Do you wake up some mornings and wonder how you’ll ever have the energy to get through the day? Do you find yourself guzzling coffee in order to keep up with your kids?
I hear you mama. Parenting children (especially young babes) is draining!
Countless times I’ve heard others say, “You HAVE to take care of yourself in order to take care of others.”
I’ve also heard the analogy, “give yourself an oxygen mask before you help someone else” more times than I can count. Yet, I forget. I neglect self-care because I’m so busy caring for others around me. Sometimes I simply need a gentle reminder or an action plan.
Here are some ways for moms to stay health and energetic.
Check out this mom's guide to better health and more energy. #momlife #momhealth Click To TweetGet enough sleep.
It seems simple but sleep is often where moms struggle the most. Naturally, if you have a young infant, it will be more challenging to get enough sleep. While this is an unavoidable season in the new mother’s life, it’s important to think of times and ways you can rest throughout the day.
For most moms, getting enough sleep may mean going to bed earlier, but the sacrifice is worth it, especially when you feel energetic the next day!
Drink enough water.
Proper hydration has a dramatic impact on your energy level. If you’re struggling to drink enough water every day, then maybe check out the tips in this post.
Eat nutritious meals and snacks.
An adequate diet has a huge impact on your energy level. While carbohydrates and sugars may give you a quick boost, they lack the staying power of proteins found in eggs, seeds, and nuts.
Some simple suggested swaps could be:
- eggs for breakfast instead of cereal
- meat and/or avocado at lunch
- snacks of seeds, nuts, and nut butters a couple times a day
- fresh berries and Greek yogurt (instead of sweetened yogurt)
Check out these additional snack hacks for busy moms.
Exercise.
With everything we busy moms do in the day, it can be challenging to fit in a workout or regular exercise. In addition, if you’re exhausted, it may feel like the last thing you want to do is “waste” the little energy you have exercising.
Exercise DOES increase your energy level. After a week or two, you will begin to feel energized by your workout routines. I promise!
I’ve had the most success with the Homeschool Mom Fitness Program. Don’t be deceived by its name! This fitness program is great for ANY busy mom! The way it works is there are 3 exercises you perform 5 times a day. You can do all 5 sets at once OR spread them out throughout the day. Every day (Monday – Friday) there is a different set of exercises. Each week, the exercises increase in the duration you perform them for.
This type of exercise program works for me because I can break up the exercises into different parts of my day, as opposed to doing them all at once.
Commit to finding an exercise routine that works for YOU!
Visit your physician.
Every year you should be visiting your doctor. Blood work, a pap smear, mammogram (if applicable) and any other relevant examinations should be performed annually. The sooner an issue is detected, the more likely it is to remedy it.
See your dentist.
While you’re scheduling doctor appointments, book a visit to the dentist too. Proper oral care is vital to good health. Did you know that other than cavities, your dentist can spot over 7 different health problems?
The great outdoors.
Sunshine, trees, water, wildlife, plants, and flowers have a stimulating effect on our senses. If you need to feel energized, simply go out for a walk through a local park or wooded area.
Deep breathing.
Oxygen. It does wonders for your energy levels. Rather than reaching for another cup of coffee, try taking some long, deep breaths. Fill your lungs fully and then slowly exhale. Repeat this several times.
If you feel like you can’t slow your breathing enough, try this website. It cues you when to inhale and exhale. A minute or two of this type of breathing and you’ll feel great!
Time with friends.
Quality friendships have a tremendous impact on your overall health and well-being. During the school year I meet up bi-weekly with a group of wonderful ladies for Bible study. Now that it’s summer break, I already feel less energy and motivation. Time to schedule an outing!
We’re meant to socialize with others. Good, quality, friends are vital to increased energy.
Schedule time for self-care.
I can’t tell you enough how important it is to take time for yourself. If you’re struggling to schedule self-care time, then maybe check out this article about how to make time for yourself (even if it feels like you have no time). Your physical and emotional health NEEDS to be tended to. Don’t neglect yourself.
Raising a family and running a household is demanding work. You need good health and enough energy to get everything done. By following some of these suggestions, I’m certain your health and energy will improve.
This is truly awesome and so timely, as well as needed here. I am not going to lie, but yes my energy levels could use a bit of help overall. So will definitely be taking your advice to heart now. Thanks for sharing and wishing you a lovely less stressful week ahead now!! xoxo <3
I’m delighted this was timely for you Janine! We could all use a bit of an energy boost – we mamas are hard workers!
Self care is so important, once you take care of yourself, all the others should just automatically fit in your schedule, however, if you don’t, this is a great way to get started.
Yes! Self-care is often forgotten. We need to change that!
In fact, I’m going to the dentist tomorrow morning!
I’ve been drowsy today and in need of a refresh. I need to work and play too hard in the summer and I’ve got the littles to tend to. Cassidy was away for four days so I’m wondering when I can have a nice little refresh too!
I’m due for my annual cleaning soon too.
It’s so good to take that essential time for yourself (especially when you’ve been parenting solo for a spell)!