The Working Mom - Blog , Self Care

Embracing Self-Care While Living in a Stressful Environment

Mon, 03 Mar 2025 14:45:05 -0500

In the whirlwind of today’s fast-paced world, stress seems like an unwelcome but constant companion. Whether it's the demands of a high-pressure job, the chaos of family responsibilities, or the incessant buzz of technology, we find ourselves perpetually caught in the storm. But amidst the turbulence, the concept of self-care should be a reminder that we owe ourselves the kindness we so readily extend to and expect from others.

🌿Prioritizing Your Well-being🌿

First and foremost, self-care is not selfish—it's essential. Like the oxygen mask on an airplane, you must attend to your own needs before you can effectively care for those around you. Start by recognizing the signs of stress: irritability, fatigue, and even physical ailments. Acknowledging these signals is the first step towards taking control.

🌿Mindfulness and Meditation🌿

Incorporating mindfulness and meditation into your daily routine can act as a sanctuary from the external chaos. Even a few minutes of focused breathing can ground you, bringing a sense of calm and clarity. Apps and online resources can guide you through meditation practices, making it easier to cultivate this habit even in the busiest of schedules.

🌿Physical Activity🌿

Engaging in regular physical activity is another cornerstone of self-care. Whether it's a brisk walk, yoga, or an intense workout, exercise releases endorphins—nature’s stress relievers. Find an activity you enjoy and make it a non-negotiable part of your day.

🌿Setting Boundaries🌿

Establishing boundaries is crucial in managing stress. Learn to say no without guilt and set limits on work hours or social commitments. This creates space for personal time, allowing you to recharge and prevent burnout.

🌿Nourishing Your Body🌿

A balanced diet can significantly impact your stress levels. Prioritize nutritious foods that fuel your body and mind. Stay hydrated and avoid excessive caffeine or sugar, which can contribute to anxiety and mood swings.

🌿Connecting with Loved Ones🌿

Never underestimate the power of human connection. Spending quality time with loved ones provides emotional support and a sense of belonging. Sharing your feelings and concerns can lighten the emotional load, reminding you that you are not alone.

🌿Unplugging🌿

Lastly, give yourself permission to unplug. The digital age, while convenient, often exacerbates stress. Designate tech-free times during your day to engage in hobbies, read a book, or simply relax without the constant influx of information. Look for vacation destinations that also encourage unplugging.

Taking care of yourself in a stressful environment requires intentionality and dedication. It’s about creating a balance that allows you to thrive, not just survive. By embracing self-care, you equip yourself with the resilience needed to navigate life’s challenges with grace, purpose, and strength.

🌿Take a deep breath & remember, you are worthy of the care you give yourself🌿

Please feel free to share your thoughts or add any personal tips that have worked for you! We would love to hear from you!

-Xoxo

The Working Moms

Stay Tuned for Our Upcoming Meetings with CEO & Co-Founder of Sesha Skin Therapy

Sun, 26 Feb 2023 18:13:27 -0500

Ground-Breaking Skincare Technology!

The Working Mom, LLC is headed to the Sesha Skin Therapy headquarters in West Chester, PA this week to meet with their CEO and co-founder Phyllis Hsieh to try some of their latest products. These products were born from technology that was initially meant to deliver insulin and other large density drugs into the body through the skin as an alternative to pills or injections.

Above image from the Sesha Skin Therapy Website.

This technology, Permeation Enhancement Technology (P.E.T.®), was a medical breakthrough and is a key ingredient, providing an enhanced delivery system, for a pharmaceutical product approved by the FDA in 2002*. During the initial testing phases of P.E.T.®, vitamin creams were applied on human skin to test the efficacy of the delivery system, and through that process, [their] scientists recognized that P.E.T.® could achieve remarkable results in preventing and restoring damage to the skin.

In 1996, from the idea that the skin’s aging process can be significantly slowed if active ingredients are allowed to penetrate and feed the regenerative living cells, SESHA SKIN THERAPY’s first two products were born – the A.C.E. Cream and A.C.E. Emulsion. Since then, SESHA SKIN THERAPY has extended and expanded its anti-aging line to include levels of treatment for all types of skin and for all ages.

*Testim ®, Auxilium Pharmaceuticals

To find out more about Sesha Skin Therapy, Click this link: Sesha Skin Therapy

The Working Mom will also be there in person for a live broadcast on FaceBook, featuring Dr. Antoinetta D'Durso in the discussion on "Treating Acne" on Monday March 6th, 2023 at 1:00pm EST.

Join in at: Facebook.com/seshaskin

Managing Stress when you feel Crushed by It

Tue, 04 Oct 2022 11:48:07 -0500

The Working Mom, Doing it All!

There are many days I roll out of bed, and I want to sell everything and move to a small coastal town in Italy near my family where everything is just simpler. Why do we as a culture put so much pressure on ourselves? We are like ants... moving from place to place with a mission, but that mission gets repeated over and over until we die. Morbid, I know, but how many of us feel this way? I'm sure many more than want to admit it. Before we know it the 3 y/o is now 16 and driving a car. They no longer want to hang with us parents who know nothing and are "behind the times".

We as parents need to know the importance of taking care of ourselves. If we don't function in a healthy way, we will NOT be able to help the people around us. It's why the airlines have you put the oxygen mask on yourself first before helping anyone else. We need to be able to breathe before exerting an effort to help others. We need to do things that decompress our minds and souls when we are living in such chaotic and stressful times.

I have gone back to my childhood and found the things that make me smile and the things that bring peace to my heart. Although my educational background is science-based, I have this completely creative side I have never been comfortable sharing. I think as I have gotten older, the side of me that doesn't care what other people think has risen on the scale due to the increased weight of things that make me happier and more carefree. I paint, I write poetry, and unbeknownst to many, I have been singing since I was 5 years of age (on and off stage). Stage fright often interfered with my ability to bring these things to light, but I will say, little by little I will share. It's the creativity and the smiles that will keep me sane in this never-ending chaotic world we live in.

"Summer Water"(2016)- Oil on Canvas -LPiliero

"Waterlilies in Motion" (2020)- Acrylic on Canvas- Lpiliero.

Find the things that make you happy and spend a few minutes each day with those things!

Lisa's Version of "Make You Feel My Love" -by Adele
Click here
Lisa's Version of "Jar of Hearts"-by Christina Perry
Click Here

I'm coming out of my box, a little at a time. My advice is to just do it! Go out of your comfort zone a little. You never know where it may lead in the future....

Xoxo -Lisa.

Summer is in Full Swing

Mon, 11 Jul 2022 14:39:06 -0500

Remote Working Moms

The post-Covid era is now full of remote working employees. It started off as a way to isolate and socially distance, but employers have realized that the system works in many situations and it is cost-effective, especially with overhead costs like rent, insurance, and utilities. So if you are lucky enough to be able to work from anywhere and you have small children to entertain, why not use it to your advantage.

Pack a picnic, bring some music, some entertainment, and your work supplies.... Maybe bring a small pop-up tent if it's windy and you want to avoid sand contaminating your equipment.

Summer is almost half over. Before we know it our carts will be full of school supplies for the new school year, so let's enjoy the time with our kids while we still have it!

Life is too short..... Seize the moments we still can.....

Xoxo

-Lisa

Staying Afloat With Depression

Mon, 02 Aug 2021 15:18:55 -0500

The Working Moms Perspective.......

According to the World Health Organization (WHO):

* Globally, 322 million people worldwide suffer from depression.

* Depression represents the main cause of disability throughout the world.

* Suicide is the second leading cause of death in 15-29-year-olds.

According to the National Institute for Health (NIH):

* The risk of coronary artery disease is 64% higher among adults with depressive disorder.

*Women are twice as likely to be affected by depression, as opposed to men.

So this leads me into the discussion of a depressed mom. We either are one, or we know one. It can be a recipe for disaster if left unchecked. How do I know this? Because I am one. I will say, when I am happy, my life and my emotions are completely organized. When I am down, I am the opposite. So over the years, knowing this, I have set up fail-safes to catch me. I make sure when I’m “up” that EVERYTHING gets done. The bills are set up for payment in advance, the vacuuming gets done, laundry get cleaned and put away, I exercise, and all of the other errands are promptly completed.

It’s not often, but there have been times, where I just don’t want to get out of bed. Living in the remote working world, it’s even easier to give in to this. Embarrassing as it is to admit, in the middle of Covid-19 shutdowns there were days I woke, barely ate, and just mashed away on my laptop computer from the safety of my bed.

I used to run 60+ miles/week when I was marathon training. Having pulled away from that has decreased the endorphins that I am aware are helpful. I’m lucky to have family and close friends that know when I’m down. Some give me the space to get my crap together and others will try to knock the door down to smack me into a better mood. I do appreciate both tactics, even though I tend to rebel against my “tough love” friends. They know that I am bullheaded.

I also appreciate my work colleagues. I have found some bright lights with positive attitudes in my career path. I recently switched departments in my current role for a personal growth opportunity. Someone once said to me, “People don’t leave good jobs. They leave bad managers”. That couldn’t be more true. Someone also recently told me the grass may not be as green on the other side. I’m pleased to say it is. In fact, it’s so green, I think I may have landed in Ireland. I wake up smiling and my daughter has even noticed my new found happiness. My takeaway from all of this is: if you are lucky enough to work with good people, don’t let it go unnoticed, because positivity feeds greater positivity. And if you are someone that struggles with depression, START EXERCISING if you can, realize the importance of a good nights sleep, eat healthier, and please talk about it with someone, whether it is your family, your supportive best friend, or a licensed healthcare professional. I have just tried to surround myself with positive and happy people, my family, and my dog Max. Max is the best therapist you could ask for.

Depression has become so much more prevalent in this “shut-in” world we are slowly escaping from. When we first entered the mandatory closings due to the pandemic, there were many people left without the support of their mental health providers, but thanks to technology, there are apps and online services that are providing prescriptive assistance and counseling.

Here are a few of the online/virtual support vehicles I have found that have been described and rated by Healthline Magazine:

*Best app-based service: Talkspace

*Best for flexible scheduling: MDLIVE

*Best for collaborative care: Amwell

*Best to choose your psychiatrist: Doctor on Demand

*Best for à la carte appointments: LiveHealth Online

*Best for local care: Teladoc

*Best affordable option: Rethink My Healthcare

*Best for medication delivery: Brightside

So in the dawn of increased telemedicine evaluations and Zoom meetings, these sessions can be held in the comfort, privacy, and convenience of your home, and many will accept insurance.

If this blog just helps one person, then it has served its purpose… so happy Monday to all….

Love, Lisa (and Max too!)

-Xoxo

Multitasking. Does it Really Work??

Sun, 27 Sep 2020 10:31:22 -0500

The Working Mom Weekly Sunday Blog

Multitasking. Does it Really Work??

In a culture where there always seems to be a shortage of time, we still seek to find ways for short cuts to cram more completed tasks into our days. A typical day for me might be doing my full-time work in-addition to coming up with creative content for our blogs, medical editing for another company, and completing peer reviews for yet another company. All that plus cooking, cleaning, laundry, and spending time with my daughter. Most days trying to do more than one those tasks at the same time is pretty disastrous. For example.... I set out to type some blog content, study for the wine sommelier exam, while cooking dinner, and folding laundry. What really happens is.... my computer crashes because I pushed a wrong button, I learned nothing about wine, less than half of the laundry got folded, and the dinner was burnt.

I did a literature search on multi-tasking and this is what I found....it doesn’t really exist. The human brain can’t fully concentrate on 2 things at once. May and Elder in the International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education (2018) 15:13, did a literature review of students in multitasking situations. What they found was, “The research indicates that media multitasking interferes with attention and working memory, negatively affecting GPA, test performance, recall, reading comprehension, note-taking, self-regulation, and efficiency.

So I decided, instead of calling it multi-tasking, I’d call it “Smart-Tasking”. So now, I get the meal started, look for breaks in the recipe, fold a few clothes during the break, and read one paragraph at a time while I’m folding. While this is not every day, it can paint a picture of a hectic day when multiple tasks need to be completed.

Another thing I find to holds true is completing the easiest tasks first also helps. Make a list of your tasks and put them in order from least exhausting to most exhausting. Get the quick ones out of the way first. By completing a task you get the sense of satisfaction of a job finished and you can check it off your list. It’s like a small victory. Then onto the next task. The same holds true with debt reduction as well. Financial planners call it the “snow ball” method. You pay off your smallest debts first. You have a sense of victory with each one tackled. It gives you motivation and a sense of accomplishment after each one is taken care of.

It’s not always easy keeping up with life’s seemingly never-ending tasks. Sometimes it’s a giant cycle. Put on some good music, try to have a positive outlook, and vent to your family and friends when you need to. We’ve all been there. So, to all of us multi-taskers out there, take a deep breath, roll up your sleeves, and tackle one project at a time. Get the most important tasks done and leave the ones that can wait for another day. Give yourself a break.

Xoxo. -Lisa.

On a side note: The official “The Working Mom” wine glasses have been ordered and will be arriving soon. So get ready to create a nice charcuterie board with a bottle of wine in preparation for this upcoming Wine Wednesday. This weeks featured wines will be from Romania. 🍷-Saluti.

Don't Forget.... If you like what you read, please share!!!

Postpartum Depression and How Running Saved Me

Sun, 19 Jul 2020 13:43:47 -0500

1:7 woman will experience postpartum depression.

And the statistic grows when you have a mom who needs to leave her newborn to go back to work.

I know this all too well. I remember worrying about it during the pregnancy and my mom telling me she didn’t have it, so I wouldn’t. Except for my elevated blood pressure, I had no problems during the pregnancy, and I was happy. Then fast forward to two-weeks postpartum and I’m scared, and in constant tears. My mom then said “it’s ok, it’s just hormones, I had it too”. SHE LIED!! And I get it....So she lied to protect me from worrying. As a mother, I sometimes do it too. Well, weeks and months went by and I was still depressed. I went back to work 7-weeks after delivery and it wasn’t easy to hide the deep depression I was in. Every smile took a massive effort on my part. Those that knew me even for a minute had concerns, because I was usually labeled “the happiest person in the room”, and it was very clear I wasn’t.

Unfortunately as a healthcare provider I’m well aware of how mental illness often gets swept under the proverbial rug. I’ll even admit that there were time when I had a patient on antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and anti-psychotic medications, and their complaints didn’t seem at the time, as authentic as those patients without them. Then I had feelings of guilt for thinking that way. This type of thinking is wrong and somehow it has been woven into the fabric of our society. Depression and anxiety are diseases, just like cancer, diabetes, or high-blood pressure, and they need to be treated as such. It may have been a physically invisible ‘ailment’ in the past, but now with modern medical equipment, we are seeing that it’s not so invisible. Treatments have also become more sophisticated and successful with modern medicine. We do have a massive nationwide shortage of psychiatrists, which is an issue with a growing statistic of depression. If one is able to find a psychiatrist, hopefully they take insurance, because that’s another dilemma. Many have dropped insurance altogether and are practicing for a set rate. My best suggestion would be, if you are dealing with postpartum depression (or any depression) please talk to your primary care doctor about it. They need to know so they can help set you on the right path. No one should ever feel alone. And if your friends and family offer to help, take it. I historically said no to the help as a new mom because I somehow felt lesser of a mom taking the help. I felt I must not be adequate if I needed the help and I must be weak if other women could do this with more than one kid. I only had one. I now know this is backwards thinking. It all goes back to self care. When we try to do everything and be everything, the pressure can build. We need an outlet for the steam..... and that’s where running came into the picture for me.

In the summer of 2008, my daughter was now 3-months old, and I was still on a downward slope. I was avoiding friends and the panic attacks were getting worse. I fought off the idea of anti-depressants for so long, and I decided to give in. During that time, a postcard from Team-in-Training arrived in my mailbox. They are the organization that raises money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in exchange for training and preparation for a half or full marathon. Little did I know at the time, that my world would forever change as a result of that little piece of paper. I decided to go to the information session that was held at my local library. I was so moved by the presentation and all the good that this organization had done for so many people, that it was the right motivation for me to sign up. I had been on the track and field team in high school. I was not fast, and I mostly did the field events, and while I played volleyball in college, my endurance level was not optimal. In fact I hated running, and I would roll my eyes at those crazy happy people running on the road, rain or shine. After I officially signed up, We were given our instructions for fundraising and we were given our workout session schedule. Our short runs during the week were on our own and the once weekly long run was done as a group. Since I was participating in a Philadelphia-based group our runs would rotate between 3 locations: the scenic Kelly drive course, past the historic Boat House Row along the Schuylkill River (which I still have to look up how to spell), the tough rolling hills of the beautiful and also historic Valley Forge Park, and finally a tucked away trail known as Forbidden Drive, part of the Wissahickon Valley Park and crowned the 2018 Trail of the Year by Pennsylvania’s Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

On arrival day for the first group run I instantly connected with a girl my age. Neither of us had ever run a race. We had the same race pace and skeptical attitude, but we had signed up! And we were in it for the long haul. So sending a shout out to Melissa Thomas Hagan, my first running partner in crime. After many hours of side-cramps, sweat, cursing, laughing, and tears, we did it. (The Dunkin' Donuts bacon, egg, and cheese sandwiches also got us through). Our friends and family supported us, both emotionally and financially with the fundraising aspects. We crossed the finish line of the Philadelphia Half Marathon, at the base of the Philadelphia Museum of Art steps, on November 23, 2008. And like Forrest Gump, we just kept going.... I went on to train for the 2009 New York City full marathon, and Melissa went on to train for the Walt Disney World full marathon. I was back. I was myself again. I was a better mom for taking care of myself, and the happy endorphins that came along with the exercise made things so much better. While I’ve taken a break from running over the last 2 years, I’m slowly getting back into it. During that time, I finished 10 full marathons, lost count of the half marathons, 7 sprint triathlons, 2 Olympic distance triathlons, and an attempted half Iron Man mess which could be its own blog titled “Dealing with a DNF when you miss the cutoff by 90 seconds” (in the racing world DNF is ‘Did not Finish’). Yeah, I dusted my ego off and will face that challenge again someday.

My BFF and business partner Adrienne and I are also a perfect match on the pavement. The ultimate test was the Dopey Challenge in Walt Disney World, January 2018. We set out 2 years prior for that challenge while daydreaming about getting our business off the ground. That was the last finish line I have crossed to date. I could not have done that alone. New beginnings for now, one foot in front of the other, reliance on my friends and family, and true gratitude for everyone who put up with me during the most difficult time in my life as a new mom. We can't forget to love and care for ourselves too. We can’t expect to be amazing caregivers to others if we can’t be great caregivers to ourselves as well. Now I need to follow my own advice more often. 😊

The Art of Self Care

Sat, 04 Jul 2020 19:39:11 -0500

Too many of us truly neglect self-care. We come up with all sorts of reasons to put ourselves on the back burner. Whether it’s due to work, family, or other commitments, there are many of us that just don’t carve out the time we need to decompress, myself included. We do have to remind ourselves from time to time that in order to be our best selves, we need to take some time to nurture our bodies and minds. It can be something as minimal as doing a 10-minute guided meditation using one of the many apps on our smartphones (Headspace and Breethe are my favorites). It can entail following an online yoga video, or pursuing something as elaborate as a spa weekend getaway! Whatever it is, make sure you remember that your mental health and sanity will typically dictate how well you handle the day-to-day things in life. While during this time of Covid-19 I’ve tried to continue with small things, like a mud mask and a cup of tea ....

......behind a locked door because inevitably, the door closing is like a magnet for my daughter to bust in and start the interrogation of where various missing items are located throughout the house. Other times, I may just use the spot masks to reduce the puffy eyes from the stressful week.....

But my favorite self-care ritual are the mommy-daughter mani-pedi visits. Nothing like a good foot/leg massage, painted toes, and a girls lunch afterward.

Let us not leave out the importance of exercise. Grab a buddy and do a fun run....

........or train for a race of any length.

The power of the endorphin is a magical thing. There have been many days I didn’t want to exercise (and there are many days where I still pull the covers back over my head), but on the days I choose to tough it out and run, I always feel a million times better. So no matter how you choose to treat yourself, do it with kindness and love, and maybe some good Prosecco with a bestie! 😊