneedsjourney 
#autismacceptance #autismstars 
#specialneeds #ourautismjourney #specialneedsfamily #specialneedsmom #littlestoriesofmylife 
#mommyblogger #bloom
#autismboy
I was pretending to be here all day... I have the I was pretending to be here all day... I have the best tan! 😃🤣🤪🌴☀️#pretending #pretendingisgoodforthesoul #thebeachiscalling #122daystosummer #gohomeelsa 
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#autism #autismmom #autismeducation #autismdad #autismfamily #autismawareness #autismlife #specialneedsjourney 
#autismacceptance #autismstars 
#specialneeds #ourautismjourney #specialneedsfamily #specialneedsmom #littlestoriesofmylife  #asd 
#sensoryprocessingdisorder 
#mommyblogger #bloom
#autismboy
It was just like a movie It was just like a song M It was just like a movie
It was just like a song
My God, this reminds me
Of when we were young... my Valentine then, now, always ❤️ #love #amore #forever #whenwewereyoung 
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#autism #autismmom #autismeducation #autismdad #autismfamily #autismawareness #autismlife #specialneedsjourney 
#autismacceptance #autismstars 
#specialneeds #ourautismjourney #specialneedsfamily #specialneedsmom #littlestoriesofmylife  #asd 
#sensoryprocessingdisorder 
#mommyblogger #bloom
#autismboy
Love is all you need.. Happy Valentine’s Day! #v Love is all you need.. Happy Valentine’s Day! #valentines #love #valentinesday #loveisallyouneed
It’s Friday, end of the week! Don’t forget yo It’s Friday, end of the week!  Don’t forget your self care 🧘‍♀️ ❤️ #selfcare #selfcarematters #itsnotjustatrend #takecareofyourself #youareworthit
Next Disney recipe has been chosen!! Any guesses? Next Disney recipe has been chosen!! Any guesses? #disney #Disneyrecipes #disneyfoodies #toystoryland  #disneyfoodie #Disney .
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#autism #autismmom #autismeducation #autismdad #autismfamily #autismawareness #autismlife #specialneedsjourney 
#autismacceptance #autismstars 
#specialneeds #ourautismjourney #specialneedsfamily #specialneedsmom #littlestoriesofmylife  #asd 
#sensoryprocessingdisorder 
#mommyblogger #bloom
#autismboy
Autism life is hard. It's so easy as an autism mo Autism life is hard.  It's so easy as an autism mom to spiral down the negativity hole once you're day takes a turn for the worse.  That was yesterday.  Today, it continued.  I am trying to ignore the nonsense of the last two days and focus on some of the positives.  The picture above is Michael watching TV, I mean really watching TV!! I spoke about this previously how such a small thing is such a big win to us.  We have been working on Michael enjoying leisure activities for a long time.  The progress in autism can be relatively slow.  I don't care how long or slow it is, it is still progress.  However, when I have days like these, if I'm being honest, these little wins go missing, I'm too wrapped up in the negative.  I'm learning to accept where we are and focus on the positive.  And this is why I'm here writing this now.  Reminding myself of all the wonderful accomplishments and progress Michael has made.  Also a reminder to myself that I am learning that it's okay, I don't have to feel like Ms. Positivity every waking moment.  After all, life isn't perfect and either am I.  #bloom #progressoverperfection #progess #smallwins #autismmom 
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#autism #autismmom #autismeducation #autismdad #autismfamily #autismawareness #autismlife #specialneedsjourney 
#autismacceptance #autismstars 
#specialneeds #ourautismjourney #specialneedsfamily #specialneedsmom #littlestoriesofmylife  #asd 
#sensoryprocessingdisorder 
#mommyblogger #bloom
#autismboy
Hollywood is calling me... #disney #disneyhollywoo Hollywood is calling me... #disney #disneyhollywoodstudios #disneymemories
Yesterday was rough, here’s hoping today is a be Yesterday was rough, here’s hoping today is a better day. #sunshine #renew #renewyourmind #sunrise #positivevibes #newday #wednesday 
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#autism #autismmom #autismeducation #autismdad #autismfamily #autismawareness #autismlife #specialneedsjourney 
#autismacceptance #autismstars 
#specialneeds #ourautismjourney #specialneedsfamily #specialneedsmom #littlestoriesofmylife  #asd 
#sensoryprocessingdisorder 
#mommyblogger #bloom
#autismboy
Always look for the light...❤️ #waltdisneyworl Always look for the light...❤️ #waltdisneyworld #disney #disneymemories #roughdaygoaway 
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#autism #autismmom #autismeducation #autismdad #autismfamily #autismawareness #autismlife #specialneedsjourney 
#autismacceptance #autismstars 
#specialneeds #ourautismjourney #specialneedsfamily #specialneedsmom #littlestoriesofmylife  #asd 
#sensoryprocessingdisorder 
#mommyblogger #bloom
#autismboy
One is out in the snow, the other is swimming in t One is out in the snow, the other is swimming in the 🛀 😀🌨❤️ I hope you’re having a wonderful day! #sundayfunday #snow #family
This week I launched my first YouTube video featur This week I launched my first YouTube video featuring Disney recipes for the year! I’d love for you to take a look! Direct link in my bio.  #disney #disneyfood #disneysnacks #disneyrecipes#youtube #disneyfoodies
It's Friday and the end of the week! Have you spen It's Friday and the end of the week! Have you spent any time on yourself this week?  If not, hop to it 🙂 Self care is very trendy right now, but it should be part of your daily routine.  I know it's hard to find five minutes for yourself, believe me, I I know.  It is hard, but it's so important to relieve stress, clear your mind of negativity and focus on you!  I challenge you to try something today, anything! It can be a walk around your block, a nice soak with some wonderfully scented bath bombs or a quick stretching/yoga movements to loosen up.  Don't let self care be a trend only, let it just be another part of your day.  #selfcare #selflove #takecareofyourself #friday #fridaymood 
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#autism #autismmom #autismeducation #autismdad #autismfamily #autismawareness #autismlife #specialneedsjourney 
#autismacceptance #autismstars 
#specialneeds #ourautismjourney #specialneedsfamily #specialneedsmom #littlestoriesofmylife  #asd 
#sensoryprocessingdisorder 
#mommyblogger #bloom
#autismboy
Some of my favorite memories from our Disney trip Some of my favorite memories from our Disney trip in 2019, is seeing my boys smiles and hearing their sweet little giggles.  I really didn’t know what to expect, especially from Michael.  Our first park day was at Animal Kingdom.  They both loved it! To be honest, because of all the wonderful 1st memories, this is my new favorite park.  Our first ride was TriceraTop Spin.  I sat with Alex and Gabe had Michael with him in front of us.  I took a short little video because I wanted to remember this moment forever. ❤️ It was magical! Disney was not only able to capture my boys heart and soul that day, but my husband’s as well.  Mission accomplished - Disney Forever. #disney #disneymemories #disneyanimalkingdom #iloveDisney #disneyaddict #waltdisneyworld #disneyvacation 
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#autism #autismmom #autismeducation #autismdad #autismfamily #autismawareness #autismlife #specialneedsjourney 
#autismacceptance #autismstars 
#specialneeds #ourautismjourney #specialneedsfamily #specialneedsmom #littlestoriesofmylife  #asd 
#sensoryprocessingdisorder 
#mommyblogger #bloom
#autismboy
Good morning friends! Today is World Cancer Day. Good morning friends! Today is World Cancer Day.  As a cancer survivor I know first hand how important World Cancer Day is to me and my family.  Whether you are a survivor, currently going through treatment or a caretaker, cancer awareness and education is key in finding a cure. 
Today around the world, we come together to recognize that no matter who or where you come from, cancer touches the lives of many.  As someone who has had cancer, lost someone to cancer, and has been a caretaker, I understand and lived through every emotion possible.  However, I am here today to share my hopes, dreams and wishes for the world to one day be cancer free. 
I am extremely lucky because my doctor was extremely thorough.  Early detection is so important to increase your odds of survival.  Please take the time to have your yearly physical, your life depends on it. 

To learn more about World Cancer Day and cancer education, the direct link is in my bio.  #iamandiwill #worldcancerday2021 #lungcancersurvivor #cancerawareness #nonhodgkinlymphoma  #mommyblogger #cancerwarrior
Good morning friends! Let's talk Disney! Today on Good morning friends! Let's talk Disney!  Today on the blog and my YouTube channel ( yikes!) I am sharing the very first Disney Recipe for a year!  I'm going to be honest, I'm really nervous about this whole YouTube journey and as I shared over the weekend, this is completely out of my comfort zone.  Please be patient with me as I learn to navigate this new adventure.  Thank you as always for your support! Direct link in bio.  #disney #disneyfood #disneyfoodie #disneysnacks #disneyrecipes 
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#autism #autismmom #autismeducation #autismdad #autismfamily #autismawareness #autismlife #specialneedsjourney 
#autismacceptance #autismstars 
#specialneeds #ourautismjourney #specialneedsfamily #specialneedsmom #littlestoriesofmylife  #asd 
#sensoryprocessingdisorder 
#mommyblogger #bloom
#autismboy
What do special needs parents want you to know ab What do special needs  parents want you to know about their child with autism? Everything you are willing to learn! No lie! If you make an effort to learn about autism, then you’ll share with your family, your children and maybe within your business or employer.  What you learn now will not only impact my son’s life but future generations to come.  Before I had Michael I knew of autism but I never really understood it until living it first hand.  I was always nervous and unsure how to interact with children on the spectrum.  I had to work at trying to figure out what to say or do in their presence.  I get that it’s hard to understand if you’re not in the autism community.  Please know I would love to help you learn more. To be able to share and teach  everyone that kids on the spectrum want to have friends, build relationships and feel love. ❤️ Just ask, learn and accept. 
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#autism #autismmom #autismeducation #autismdad #autismfamily #autismawareness #autismlife #specialneedsjourney 
#autismacceptance #autismstars 
#specialneeds #ourautismjourney #specialneedsfamily #specialneedsmom #littlestoriesofmylife  #asd 
#sensoryprocessingdisorder 
#mommyblogger #bloom
#autismboy
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