Mums are always looking after others, running around after their family and putting their own health second to their kids and family. You need to remember to look after yourself as well. Women have a lot of pressure and are expected to be able to do everything and anything. As a busy mum, you are expected to be a driver, cook, cleaner, housekeeper, shopper and much, much more, along with looking your best and staying healthy. Whether you are a working mum, stay at home mum, or even a part time mum, below are some healthy tips for you.
ME TIME!!
Make time for yourself at least once a week. I understand that this could be difficult, but have your spouse, parents or siblings spend some time with your kids and take this time away from them and do what you love. This could be anything from taking a long bubble bath, reading a great book, doing a work out, meditating, journaling, getting your nails done or going out for a coffee or meal with your friends. Enjoy this time fully and do what makes you happy!
EAT RIGHT!!
I am an advocate of eating whole, nourishing foods. Keep a majority of your meals as healthy and nutritious as possible. Cook more meals at home and allow yourself and your family a treat here and there. Eat everything in moderation. If you find you don’t have time to cook meals every day, take time out on the weekend and plan your meals and meal prep. You can cook a few meals for the week and freeze them and heat them up as and when you need them. When you plan out your meals, you are more likely to stick to them.
Make it a point to sit at the table with your kids and family, and enjoy your meals together. This way, you can catch up with everyone on their days, it also avoids you eating in front of a television and mentally lets you connect with your family. If you have a baby or a toddler, eat when they eat. That way you won’t skip meals and binge on junk later on.
EXERCISE DAILY:
Find some time to work out. All you need is 15-20 minutes a day. If you can manage to wake up earlier and hit the gym before the rest of the family is up, do so. If you have a newborn or a toddler and can’t make it out of the house, try and fit in a work-out at home when they’re taking a nap. There are some great workouts available online. It may seem like the last thing you want to do but once you start and you start seeing results, it will become a part of your lifestyle and a great form of therapy.
Another great way to get in some steps is to take your child or baby out in a stroller and take a walk around your neighborhood, park or even your compound. Just be sure to maintain social distancing!
FIND AN ACCOUNTABILITY PARTNER:
It can be hard to find the motivation to keep in shape, eat right and generally stay sane. Find people in the same boat as you so that you can hold each other accountable. It can be a friend, family member or even a professional like myself. You can schedule weekly calls and check in with your accountability partner and make sure you’re both on the right track. If you are able to and have the means, you can even hire a health coach like myself ( @nourishbynush) or a life coach to help keep you on track with your goals.
DATE NIGHT!!
It’s just as important to get in some alone time with your better half. This will do you both good mentally. It doesn’t have to be a weekly thing. Set a night each month, plan it before hand so that you have someone to look after the kids, and take the night to reconnect and have some time alone.
Always remember that you need to look after yourself to be able to look after others. You also owe it to yourself to look after yourself. After all, it’s your life also and you need to enjoy it. Take these simple steps and notice how your mind, body and soul start to improve.
About the author: Anushka Chandaria is a certified health coach. Through Nourish by Nush (Instagram: @nourishbynush) she helps clients reach their health goals using a holistic approach by taking into consideration all aspects of wellbeing such as their mind, body and soul.