As a mother, it’s easy to get bogged down by the many, many needs of those you are caring for, and most of the time, that’s ok. But what happens when you start to pay the emotional and physical price? What happens when your health suffers because you aren’t putting yourself first sometimes?
It is ok to put your needs in front of others. It is ok to care for yourself, too. Below you will find some small changes you can make for better health. You’re welcome.
Be Present
Live in the moment with your children, friends, significant other and while sitting alone on your own! Unplug, be aware and play. In a time when we are so attached to our electronics and social media, it’s easy to say we’re connected to everyone while being more disconnected than we’ve ever been in our lives.
Dedicate time each and everyday to just being present in your life. Savoring small moments with the people who are with you in real life. Facebook can wait, the Real Housewives can wait – spend quality time with those that you love and watch our morale soar.
Stop Being a Martyr Mom
I read this statement in an article on The Stir the other day and I couldn’t agree more. We seem to think we need to do it all, do everything for everyone all the time at the expense of ourselves which isn’t true!
Case in point: I was attending a weekend conference and I stocked up the family with their necessary staples – mac n’ cheese for the kids, frozen pizza and beer for Daddy (we’re healthy and stuff). When I returned, all of the staples were still there. Even the beer. Apparently, Daddy survived the three small children and did it by pulling some drive-thru food action and hanging with the neighbors who supplied him with his frosty beverages.
They didn’t need me to plan out all the meals for them. It wasn’t like I had healthier food planned anyway! So, leave a few things out of your control, they will survive two days with Dad at the helm and you will be less frazzled prior to your trip.
Build in Quiet Time for Yourself
This connects to the unplugging time mentioned previously. Everyone needs time to be present and in their own head. Sit outside and take in the beauty of the day. Go to a quiet room in your home and curl up with a good book.
Enjoy time that is uninterrupted and that doesn’t involve busy work or being connected to technology…unless of course it’s your ereader. Quiet time calms your nerves and your stress levels and it will do wonders for your ability to handle the chaos of the day and any unexpected nonsense that might come up.
Be Active
Maybe you’re not a fan of running marathons or working out in the gym, but take a stroll through your neighborhood with a friend or while listening to your iPod. Pop in a yoga DVD and make it a part of your regular routine throughout the week. The benefits of Yoga are many – one of those benefits being a stress relief.
Whatever you do, be active a few times a week, the endorphins from that activity will improve your mood as well as your overall health.
Be Social
Being a hermit in isolation isn’t healthy, but it’s something that can become an unintentional habit when you are overwhelmed by life with several small children. Sometimes it’s just easier to stay home!
And while social media can help lighten the loneliness that motherhood brings at times, it can’t replace the mental health benefits of getting out and interacting with other mothers. Head to websites like Yahoo! Groups or Meetup.com, find local mom groups that are meeting up and take that social leap to get together.
Additionally, find a way to get out without kids in tow on occasion. Whether you are hiring a babysitter or trading favors with a friend so you get out on your own, make it happen. It makes all the difference in the world.
What are your strategies for overall better mental and physical health?ÂÂ
Image: xtarsy
