Motherhood is something truly special. Being a mother means being responsible for the lives of your children and making sure they have the best upbringing possible. But it is not an easy job.
You have to maintain a balance of personal and professional life without compromising your children’s wellbeing or your relationship with your partner. But that is easier said than done.
Taking care of the household and your loved ones take up all your time, but that means you forget to prioritize your health. Cooking, cleaning, working, and such chores will be in vain if you don’t take care of yourself.
You can make others healthy and happy only if you feel healthy and happy. This includes getting enough sleep to combat the day’s tasks. It includes working out, eating well, taking a trip to an amusement park, a movie, or anywhere you can unwind.
For me, that will be bowling alleys or escape rooms. These places are unique and fun, and these days, they are everywhere. If you randomly look up escape rooms Bangalore, you can find several locations perfect for a self-care day. Self care days or any leave of absence from your regular schedules are also good for your mental health. As a mother, it is also a part of your responsibility to make sure you stay healthy enough to accompany your children for years to come.
7 Ways to Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle as a Mom
Overall wellness of the body and the mind are given necessities for anyone. But mothers take on such a burden while balancing all aspects of life. It is even more important that they settle themselves into a healthy lifestyle that benefits them and makes their days better. So, here is a list of 7 ways that help you maintain a healthy lifestyle as a mom.
1. Start with a hearty and healthy breakfast
A good diet is the backbone of a healthy life. Breakfast especially is the most important meal of the day. The same attention you give to your family’s nutrients needs to be directed at yourself. As people feel more satisfied with the first meal of the day, invest more in the morning meal instead of just focusing on your kids’ packed lunch boxes. Use whole foods, lean proteins, fibers, and fresh ingredients in your breakfast.
Make sure to eat fruits, milk, and grains of any kind you prefer. These will keep you full longer and pump up your energy right from the start of the day. They will satisfy both your hunger and your nutrient needs. Avoid processed food and foods with high-calorie content. Make breakfast for every one of your family members, yes including and especially you!
2. Try meal-prep and pre-cut ingredients
Since you will be taking on the burden of the whole family, it is only natural that you make adjustments to your usual way of doing things. Who doesn’t like fresh ingredients and making food from scratch? But as a mother, you can cut corners while doing simple tasks. It is important for everyone’s health that you buy fresh groceries (at least once a week) instead of buying frozen meals and ordering fast foods. So, how to take care of it all with a busy lifestyle? Try buying pre-prepped ingredients from the markets. By pre-prepped ingredients, we mean pre-cut vegetables, herbs, and anything you might need while cooking a hearty meal. Try organic sauces and artisan cheese to improve your food pallet without compromising on food quality.
The next thing you can do is meal prep. Although it might take up a bit of your weekend, meal prep is a very smart investment when it comes to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Try prepping certain basic dishes like pasta, chicken, etc., and cut back on daily cooking a little. Use fresh and less risky ingredients to make a meal that is both tasty and healthy. You can prep certain meals for the whole week and take some time off during the week to work on your own things.
3. Get Healthy Check-ups
Being healthy means taking care of your body first. Eat well to counter illnesses and prevent any further physical ailments. Just like you are concerned about your child’s health, be concerned for yourself as well. Get regular check-ups to stay healthy and prevent future issues. Especially make sure to check your blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Changes in blood sugar levels can lead to hypertension or high blood pressure.
This will be draining and stressful for your daily lifestyle, and if overlooked, this can turn serious very soon. Don’t make a habit of eating chocolates or any sugary food for a quick sugar rush. Instead, focus on small nutrient-rich snacks like trail mix, hard-boiled eggs, cheese, nuts, veggies, fruits, and the sort. Remember, you can only take care of someone if you are taking care of yourself.
4. Make a workout Schedule
Going to the gym, working out at home, and even going for a walk is very important to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Try including exercise in your family’s daily routine. This is a healthy habit for everyone and not just the adults. But make sure each of you gets your own space unless your kids need to be looked after. Consider hiring a babysitter or asking a family member to take care of your kids while you work out.
Whether it is a high-intensity workout or a sustaining workout for an hour, make sure to exercise regularly. If gyms are not convenient, exercise at home with or without instruments. If necessary, go for a walk after a meal to get some fresh air and some cardio. Just make a habit of working out in any manner. This is beneficial for both your body and your mind.
5. Get Enough Sleep
Sleep also makes a great impact on your mental and physical health. If you don’t get enough sleep, your whole day will become a struggle. You cannot sustain long without proper sleep. You cannot be a good mother if you feel drained and stressed without sleep. Try to get at least 7 hours of sleep, if not 8, to get a healthy start to your day. This will make sure you have the strength and motivation to eat a good breakfast and to work well anywhere and everywhere. This will be good for your physical health and improve your mental wellbeing.
6. Schedule a little “Me” time
A little bit of “Me” time is a very healthy addition to your lifestyle. As a busy mom, it will be very hard to get some alone time. But you need some time without your kids or other family members to focus on yourself. This can include watching a movie alone, date night with your husband, knitting, visiting your favorite places, catching up with your friends, or even doing a self-care routine while playing your favorite songs. Whatever it may be, make it a part of your routine. Treat it like a necessity and not a hard-earned luxury. This will be a great benefit to your mental health, and it turns out it will positively affect your daily life as well.
7. Spend Time With Your Family
Spending time with your family and your loving kids is such a reward after a hard day at work. At the end of the day, everything you are doing for yourself will also benefit them. A healthy mom is a good role model for a healthy child. You have to wake them up, feed them, bath them, dress them, help them with their homework and do all the other motherly duties to make their life easier and better. But you must also spend some quality time with them. Try playing games, watching their favorite movies, and walking with them while discussing some new event or anything they might find interesting. Being a mother is not just about doing all the right duties but also about being there for your kids.
In a Nutshell
One of the biggest tolls on the health of a mom is the mindset that society has created that a mother needs to always put her own needs in the backseat. The truth is, the biggest favor you can do your kids is to make sure you are at your optimal health, so that they can enjoy their time with you!
A healthy lifestyle means taking care of yourself both mentally and physically. Start making an effort for yourself and not just for your kids or other members of your family. A healthy schedule will be beneficial for you if you start working on them early on.
Make sure to eat well, get some good sleep, work out when you can, spend some time alone without your kids, and don’t forget to spend time with your family. Ask for assistance when you need and don’t feel guilty about taking a break now and then. A healthy lifestyle for a mom might need some personal adjustments based on your schedule, but it is achievable with a little effort.
Author Bio: Aniya more is one of the brightest content writer at Breakout escape room. She is a passionate writer who loves to read books and explore different escape rooms. With a great work ethic, she spends most of her time researching and reading. When she is not working, she likes to relax with a cup of coffee and enjoy watching her favorite tv show or walking her dog peanut. You can find her on LinkedIn.
