Celebrity Moms on the Me-Time Rituals That Help Them Unwind
Self-care has never been more on trend, but ironically it seems harder to practice the more time we spend at home. And yet it’s never been more important to set aside time each day to do something that makes you happy—and calm. Total relaxation may be too much to ask, but finding five minutes of alone time is certainly doable—and necessary.
As the days become shorter and the temps get colder, we reached out to 11 celebrity moms who know a thing or two about keeping it together when it seems that everything is falling apart. Whether it’s drinking a latte before the rest of the household wakes up or locking the door to the bathroom for 10 minutes (ahem, relatable), these easy suggestions go a long way toward reclaiming your sanity. You’re welcome.
Mayim Bialik
“I love losing myself in crime documentaries. If I watch them too late at night, they give me nightmares, but I really enjoy following along with mysteries and learning, especially the science involved in solving crimes! I have also learned the fine art of sitting my butt down on the couch and listening to guided meditations. I use the free app called Insight Timer, but there are so many available. Guided meditations really help me stay focused and not fidget too much. I started with five-minute ones, and now I have worked my way up to 15 minutes. It really helps, and it lowers my blood pressure and makes my heartburn go away too!”
Mayim Bialik stars in Call Me Kat, coming in January to FOX.
Ellie Kemper
“I require moments of me time like I require oxygen! I have two boys—ages one and four—so after we put them down to sleep, I walk into the kitchen and select one single See’s Chocolate Lollipop. I remove the wrapper and throw it away. I then walk to the TV room and sit down in my extremely comfortable swivel chair. I swivel the chair away from the TV so that I face the blank wall. I start to eat the lollipop. I don’t read anything. I don’t watch anything. I don’t even swivel. I just stare at the wall and savor the lollipop. It is the most rejuvenating 10 minutes of my day. And then sometimes I’ll watch a great movie on TCM. I mean, who doesn’t need that?”
Ellie Kemper stars in Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: Kimmy vs. the Reverend, streaming on Netflix.
Audra McDonald
“One of the executive producers on The Good Fight and the upcoming The Second Wave—Brooke Kennedy—recently loaned me her VR headset. After I put the baby to bed, I wind down by doing a boxing workout. It helps get out any stress from the day—and 2020!”
Audra McDonald currently stars on The Good Fight on CBS All Access.
JoAnna Garcia Swisher
“Taking time for myself often takes a backseat to my never ending to-do list, but I’ve found that anything I can do to slow things down supercharges me. A hot bath, a face mask, and a glass of wine always do the trick. I also joined a book club and have really enjoyed sharing my favorites on [my lifestyle site] The Happy Place. I have also been putting on a podcast and taking the dogs for long walks. Making these small moments a priority has shown me there is really nothing more rejuvenating than staying present. So if that means more hot baths, good books, and me time, I’m all in for mastering the art of being totally present!”
JoAnna Garcia Swisher currently stars on the Netflix series Sweet Magnolias; she is one of the cofounders of The Happy Place.
Annaleigh Ashford
“My mom is an elementary school gym teacher, and she taught me how important ‘brain breaks’ are for kids throughout their school day. Especially during this crazy era of remote learning, you should get up and move or do something mindless for a few minutes. So I too have been breaking for my brain. Sometimes I do jumping jacks with my four-year-old because he looks hilarious doing them. Sometimes I eat a whole bar of my favorite chocolate. And sometimes I pretend I have to go to the bathroom and sit in the bathtub for 10 minutes and watch videos from the Disney Food Blog about food at Disney World. Don’t tell my husband or my son.”
Annaleigh Ashford stars in the CBS comedy B Positive.
Ryan Michelle Bathé
“One of my favorite things to do is get a good book in which I get lost for about an hour a day. I have a mommy time-out chair in my hallway that I snuggle in and enjoy once my children are asleep. I’ve also discovered my love for a brisk half-hour walk. It’s amazing what it will do for your mood and memory!”
Ryan Michelle Bathé can be seen in the Amazon Prime Video movie Sylvie’s Love and in All Rise on CBS.
Alexa PenaVega
“I usually wake up really early with the kids and let my husband, Carlos, sleep in a bit, but once he’s up, he takes over with the kids, which gives me time to go upstairs and reset. I like to put my diffuser on, and there’s an essential oil called Grounding Blend that’s absolutely amazing, or lavender. It gives me a second to sit down with my thoughts. I pray, I think, and I give thanks for my blessings. When I do that, I’m a much better mom and wife throughout the day. It just sets the tone.”
Alexa PenaVega can next be seen in the Hallmark Channel movie Taking a Shot at Love.
Christina Milian
“I run on the treadmill while playing a game on my phone to help me unwind. I follow that by spending a little time in a steam room. And beading is also therapeutic for me.”
Christina Milian stars in the reality series Really, Truly, Maybe With Christina Milian, a KIN Original Series.
Cara Buono
“I’m a morning person, so I make that my me time. I go for a run or a bike ride before the sun comes up. I avoid checking emails or social media to keep my mind clear. I love the stillness and the connection with the promise of the day. When I get home, I’ll make an oat rose latte. I make Illy espresso in a stovetop espresso maker, warm up oat milk, add it plus raw honey and a teaspoon of rose water, and stir. I’ll then turn on the Netflix ‘fireplace’ and read a book or just enjoy more tranquil time and delicious coffee.”
Cara Buono stars in Stranger Things on Netflix, which is currently filming its fourth season.
Gina Torres
“I can’t remember a time when the country as a whole was being asked to manage not just an economic storm, but an emotional and spiritual one as well. My self-care always starts from the perspective of nurturing my youngest self. What brought me joy then often gives me joy now. Making my favorite meal—picadillo—like my mom used to and sharing it with people I love. Or losing myself in a great musical movie such as On the Town or Neptune’s Daughter. And having a dance-off with my daughter after dinner. Every day you wake up with breath in your lungs is a day to celebrate and find your joy.”
Gina Torres can next be seen in the Fox series 911: Lone Star.
Genevieve Padalecki
“It’s challenging to find time to unwind, but what’s helped me keep my sanity is getting lost in a book. I have really enjoyed reading Lisa Donovan’s memoir, Our Lady of Perpetual Hunger, David Chang’s Eat a Peach, and Red at the Bone by Jacqueline Woodson. If the kids are around, puzzles are a great activity we can do together. (Like the Jiggy x I Am a Voter puzzles.) But sometimes if I am feeling angsty, I will literally lock myself in my closet, turn on some Lord Huron, have a glass of wine, and journal without giving a fuck. It’s the release of the day onto a piece of paper that is really helpful. I also have a tendency to remove myself from situations when I can’t think, so I’ll go hiking and get back to my senses. Being out in nature helps center me.”
Genevieve Padalecki can next be seen in Walker on The CW; she is the founder of the lifestyle site Now & Gen.
Originally Appeared on Glamour
