I Began a Self-Care Journey to Rediscover Myself, and Here’s What I Learned

In today’s world, “self-care” has become a buzzword that we often hear. It encompasses various practices, from physical activities like invigorating workouts or luxurious spa days to nurturing our souls through meditation or journaling. There’s also mental self-care, which might involve unwinding with a good book or indulging in mindless reality TV.

While I appreciate all these forms of self-care—and yes, I’ve relished each one—I sought something deeper, a practice that offered lasting benefits beyond the immediate moment of care. I was also in search of guidance, accountability, and a challenge because, let’s be honest, maintaining a routine can be tough. That’s when I decided to join “Madefor,” a 10-month program designed to foster better habits tailored to my needs. Through this journey, I’ve begun to reconnect with myself, discovering that I hadn’t even realized how disconnected I had become.

My Journey as a First-Time Mom

Let’s rewind a bit. I’m a first-time mom to a toddler who has just mastered walking and throwing tantrums. I also work full-time, and did I mention we don’t have daycare? Like many parents today, I’m a work-from-home mom. Between the help of family and those rare moments when my son is napping or playing independently, we manage to tackle the essential tasks. However, it can get pretty chaotic, and like many moms, while prioritizing everyone else’s needs, I found myself feeling quite burned out.

Recognizing that my self-care routine needed an upgrade, I turned to Madefor because it promotes gradual change—building positive habits slowly over 10 months. Plus, I craved the structure it provided to keep me accountable. I also appreciated that it’s app-free, giving me a much-needed break from screens.

How Madefor Works

Here’s how it works: Madefor sends monthly boxes, each focused on a specific goal to work on over several weeks. Each package includes a booklet explaining the benefits behind the goal (complete with scientific insights for the curious minds) and a practical tool to help achieve it. The aim is to cultivate better habits for a healthier, happier, and more efficient life—one small step at a time. What’s great is that each habit is customized to you, emphasizing self-discovery.

For example, the first challenge is simply to drink more water—sounds easy, right? Not when you’re a full-time work-from-home mom often reaching for caffeine instead of H2O. The box includes a stylish glass water bottle with a string of rubber beads on the cap to track your intake, a booklet detailing hydration basics (spoiler alert: I was seriously under-hydrated), and a journal for reflecting on progress. I quickly learned that I feel happier and more energetic when I’m properly hydrated—who knew? It also comes with a beautiful hourglass to remind me to disconnect from my phone and a lovely Japanese bracelet as a personal motivator. And you can do this too! The other challenges similarly encourage mindfulness about different aspects of your life, allowing you to recalibrate your habits in a healthy, positive manner.

Is It Worth It?

Investing in the Madefor program is definitely worthwhile for prioritizing your well-being. When you break it down, it’s less than $60 a month, about the cost of one family takeout dinner (note to self: order less takeout). Every month, when I receive my beautifully packaged box full of surprises, I remind myself: This is a gift to me, from me, and I deserve it.

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In summary, embarking on a self-care journey through the Madefor program has allowed me to reconnect with myself amid the chaos of motherhood and work. By focusing on one habit at a time, I’ve improved my well-being and learned the importance of prioritizing myself.