It’s a well-known fact that a healthy mom is a happy mom. Self-neglect and ignoring your own needs will only make you a mom who is irritable, tired, stressed and unhappy. When you take time out to take care of your own needs, you’ll find yourself much more energetic, happier, and healthier as well.
While it might not be easy to find “me” time as a busy mom, it’s imperative. Taking the time to eat breakfast in the morning, getting enough sleep, staying hydrated, and exercising should be a requirement, not an option for busy moms. If you’re struggling to do any of the above, you just need a push in the right direction. These health tips for busy moms just might give you that push.
Join a Fitness Group/Class
From indoor cycling to Zoomba, there is something to be said for joining a class at the gym. Not only will you get the exercise you need, but it’s also the perfect opportunity to get out and mingle with adults. If you’re a stay-at-home mom, chances are you don’t have much interaction with other adults. Joining a fitness class will keep you healthy and put a smile on your face at the end of the day.
Don’t Skip Breakfast
You’re on top of making sure your kids eat a healthy breakfast every morning, right? Then, why not take the time to eat breakfast with them? While a cup of coffee in the morning may seem good enough to you, it’s not healthy and won’t give you the energy needed to get through a hectic day. Remember, breakfast is the most important meal of the day for a reason. Eating it daily will help to set the tone for the day ahead.
Choose Smart Snacks
Grabbing a candy bar or a bag of chips to snack on when you’re hungry throughout the day isn’t the smart choice. Instead, take the time to cut up fruit and veggies ahead of time. Once you’ve cut enough, put them in individual Ziploc bags in the fridge so that you can grab them easily when you’re peckish. Remember, healthy snacks and mini-meals eaten throughout the day are a great way to stay healthy.
Always Stay Hydrated
Becoming even mildly dehydrated can affect your body and health, even before you know that you’re thirsty. Drink water all throughout the day to avoid dehydration from happening. Dehydration can cause headaches, fatigue, and lack of energy.
Take Time to Relax
While it’s common knowledge that you need to get enough sleep if you hope to function normally the next day, it’s not as well-known that taking the time to relax is important as well. Even if it’s just stopping for a few minutes throughout the day to breathe slowly and deeply, it helps more than you might think. You could even try taking up yoga or meditation to help relax your body and mind.
When you’re a busy mom, scheduling “me” time easily falls by the wayside. However, it’s important to remember that scheduling time for yourself means you’ll be of more use to your family in the end. Plan for at least three hours a week to do something for yourself. Whether it’s taking a walk around the mall, indulging in a long, hot bubble bath or cozying up with a good book on the deck in the backyard, “me” time is important for everyone.
As a busy mom, it’s easy to put off eating, “me” time, and exercising from one day to the next. However, this doesn’t help you or your family. Remember, you’re important too!