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on March 2, 2021 · Leave a Comment

My Evening Self-Care Tips For Special Needs Moms!

A few weeks ago, I posted my self-care journey as an autism mom.  I shared some things that I did at the start of my day to make sure I’m keeping myself in line with taking care of myself.  This week, I thought I would share some of my evening routine that also aligns with self-care.  Keeping up with self-care has been a way to stay on top of my mental and physical health.  It’s important that as women, we dedicate time for ourselves.  It’s not always easy or even possible, but I have been getting better at it. 

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.

As soon as dinner has been finished, after cleaning up the mess in my kitchen, I make sure that everyone else in the house is settled into whatever they need to be doing so I can take my 30 minutes to workout.  I spoke previously about how Beachbody has been the best way for me to maintain a healthy lifestyle and the luxury of being able to work out from home.  As a special needs’ mom, I have no time to go to a gym and. to be honest, I never would even if I had the time.  It’s convenient to have all of my workouts available right on my Firestick!  So much easier than having to drive to a gym, etc.  It just works best for me.  If you’d like to know more about Beachbody, I wrote a post all about my coach and my own transformation journey.  You can read more about it here. 

Let’s talk about pampering yourself – let’s talk nails!  Many years ago, going to a nail salon was part of my life.  After my boys, that all went away.  Again, didn’t have the time; never even tried to make the time.  And yes, I can easily make that more of a priority now but, during a pandemic, I try not to go anywhere unless it’s important.  For me, I can do my nails at home.  The best part of my new nail routine is that it doesn’t require me to sit and wait for my nails to dry!  I’ve been using several different brands of nail products and I’m loving all of them.

The first one is called Dashing Diva.  I’m sure you have all heard of them but, if not, they are nail strips made of 100% nail color that are easily applied by stretching the correct size nail strip over your nails, buffing the access off around the sides and tips and you are done.  It’s fast and easily removes with nail polish remover.  Not only are they easy to apply, they last relatively long! I like being able to change colors quickly and easily and these are fantastic!

The other company is called Red Aspen Nail Dashes.  Again, these are easy to use, you can apply them rather quickly and they can be worn up to two weeks.  They come in various sizes – average, petite and large nails.  These are applied with nail glue and you can cut them to the length you would like as well.  I love that they come in such a variety of sizes and colors! If you’d like to give them a try, please contact Kristinn on her Instagram account @mskristinn321.

A couple of years ago while visiting my mother-in-law, she introduced me to a tea she makes for herself every night before bed.  Since then, my husband and I have it on-hand and we like to have it before we go to bed as well.  It’s called Manzanilla Con Anis.  It’s a chamomile tea with anise.  Generally, I do not care for anise, but this has a mild taste to it.  I usually make it about a half hour before we are going to bed.  This tea really brings you to a restful and relaxed state.  It helps with anxiety and getting myself ready to fall asleep.  I usually put a little stevia in mine; sometimes, I have it with cream as well.  It has really helped us both relax a bit before turning in for the night. 

Sometimes it is so hard to fall asleep if you are rustling with your pillow all night.  I used to have that problem until I found the absolute best pillow called Coop.  I had never heard of this pillow or company until my husband’s co-worker told him about it.  My husband was complaining about the pillows never staying firm long enough and having to replace it every few months.  He told him about Coop and, after my husband purchased his, I could tell he wasn’t struggling with the pillow anymore.  I noticed he wasn’t tossing and turning, flipping the pillow around.  The pillow is an interesting concept and unlike any of the ones I’ve used in the past.  What makes this pillow different?  It would have to be their proprietary shredded memory foam.  The design allows air circulation to keep the breathability high for uninterrupted sleep.  Doesn’t that sound appealing?  I love that it comes pre-filled but also provides you with extra fill in case you want to take it up a notch.  I haven’t had to fill mine at all!  Also, a quick few minutes in the dryer refreshes the pillow.  It somehow manages to stay firm yet soft.  The price point for this pillow is obviously higher but, once you think about how you are buying a new pillow and spending anywhere from $20 – $50/ea every few months, this pays for itself tenfold.  I highly recommend this pillow.  I’m sure you will love it. 

The last thing I must share with you is an app.  The app is called MindZone.  It has so many different types of relaxing and restful sounds for you to choose from.  Sometimes I use a quick 5-minute sound right before bedtime and it really helps relax my mind.  One of my favorite features about the app is the story-telling feature called, Return to Childhood.  It gives you a few options to choose from and will read a fairytale-themed story to your child.  The stories range in length, from 11-25 minutes.  If my kids are relaxed and sleeping, then I can get a better night’s sleep as well. 

Over the past year, I’ve had to learn how to make myself a priority.  I felt the strain and anxiety as many of us have during this pandemic; add a special needs child to the mix and it can be overwhelming.  I was just getting use to giving myself a break when I needed it and then came Covid.  I had to learn how to adjust and continue to get my breaks, even when it meant I couldn’t leave the house.  Thankfully, during the worst of the lockdown, I was able to, at least, sit in my yard for a little bit.  That’s the good news, my friends!  Spring and better weather is on the way!  Hang in there and, in the meantime, I hope some of my suggestions will help you get through your self-care journey.  Please let me know what you have been doing to give yourself breaks and the self-care loving you deserve 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: health, Self-care, wellness

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lovealwaysjoann

Lovealways,Joann
Yesterday on my YouTube channel I posted a video t Yesterday on my YouTube channel I posted a video talking about how I handle stress associated with being an autism mom.  Thank you so much for those of you who have watched and for your kind comments.  Thank you to everyone who also reached out to  me privately. It’s nice to hear that something I said either resonated with you or has helped in a small way.  I love the feedback as it’s a way for me to know if I should continue with autism related content or not.  If you haven’t had a chance to watch yet, I hope you will consider adding it to your watch list.  Thank you for your support, it’s truly appreciated. 

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#autism #autismmom #autismfamily #autismawareness #autismlife #autismlife #autismheros #autismadvocates #autismeducation #specialneedsmomlife 
#autismacceptance #autismstars 
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Did you know that during a typical day an autism Did you know that during a typical day an autism  mom can experience more than two stressful events? Autism moms  are more likely to experience fatigue, depression and isolation.  Mother’s of children with autism have stress levels comparable to combat veterans. 
I do not handle stress well, but I am consistently trying to get better at managing it.  If you watched today’s YouTube video, and you are an autism mom, I hope you know you are not alone.  I hope I was able to help in some small way.  My way of handling stress may not be the way for you, but I encourage you to find something that does. ❤️ #stress #stressrelief #stressmanagement #autismstress 

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#autism #autismmom #autismfamily #autismawareness #autismlife #autismlife #autismheros #autismadvocates #autismeducation #specialneedsmomlife 
#autismacceptance #autismstars 
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It’s not often I get to spend time with Alex as It’s not often I get to spend time with Alex as much as I like to.  It’s not easy having a sibling with autism but Alex loves his brother.  Today, Alex and I went to the movies to see Sonic 2.  We had a great time together but the best part of my day was him thanking me for going with him.  He said,”I really appreciate it Mom!” This picture is from his last year’s birthday party.  I can’t believe it but in a few short weeks my twins will be 10 years old! ❤️ #autismsiblings #sons #momsofinstagram #momandsons #theboywhostolemyheart #autismmom #autismlife
Did you happen to catch my new YouTube video this Did you happen to catch my new YouTube video this week? In this week’s video I’m sharing 3 easy Brunch recipes! Each one is easy to make and can be made-ahead  of time. 
The last recipe I shared is the Blueberry French Toast.  French Toast is one of my favorites for breakfast. When you mix  it with the blueberries and the eggs, it just takes it up a notch.  Don’t forget to sprinkle some powdered sugar on top! Direct link in bio.  #brunch #brunchrecipes #breakfastideas #frenchtoast #blueberries #frenchtoastcasserole
Did you happen to catch my new YouTube video this Did you happen to catch my new YouTube video this week? In this week’s video I’m sharing 3 easy Brunch recipes! Each one is easy to make and can be made-ahead  of time. 
The second recipe I share is the Hawaiian Breakfast Sliders.  Ever since I watched my friend Jess over at @blessedjess86 share her Baked Hawaiian Rolls recipe, I’ve been really obsessed with the Hawaiian Rolls!! Out of the 3 recipes I made, this one is my favorite! These are perfect to wrap up individually and take your breakfast to go.  Direct link in bio.  #brunch  #brunchrecipes #breakfastideas #hawaiianrolls #hawaiianrollsliders
Did you happen to catch my new YouTube video yeste Did you happen to catch my new YouTube video yesterday? In this week’s video I’m sharing 3 easy Brunch recipes! Each one is easy to make and can be made-ahead  of time. 
The first recipe I share, “Sweet Potato Hash,” is from @ww.  Whether you are currently on the program or not, If you’re a fan of sweet potatoes,  this one is for you.  Direct link in bio.  #brunch #brunchrecipes #breakfastideas #ww #wwrecipes #sweetpotatohash
When your child is first diagnosed with autism, it When your child is first diagnosed with autism, it is difficult to wrap your head around the amount of information given to you. It’s so important to have people in your child’s life that you can connect to.  Develop a comfortable connection  with the pediatrician, neurologist, the early intervention team, as well as your immediate family. You should be able to know that you have respect, trust and compassion in these relationships. I talked about our early relationships with Michael’s team in my “Let’s talk autism - Early Intervention - Pediatric Neurologist- O.T.  Therapist” YouTube video in March.  If your child was recently diagnosed with autism, I hope you find this helpful. Direct link to my channel in my bio. New autism videos coming soon.  #newautismdiagnosis 

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#autism #autismmom #autismfamily #autismawareness #autismlife #autismlife #autismheros #autismadvocates #autismeducation #specialneedsmomlife 
#autismacceptance #autismstars 
#specialneeds #ourautismjourney #specialneedsfamily #littlecornerofmyworld #littlestoriesofmylife 
#bloom #teachyourkidaboutmykid #rise
Good evening friends! Last month I had posted abou Good evening friends! Last month I had posted about a question from another special needs mom asking me to talk about how I handle stress.  I also asked if anyone wanted to share as well to please let me know so I could pass those suggestions and ideas along.  I didn’t receive much feedback and I’m not surprised at all.  This tells me that there are many of us who are still trying to figure out how to handle their stress or maybe you’re not comfortable sharing.  Either way I can understand, I’m still struggling to figure out what works best for me. 
It’s been awhile since I sat down to talk autism but this week I will film my next autism video.  Any guesses as to what that will be about? 😂 As always please feel free to DM me if you prefer or aren’t comfortable sharing in the comments about anything related to autism.  I know it’s hard to put yourself out there when you’re never sure how you will be received, but always remember you have a friend in me.  #stressmanagement 

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#autism #autismmom #autismfamily #autismawareness #autismlife #autismlife #autismheros #autismadvocates #autismeducation #specialneedsmomlife 
#autismacceptance #autismstars 
#specialneeds #ourautismjourney #specialneedsfamily #littlecornerofmyworld #littlestoriesofmylife 
#bloom #teachyourkidaboutmykid #rise
A very happy 50th birthday to my husband Gabe! We A very happy 50th birthday to my husband Gabe! We ❤️ you! #birthday #50thbirthday #family
My sister and I wanted to wish a very Happy Mother My sister and I wanted to wish a very Happy Mother’s Day to our dad’s girlfriend Cheryl.  A few months ago I shared that my dads cancer had returned and asked for you all to keep him in your thoughts and prayers.  He’s getting better every day but we know it’s because of the excellent care Cheryl has been giving him.  We just want to thank you for taking amazing care of our dad during these last few months. We are truly grateful to have you in our lives. #thankyou #grateful #mothersday
Happy Mother’s Day to all the wonderful Moms out Happy Mother’s Day to all the wonderful Moms out there! Enjoy your day! A very happy heavenly Mother’s Day to my mom. I’m so happy for all the years you were a part of my life, I just wish we could have had more time together.  I miss you so much, I love you and until we meet again, you’ll be in my heart. Love always, Joann 🥰❤️🙏 #mothersday #imissmymom #heavenlymothersday
New YouTube video! Please consider subscribing and New YouTube video! Please consider subscribing and become part of the family! #maythe4thbewithyou #starwars #starwarsday #wookiecookies #disneykitchen #chewbacca #disneysnacks #disneyfoodies #disneyrecipes #baking #bakingfortheinsta #disneylover #disneyfood #disneyhungry #disneylife #disneymom #disneyhome #disneygram  #disneyeats #mydisneylife #mickeyshapedfood #disneylove #disneyinsta #disneydesserts #disneylifestyle #disneyfamily #disneybaking #mydisneyhome
Have you checked out my YouTube channel yet? Over Have you checked out my YouTube channel yet? Over the last year and a half, I’ve made 35+ Disney food and snack recipes! Please consider subscribing and become part of the family! #smallyoutuber #smallyoutubersupport #smallyoutubercommunity #disneykitchen #disneysnacks #disneyfoodies #disneyrecipes #baking #bakingfortheinsta #disneylover #disneyfood #disneyhungry
#disneylife #disneymom #disneykitchen #anyonecancook 
#disneyhome #disneygram #disneyeats #mydisneylife #mickeyshapedfoods #disneylove #disneyinsta #disneydesserts #disneylifestyle #disneyfamily 
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Good morning and happy Sunday! We are on our secon Good morning and happy Sunday! We are on our second day of driving back home to New Jersey.  It’s a beautiful morning here in North Carolina! The sun is shining and I’m praying for a smooth ride home with no traffic.  Enjoy your Sunday! #sunday #homewardbound #northcarolina
On our final night in Florida, we surprised my hus On our final night in Florida, we surprised my husband Gabe with a small  50th birthday party.  He turns 50 in May, but I wanted him to be able to celebrate with his family.  We are heading back to New Jersey.  Although we had a few rough days it was nice to get away and see our family.  Now we countdown until August when we visit again.  #homewardbound  #family #vacationmemories
New on my YouTube channel! What’s for dinner? Ri New on my YouTube channel! What’s for dinner? Ricotta Meatballs! Link in bio #recipes #easyrecipes #cookathome #homechef #momsrecipes #familyrecipes #cookbook #weeknightdinners #homemade #baking #cooking #madewithlove  #foodie #recipecollection #recipeideas #recipesoftheday #ricottameatballs #meatballs
Thank you so much for all your prayers for Maggie. Thank you so much for all your prayers for Maggie.  She was sedated, given oxygen and medication at the animal hospital.  She is doing much better now.  She has been diagnosed with Laryngeal paralysis.  This is more common in older, large breed dogs.  She is home resting now.  We were given medication to help her and make her comfortable.  We will follow up with our vet when we get home.  Thank you again and I really need a vacation now! Oh wait, I’m on one!🤣 Have a good evening and hopefully, we will all sleep well tonight.  #prayersanswered #thankyou #goodnight
Wishing you and your family a very Happy and bless Wishing you and your family a very Happy and blessed Easter! #happyeaster #hehasrisen
Good evening friends! We finally made it to my mot Good evening friends! We finally made it to my mother-in-law’s house about an hour ago.  We are all tired but happy to be here.  I hope you all have a great evening.  #floridalife #saturdaynight #autism #autismmom #autismfamily #autismawareness #autismlife #autismlife #autismheros #autismadvocates #autismeducation #specialneedsmomlife 
#autismacceptance #autismstars 
#specialneeds #ourautismjourney #specialneedsfamily #littlecornerofmyworld #littlestoriesofmylife
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