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by Louise Pentland, Author, Blogger, Vlogger

Have you ever heard the phrase, ‘you can’t pour from an empty cup’? It means that if you’re running low on energy, it’s very hard to give it. As a parent, you are in constant demand. You are needed physically and emotionally all day long. That can be tough at the best of times, let alone during a pandemic.

Over the last few weeks, like many of you, I’ve had to find ways to keep my cup full. I’m an engaged Mum of two lovely girls. Darcy is nine, Pearl is two and we live together in Northampton with Liam, my fiancé. My job as an author, vlogger and podcaster is fun and varied. I’d say it’s 50% working from home and 50% travelling down to London but of course that’s on hold for now. Usually Darcy is in school and I have childcare help for Pearl, both of which have stopped for the time being (this might have changed by the time you read this though). I love being at home to look after them more but it’s not as easy as usual since we haven’t been able pop to a friend’s for coffee or mooch around the shops. If you’re feeling a bit frazzled too, don’t worry, I have some ideas that might help!

1. Embracing my natural ‘beauty'

I’ve realised in all this that I’m what you might call ‘high maintenance’. I don’t think that is a bad thing usually but it becomes tricky when there’s a global pandemic stopping you from having a weekly blow-dry, fortnightly manicure, monthly pedicure or a teeny tiny bit of botox here and there! I usually like those appointments as a bit of a Mummy treat and I’m required to look put-together for TV work or filming. I felt quite panicked because I don’t feel like ‘me’ without all of those things. As the weeks at home progressed, I came to accept and embrace it though.

My hair is naturally wavy (my daughter’s call it ‘Mummy’s Mermaid Hair’ and tell me they love it) and my life hasn’t fallen apart with natural nails instead of gels. I’ve found just embracing the situation takes all that negative fretting energy away and frees me up to focus on more important things!

2. Editing photos

You know those niggling tasks you never had time to do? Now you do! Except, I’m not talking about dusting the skirting boards or cleaning the oven - I’m talking about the fun ones!

I’ve been meaning to go through my camera roll for ages! I’m making folders of edited shots for photo books or printing and it feels LOVELY to scroll through all the good times. I edited (just colour and light alterations) all our Corfu holiday snaps last week.

It was so uplifting to reminisce about all those special memories. It reminds me that we’ll have those times again and that this won’t last forever. This small thing, just five minutes a day, makes a really big difference to my mood.

3. Walking with purpose

I never in a million years thought I’d be an advocate for walks (usually find them a total snooze fest), but here we are. These really are unprecedented times! I still find walking for the sake of it a BIT dull but something that really cheers me up is taking really pretty flower photographs. I feel like I’ve really come home with something after I’ve taken a great blossom shot. It makes me appreciate the beauty on my doorstep, gives me a little endorphin rush from the exercise and takes me away from screens.

I love taking the girls with me because they help me spot the best blooms and it’s good for them to burn off some of their never-ending energy. Since I love editing photos I’ve actually been making the pictures into screensavers for my phone and sharing them with friends online. It’s a massive mood booster.

4. Dress to impress

I’ve had a few days where I’ve stayed in my grotty jogging bottoms all day and by bedtime, I felt terrible.

If I dress well, I feel good and like there is still a shred of ‘normal’. I like keeping a little bit of my old routine to help me feel anchored.

At first I was pretty strict and made an effort with nice dresses but as time wore on, I caved. I ordered myself some really pretty floral pyjamas and now have the best of both worlds - style and comfort!

Why not have a look through your wardrobe to see what favourites you could dig out or see if there are any good sales on at the moment!

5. Feathering my nest

Children grow so fast and I’m constantly sorting through what they’ve grown out of. I decided to make this a bit of a self-care activity, poured myself a glass of something nice, put my favourite podcast on and set to work.

It was good to feel productive and my eldest daughter Darcy is really pleased!

We’ve moved all her clothes from a shared wardrobe with her sister, to their own space and she thinks I’m the best Mummy ever! I’ve also sorted through my bathroom cabinets, the kitchen junk cupboard and a few junk drawers.

It’s been really therapeutic decluttering and giving everything a home. Tidy house, tidy mind.

6. Guilt-free resting

You know that Mum who is always rushing round and always looks a bit frazzled? That’s me!

I feel guilty for doing nothing and worry it’s lazy or idle of me. Thing is though, doing nothing is doing something. It’s resting.

We all need a chance to reset ourselves and recover. I’ve surrendered to wanting to flop on the sofa with a good film and the children LOVE IT!

They both pile on to snuggle up and it feels wonderful- totally restores me. Self-care doesn’t always have to be alone.

7. Zoom Zoom!

This is my favourite way to feel better in this new unprecedented normal - talking to my friends. I miss my Mummy pals so much but thankfully we live in an age of amazing technology.

I’ve had Zoom quiz nights, Skypes with family and FaceTimes galore! Sharing the ups and downs with people I love and trust has been crucial. I’ve also been happy to be there for someone else when they’re struggling too, it’s nice to feel helpful.

Although we’re socially distant, we don’t have to be digitally far away.

Having little ones to look after often eliminates the options for lie ins and box set binges so we have to find different ways to protect our own mental wellbeing through this difficult time. I’m always available on social media (@LouisePentland) and always sharing tips and hacks to make the mummy days just a bit easier. I hope some of these have been helpful!

Louise Pentland is the UK’s #1 Parenting Vlogger and four time Best Selling Author. Over the last decade, she has shared her journey of motherhood to her audience of 2.4m across her popular social channels.