Self-Care Secrets from New Jersey Moms

We asked some hard-working NJ moms how they make time for themselves amid the daily demands of family, work and life.

ANTHONY SERRANTONIO

“I’m not trying to endorse anything but I bought a Peloton back in January and that was such a game-changer since all the gyms were closed and there was weight gain. I really needed to keep up with my kids so being able to work out, being on the Peloton and getting my miles in helped me keep up with them. Reading as well, I love reading. Right now I’m reading Stephen King, On Writing.”
—JENNI ‘JWOWW’ FARLEY OWNER, HEAVENLY FLOWER AT AMERICAN DREAM
STAR, JERSEY SHORE FAMILY VACATION

RICKY CODIO

“I schedule time during each day just for me. I place a specific and scheduled time in both my personal and business calendars and block out one hour a day for myself. This time is only for me. I read my favorite magazines, reconnect with friends, shop online, anything that makes me a priority. It has made a world of difference and provides me with the balance and focus I need to tackle my life both personally and professionally.”
—CHELDIN BARLATT RUMER, THIS IS IT NETWORK FOUNDER

CATHERINE MEKOVETZ PHOTOGRAPHY

“I’m a firm believer in the idea that you can only give what you have inside, and I’ve learned that if I’m not taking care of myself, I’m not able to take care of the people who rely on me at home or at work. I’ve also learned that I need to take care of myself on a daily basis. My favorite forms of daily self-care are getting a good night’s sleep every night, exercising every day—I love Bar Method or a walk with friends—and reading every day.”
—ANDREA MULLAN, VICTORY PUBLIC RELATIONS FOUNDER

COURTESY OF ATOYA BURLESON

“Self-care for me looks like meditation, going for a run or working out, a good facial or cuddling up and reading a book in peace and quiet. And don’t forget, sometimes it’s okay to just roll your windows down and blast your favorite song in the hustle and bustle of life!”
—ATOYA BURLESON, inSIDELINES PODCAST HOST AND LIFESTYLE BLOGGER

ATLANTIC HEALTH

“Self-care for me is about connecting with others. I’m lucky enough to have other members in my house and touching them and giving them hugs and kisses makes a huge difference. Disconnecting from social media helps too. I highly recommend that. For me, it was a big-time zapper.”
—ELANA MONCHAR, MD, DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHIATRY, ATLANTIC HEALTH SYSTEM’S MORRISTOWN MEDICAL CENTER

MICHAEL BENABIB

“One of my favorite forms of self-care is getting a massage! I also find cooking and baking relaxing when I can do them uninterrupted, which can be hard as a mom to a toddler and currently expecting baby number two! Something else I’m working on is to be more present and soak up whatever it is that I’m doing with my daughter at the time.”
—AMNA HUSAIN, MD, PEDIATRICIAN + PURE DIRECT PEDIATRICS FOUNDER

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