Becoming a parent is a big
responsibility and a huge life changer. Gone are the days of just trying to keep
yourself healthy, now you are responsible for a small human who is completely
dependent on you. Obviously, the child is going to take up much of your attention
and time, with feedings, bathing, bonding… but, for your child to be healthy
and happy, you need to be healthy and happy!
This Mother’s Day is a great
opportunity to take a minute to make sure that you are taking the time to keep
yourself strong and healthy, so that you are at your optimal to take care of
your little. And Dad, if you are the one reading this blog, help your wife plan some time for herself.
I am going to talk about some important things that should be added into your
daily routine or lifestyle to help Mom be the strongest, physically, and
mentally, that she can be.
First off, when is the last time you
went to see a doctor for YOURSELF? Not a pediatrician. Take time to schedule
eye doctor, dentist, dermatologist if necessary, and, most importantly, a yearly
check up with your primary care physician. Having kids is difficult and time
consuming. Babies and toddlers require constant attention, while grade school
through high school requires rides to practice and other extracurricular
activities – not to mention homework and all those challenging teenage
hormones! All of this can leave you exhausted and run down, weakening the
immune system. Yearly checkups are a good way to prevent disease and stay
healthy in the long run, leaving you healthy to be able to possibly enjoy
grandkids someday.
Next, make yourself an appointment
to get pampered. Whether your hair needs a cut and color, or you just need a
relaxing massage, allow yourself those 2 hours. It is well deserved! Some time
to yourself can help reduce the stress hormones and improve overall relaxation.
I personally know some moms that feel guilty taking this time to themselves.
This is the way I look at it, you have to dress for success, humans work harder
and are more efficient when they feel their best. Whether you are a working
mom, or a stay at home mom, you deserve some relaxation and to feel better
about yourself.
If getting pampered is not your
thing, take some time for one of your interests or to try something new. Go to
a wine tasting with girlfriends, or sign up for one of those trendy paint or
craft classes. The point is to have a few hours to yourself without a child
hanging on you or yelling for your help.
This next one is very important and
should be incorporated into your regular routine. Schedule regular physical
activity. Yes, exercise. Just 30 minutes a day has been shown to improve
physical health and overall mood. This can be as simple or as crazy as you
would like. No excuses! Dropping your child off at preschool for 3 hours? The
laundry will still be there when you get home. Take that time to go to the park
district and walk, or take a yoga class to help clear your mind. Not only will
you get the health benefits of exercise, but you will be setting a good example
for your children. Keeping your body strong will help prevent injury, allowing
you to fully engage and play with your children.
Another important topic; Diet. No, I
am not saying that all moms should be on a diet, but the food you consume
should be healthy. It is very easy to rely on fast food when you are constantly
running from work to school pickups and practices. I realize many families do
not get home until well after dinner time. My family, growing up, was exactly
that way. Eating healthy, home cooked meals is still possible. Use Sunday
mornings or afternoons to meal prep and cook a little extra for each meal. This
will cut out prep time during the week, and with extra food, can provide lunch
or leftovers for dinner the following day. Healthy meals do not have to consume
all of your time to cook, and they do not have to be boring. A great appliance
for busy families is a crockpot. Set it and forget it. With today’s internet,
easy healthy recipes are at our finger tips, literally, on our smart phones!
Meal prepping can also be a fun family activity. My son loves to help in the
kitchen. Eating healthy as a family will show your kids that it is fun and
yummy, helping them make good food choices in the future.
Mother’s Day is about just that,
MOTHERS! And if you are one of them, take the opportunity to take care of
yourself.
Happy Mother’s Day,
ladies!! 💜
Heather Finnegan, PT, DPT
TheraCORE, Inc.
Lockport, IL
