Five Sacred Practices: How I Protect My Time as a Conscious Parent
Simple, intentional rituals that keep me balanced, and present as a parent and human.
This newsletter might need a new name: Conversations with Other Parents. Every time I have a meaningful chat, it sparks an idea I want to write about.
This weekend at the park, I was talking with another mom about motherhood and time. At one point, she said something like, “We had our time, and now we have kids—our time will come later.” I know a lot of parents feel this way.
Yes, things are different now. "Our time" has shifted in duration, frequency, and maybe even quality. But here's where I see it differently: I am deeply committed to making time for myself, even now.
I believe the generation of mothers before me often prioritized everyone else first, sometimes living in a bit of martyrdom—putting their needs on the back burner indefinitely. I can’t stand by those terms, and I know I wouldn’t be the best mother if I did. My time is essential, and I’ll always protect and create space for it.
Now, I’m fortunate to have an incredibly supportive and available partner, and I don’t take that for granted. But there are also small, intentional things I do that bring me immense joy, a sense of space, and self-care. Although these practices might seem minor, they are fundamental to my personal happiness.
I even hesitated to share this post, worried some might find it mundane. But the truth is, you don’t need extravagance to make space for yourself. Committing to these small, meaningful moments has transformed how I move through life. So here are my top five practices, shared in the hope that they inspire you to create your own time—a worthy investment for yourself and everyone around you.
Top 5
1. Quiet Time
Every morning, I carve out 30-45 minutes of solo time. Yes, that means waking up at 5:15 AM before the rest of the household stirs. I begin this time disconnected from my phone, embracing the stillness of low lights in a cozy corner. For the first half of this time, I focus on my breath—using intentional breathwork techniques to ground myself, clear my mind, and prepare for the day ahead. This is my space to be present with myself, setting the tone for how I’ll show up as a parent and individual. This has been without a doubt the greatest game changer in my overall mental health and its effects are carried throughout the day.
2. Intentional Physical Connection
Every morning, I make it a point to physically connect with each family member—including our dog. Whether it's a hug, a gentle pet, fingers through the hair, or a brief cuddle, this is an intentional act of connection. As someone who isn't naturally very cuddly, I know this must be a conscious effort. While it brings comfort and love to my family and pets, I've noticed that it also has a calming, grounding effect on me. This simple, mindful touch helps me feel centered before the day begins.
3. Midday Movement
I've shifted my workouts to lunchtime, and it's been transformative. This change allows me to fully enjoy my quiet mornings without rushing to squeeze in exercise. It breaks up my workday, helping me avoid both expensive, high-calorie lunches and the midday slump. By moving my body in the middle of the day, I clear my mind and reset my energy. When the workday ends, I feel refreshed and ready to focus on being present at home, without lingering stress or physical restlessness.
4. Mindful Digital Boundaries
I’ve significantly reduced my scrolling time and turned off notifications. While I enjoy connecting with friends and sharing valuable content on social platforms like Instagram, the constant stream of information can make me feel like I’m missing out on some life that isn’t mine. To combat this, I’ve made it a “limited access” space, only engaging intentionally. I’ve also shifted to platforms like Substack, where I can enjoy meaningful, knowledge-rich content. By turning off notifications, I’ve reclaimed my focus—if someone truly needs me, they can text. Everything else can wait until I choose to check in.
5. Tea and Downtime Ritual
At night, I wind down with a cup of herbal tea as part of a calming ritual. Whether I’m sitting with my kids while they do homework or playing together, this tea signals the start of a slower, more intentional pace. Afterward, I carve out a little extra quiet time for myself before bed. I read and do a short mindfulness practice - often a body scan or mindful mintue. This evening routine helps me transition from the busyness of the day to a restful, peaceful state, ensuring I end the day as grounded as I began it.
