Girl's Trip: NYC
Self care is more than just getting a pedicure or taking a bath once in a blue moon. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, "Self-care means taking the time to do things that help you live well and improve both your physical health and mental health. When it comes to your mental health, self-care can help you manage stress, lower your risk of illness, and increase your energy."
The Harvard Women's Health Watch reported that a new study examining the health benefits of strong relationships found that "good, solid friendships reduce the risk of heart disease, help manage physical pain and even extend our life expectancy."
I can also personally attest to the importance of taking a break as a mom. Nellie got to spend the weekend with my husband and his mom, and I got to enjoy some time where I didn't have to worry about changing diapers or naptime!
I wanted to make this weekend special and I enjoy creating so I started it off with a welcome basket for Hailee. I filled it with my favorite goodies and even switched out the plastic straw the water bottle came with for my favorite GEFU glass straw (after the photo was taken). We headed out early Saturday morning and did as much as we could. We ended up walking almost 26 miles in two days!!
We didn't quite do all of the items on our list and we definitely missed the sunrise photo shoot on the Brooklyn Bridge, but we did hit quite a few and it was super helpful to have a game plan of options of things we could see and in what order it most made sense to visit each location based off of distance.
Find what makes you happy and do it!! I'm a photographer and I have my Master's of Public Health so I am passionate about mental health and making sure we include things that make us happy in our lives. I am also a huge people pleaser so it is much easier for me to try to make everyone else happy but I do understand the importance of doing things just for me as well! One reason why I absolutely love the products at GKW is because they help me make my life easier! I truly believe that self care includes finding hacks that simplify your life. Could I make Nellie butternut squash applesauce with only using minutes of my time without the Treppo? I don't think so! It cuts it into perfect squares every time and makes it SO easy for me. Could I cut up my strawberries in literally one second without the Tari Slicer? Not a chance! The serrated blades means the fruit actually cuts and doesn't just get squished! Could I relax with a cup of tea without my adorable Bredemeijer teapot? I mean sure, but it definitely wouldn't be as photogenic :D
I want you to be able to have these products that simplify your life! Put them on your list this year for the holidays and I promise your loved ones will appreciate it! Take the time to celebrate YOU and all you do and hey, why not throw in a girl's trip or two for 2023!!
With love,
Taryn Pratt, MPH
Taryn Pratt, MPH
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