Not all superheroes wear capes. Moms get busy being everything to everyone, sometimes forsaking emotional, physical, and spiritual health to do so. And we’d argue that’s quite heroic, cape or not! Which moms end up feeling the best and giving the most? Healthy moms! Healthy in terms of mental, spiritual and physical, of course.
You, Mama, deserve to focus on YOU! You’re what keeps the family (and the world) spinning!
Surely the thought of adding one more thing to your mile long, never ending to-do list feels daunting, leading to a whirlwind of stress, especially if that item prioritizes you. But, the best mom is healthy mom! A healthy mom prioritizes self, sets an example for her family, and fills her cup on the regular.
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Focusing on self doesn’t have to be a fancy pedicure or a day at the spa (although that’s not a bad idea). Browse through the following health tips and start focusing on self care by doing what feels right for you.
Catch some Zzzz
Do you know that many military organizations use sleep deprivation as a form of torture? Yes, torture! And if you currently have a newborn or remember the days, it makes sense, right? Make sleep a priority for your sanity and the safety of your family.
Eat Your Veggies
Eating well is so important when it comes to meeting nutrient requirements for sustaining energy throughout the day. If you’re a Mama looking to lose that extra baby weight, there are many proven benefits of intermittent fasting and diet phasing (the hallmark of the 131 Method).
Drink Up
Drink up for better energy levels, digestion and brain function. Fill up in pure water (at least 75 ounces per day) and watch your energy soar, your skin clear, and your hunger regulate. If drinking up for you means wine, choose more wisely. Organic, zero sugar wines allow you to stay on track, have fewer hangovers, and keep calories in check. If the thought of plain water totally bums you out, give Lemon Ginger Water a try. It’s a light, refreshing thirst quencher that should replace all soda STAT!
Move Your Body
You have a full house, a jammed packed schedule, and if you’re going to prioritize sleep, how in the world are you going to fit in a sweat session? Every workout doesn’t have to be all or nothing, “no pain no gain” for 60 minutes straight. Just make it a point to move your body every day. Go for a walk, run around with your kids, incorporate yoga or light stretching. Get your kiddos in on the action! Kids love joining in, plus, you’ll spend quality time while setting a healthy example.
Ask for Help
It truly takes a village to raise a child, and you, Mom, are no village. You are one person and you cannot do it all. And that’s okay! You are not intended to do it all. Seek help from a family member, a babysitter, a therapist or all three!
Go Easy on Yourself
The words perfection and parenting are polar opposites. They don’t even belong in the same sentence because there is no such thing as the perfect parent. The truth is, no one really knows what they’re doing, so focus on doing the best you can with what you know. But, search for growth by way of books, podcasts, parenting seminars and conversations with friends.
Think Positively
It’s easy to get bogged down with daily hustle and bustle. Laundry never ends. Dishwashers needs emptying. Mouths need feeding… and you end up feeling like a revolving door of meeting everyone’s needs but your own. Put a positive spin on the chores that must get done. Say to yourself, “I get to” rather than “I have to.” This taps into gratitude, and studies show, it’s hard to be negative and grateful simultaneously. “I get to feed my family nutritious meals to keep them functioning well,” feels much better than “I am feeding people around the clock.” “I get to clean a messy house because we are living a fulfilled life, I get to exercise my body has the ability to move.
Taking care of yourself in a healthy manner influences your little ones and those around you. After all, don’t you want them to live a confident, happy, healthy, fulfilled life? The best way to do that isn’t through martyrdom, sheer exhaustion and an IV of caffeine. The ideal way is to set a healthy example, admit to failures, learn from mistakes and continue loving fiercely. You got this, Mama!
