Being a mom is a full-time job. Between taking care of the kids, running errands, and keeping the household in order, it’s easy for moms to let their own health and well-being fall by the wayside. But taking care of yourself is essential not only for your own sake but also for the sake of your family.
When you are healthy, you have more energy to chase after your kids, and you’re less likely to get sick and miss family time. You also set a good example for your children about the importance of taking care of your body. But with all the responsibilities that come with motherhood, how can you possibly find the time and energy to stay healthy?
Here are some realistic ways that busy moms can make their health a priority:
Make Skin Care a Priority
Caring for your skin is not just a vanity project but an essential part of staying healthy. Your skin is your body’s largest organ and is the first line of defense against disease and infection. When you take care of your skin, you’re not just making yourself look good but also helps to keep your whole body healthy.
You can start by using gentle, hypoallergenic products. These will be less likely to irritate your skin or cause breakouts. Make sure you cleanse, tone, moisturize, and use sunscreen every day, and don’t forget to exfoliate a few times a week to slough off dead skin cells.
For instance, if you want to buy skin care products Singapore, check out reviews first and only purchase from stores with a good reputation. This way, you can be sure that you’re getting quality products that won’t harm your skin. Buy from stores that source their products from original manufacturers, offer competitive prices, and also allow you to earn points or cash back with every purchase.
Sneak More Sleep
Getting enough sleep is essential for good health. However, most moms are sleep deprived, with up to 43% of moms only getting one to three hours of undisturbed sleep each night. Lack of sleep can lead to several health problems, including weight gain, depression, and even heart disease. So, it’s crucial to find ways to get more shut-eye.
One way to do this is by going to bed earlier. If you can’t manage that, try taking a nap while the kids sleep. Consider going to bed just 30 minutes earlier than usual whenever you can. You can also try to sleep in on weekends, even if it’s just for an extra hour or two.
It also helps to create a relaxing bedtime routine that will help you wind down at the end of the day and make it easier to fall asleep. This could include taking a warm bath, reading a book, or stretching gently.
Incorporate Fitness and Nutrition in Your Routine
Exercise and eating healthy foods are two of the best things you can do for your body, but they can also be difficult to fit into a busy mom’s schedule. Studies show that even short bursts of high-intensity workouts can have positive health effects and even slightly increases your lifespan. So, try to fit in some activity whenever you can.
Take the stairs instead of the elevator, walk around the block while the kids are napping or playing, or sign up for a mom-and-baby fitness class at your local gym. You can also try to sneak in some fitness while doing other activities, like vacuuming the house or walking the dog.
When it comes to nutrition, try to make healthy choices whenever possible. Stock your fridge with fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. And when you’re snacking, go for healthy options like nuts or fruit instead of processed junk food. If cooking balanced and healthy meals seem like too much work, plenty of healthy meal delivery services can do the work for you.
Make Time for Friends
Many moms find it hard to maintain social relationships outside the house. This is because they’re busy with work, taking care of the kids, and running the household. However, it’s vital to make time for your friends, even if it’s just meeting up for coffee or lunch.
Having social relationships can lower the risk of heart disease, depression, and dementia. So don’t take your loved ones and friends, even if you can’t meet up as often as you’d like. Social support has been linked with better mental and physical health, so it’s worth staying in touch.
Consider scheduling regular catch-ups, whether meeting for coffee once a week or getting together for girls’ night once a month. If you can’t meet up in person, you can stay connected by text, email, or social media. Use this time to vent about the stresses of motherhood, catch up on each other’s lives, or just have a good laugh.
There’s no denying that being a mom is tough. But it’s also one of the most rewarding experiences you’ll ever have. So, don’t forget to take care of yourself physically and mentally. Small changes in your routine can go a long way toward improving your health.