Six Ways Pumping Time Can Actually Improve Your Mental Health

Moms have so little time to themselves as it is. I'm grateful for even the smallest moments of "me time." They're few and far between these days!

That's why I try to maximize the time I spend hooked up to a breast pump as much as I possibly can. Sure, it's only 15 to 20 minutes here and there, but that time really adds up quickly. Not to mention it's a great opportunity for some mindfulness...something all moms absolutely need.

Sure, you could use the time to shop online or mindlessly scroll through your social media feed. We can do better than that though, ladies!

Here are a few ways to take care of YOU during those pumping minutes:

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First off, this is all made MUCH simpler with a hands-free pumping bra. I have two and it's made a world of difference in allowing me to do so much more. They're pretty inexpensive and SO worth having.

                                   

Bullet Journaling

This is my favorite way to unwind while being productive all at the same time!

If you haven't heard of bullet journaling, it's essentially a creative planner and scrapbook combined (at least that's how I use mine). Doodle, plan, jot down thoughts...it's whatever you need it to be!

Remember that bullet journals do not have to be perfect! It's all about being free to make what you need however you want and without judgment. If you mess up, it's OK! This is about mindfulness and relaxation. If that causes you more frustration, maybe jump ahead to the next suggestion. 😏

I've used it to track my own to-dos and goals, but it's helped me with so many mom and baby things too. It's my one-stop-shop for baby's doctor appointments, schedules, jots about her habits. You name it, I've tracked it! This is a huge help when we go to her pediatrician. Everything I need is in one place. I just keep it in the diaper bag and we're all set.

I personally love the Scribbles That Matter notebooks. Their thick pages don't allow your pens' ink to bleed through, which just makes my heart happy. There are so many other journals available though so find the one that works best for you.

 Blogging

I'm doing exactly this right now. How meta! 😉

Whether you're blogging for an audience or just need to get your thoughts out, finally you have at least 15-20 minutes to let your mind run.

Typing things out just makes them seem easier sometimes, and with an infant as your only source of human contact for hours a day, it's nice to tell someone what's going on...even if that someone is a machine. Write it, read it, and (possibly) forget it.

Embroidery

This one is so relaxing (for the most part). Aside from the occasional wrong stitch frustration, embroidery has been my mind-saver while pumping. It requires just enough focus that your brain is occupied, but not enough to tire you out. Basically, it's a good distraction from the thoughts that are constantly running through our mommy minds.

I found this awesome set on Amazon that gives easy step-by-step on how-to directions for different stitches. It's kind of like a Paint By Number pattern but with thread. Click here to check it out!

Meditating

The number of apps on our phones that encourage meditation makes it almost ridiculous not to give this one a try. My favorites are Headspace and Calm (neither of which I have any affiliation with). They're just awesome!

A few deep breaths. A focused thought here and there. Maybe some calming music? It's certainly the easiest way to fit in some "me time" when getting that milk out for your little one.

Mindful Coloring

Click the image!

Adult coloring books. Simple. Who doesn't love that?

Give me a few freshly sharpened colored pencils, a cup of coffee (yes, I do drink coffee even though I breastfeed...it's a necessity!), some pretty pictures to focus on and I'm good to go.

Just like we said about bullet journalling above, no one is looking at your art. There's no pressure to finish coloring in a certain time frame. So why not give yourself a break and go back to simpler times? Hey, if coloring is good for our kids, why not for us?

Reading

This one is pretty obvious, but what kind of teacher would I be if I didn't include it as an option?

Don't have the hands-free bra? Why not give audiobooks a try! I've started to listen to a few myself. A good comedy or who-done-it won't lull me to sleep while listening, so those are my go-to stories. We can all use a nap, but maybe not with a pump attached...(raise your hand if you've done this ✋ oops).

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Alright, Mamas. It's up to you! Will you use your pump time to the fullest or fall victim to the endless TV binging pit? I hope you find your way to practice mindfulness. You'll be thankful you chose YOU even if only for a few minutes, and so will your babies. A mindful mommy for a happy baby. 💙