Packing healthy school lunches, limiting sweets, getting the kids to their doctor checkups, and signing them up for sports to keep them physically active. Multiply that by the number of children you have and who has time to take care of herself?
Too often, moms are so busy watching over the health of their children, they put their own health needs in last place.
However, moms' health is vital to keeping up the pace required to meet the needs of the family.
With a little effort, you can put your health back in the high priority it deserves, by eating right, exercising, getting regular checkups and taking care of your mental health.
Watch your diet
There are more fad diets out there than you can shake a rattle at. Before you climb on board any diet, consult with your doctor and do your own research into the risks, benefits and downsides.
If you’re an active mom, the food you eat must give you the energy you need to get through your busy day. Be sure you’re getting enough protein, carbs, fresh fruits, vegetables, and water.
Take a multi vitamin every day. Make it part of your routine. There are daily vitamins especially for women with added iron for blood and calcium to prevent osteoporosis.
Keep a check on how much alcohol and caffeine you’re drinking. Coffee may give you a little spurt of energy in the morning, but it can leave you feeling fatigued later in the day.
Exercise
Few stay-at-home moms have the time to regularly go to the gym or keep up a work-out schedule. No need to feel guilty: You can maintain a level of fitness by just staying as active as possible.
According to the Family Education Web site, even a 15-minute workout during the day will provide you physical benefits, if you can’t find time to get to the gym or an exercise class.
Walking is a great way to keep in shape and you can take along the baby stroller, a child on a bike and even the dog.
Doctor visits a must
Moms rarely take time for regular checkups. It’s hard enough to fit the kids’ checkups into your schedule, let alone dental visits, lessons and other appointments.
To remind yourself it’s that time of year again, choose a date – your birthday, your mother’s birthday, Mother’s Day or the first day of school. Soon, you’ll see that date on your calendar and you’ll know it’s time for your annual doctor’s visit.
Don’t forget to do monthly breast self-exams and check for new moles and skin abnormalities.
According to Women’s Health magazine cardiovascular disease affect more women than all cancers combined. Know the signs of heart attack and see your doctor. Chest pain is non-specific, meaning it can be a sign of heart problems or just simple indigestion. Don’t take a chance, know the signs and take action.
Mental health is important, too!
When you have small children, it’s easy to let yourself get stressed on a daily basis. Find ways to reduce stress in your life and practice them.
Take time for yourself. Schedule nights out with your husband, or get a sitter and go off by yourself to shop or have lunch. Have a friend take the kids for a day and treat yourself to a spa day at home. Even a short time away from the kids will leave you refreshed and ready to tackle the daily ins and outs of being a mom.
Join the Conversation