If you haven’t noticed, many of my posts are directed to women and mothers. That doesn’t mean that men can’t benefit, but I think women, especially mothers, deserve more T.L.C. and encouragement to take care of themselves while taking care of their families as well. Plus Mother’s Day is this Sunday! With that being said, I have gathered the TOP 5 wellness tips for mamas wanting to get healthy, have more energy, and practice some self-love…it does a body good!
1. Make time for yourself.
This can look very different for everyone. And I know that you have heard it a million times. But how good does it feel when you manage to sneak in a 10 minute workout before the kids wake up? Or have a chance to read just one chapter in that trashy romance novel? Do something for you, every single day. Whatever ignites your spirit, lights your fire, or makes you burn with desire when you think about it. Work towards your personal goals with one single action, one day at a time.
2. Eat what they eat…but only if they’re eating what you’re eating.WTF did I just say there? Admit it, you HOPE your kids leave some of that mac ‘n cheese so you can sneak some bites in after their done. Kids really shouldn’t be eating chicken fingers and fries every single day and for every single meal (unless they refuse to eat anything else, in which case, no judgement- do what you gotta do). Get your kids used to seeing you eating nutritious foods and them being served the same. You’re not a short order cook and you shouldn’t have to make 3 different dinners to please everyone. Make a chicken and quinoa stir fry for the WHOLE family. Nourish your body with whole foods and theirs. When you do that, you are free to eat their leftovers with no guilt!
3. Skip the gin, and just tune in.
There are plenty of things in life that make us want to rage, cry, throw a plate against the wall, and then curl up in the fetal position. But we can’t let our outside circumstances dictate our internal condition. We have to learn to let things roll off, just breathe, and stay calm or else everything else tends to fall apart too. One of my favorite mini meditations for this is from Gabrielle Bernstein’s new book Miracles Now (check out my resources page for a link). This is so easy and can be done anywhere, anytime. I’ve done it in traffic, during a child meltdown, and before an important meeting. All you do is touch your thumb to your pointer finger on each hand while breathing deeply and moving through the other fingers (touching each one to the thumb, in order). Take deep, rejuvenating breaths and say PEACE IS WITHIN ME. This can go as slow or as fast as you want. Just trust me, it works! Gabby has 108 tips and tools in her new book which I highly recommend.
4. Stop comparing.
Just like no 2 babies are alike, no 2 mothers are a like either. Sure you can find some similarities between you and your best mama friend but you will inevitably differ on one or two parenting scenarios. Don’t judge and don’t compare. Don’t compare yourself or your parenting tactics. You may not be as skinny and she may not be as funny. Everyone is different yet we are all one. We mamas really need to start sticking together more and comparing less. We are all doing the best we can and when we compare ourselves to someone who we think we have figured out, it only lowers our own self worth. If you notice how you are feeling when you start comparing, your mood changes, you snap at your kids, you start emotional eating, and meanwhile NOTHING has actually happened. Stop the negative thought pattern, especially slamming yourself in comparison to others. No good comes of it.
5. Don’t be so hard on yourself.
I don’t advocate strict dieting or eating plans that are too restrictive. I believe in balance. Therefore, if you do give in to your cravings and have that donut, it’s not a big deal! Balance, baby. A little cupcake, a little kale. Don’t be so hard on yourself. You’re allowed to enjoy the sweet things in life too. When you fall off the wagon, just get right back on. I’ve said this before, it’s not how many times we fail that define us, it’s that we got back up. Be aware of how that donut really made you feel, if it is was guilt, shame, or love. Stew in it for 90 seconds then move the fuck on. Life is too short to feel guilty over a cookie.
HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!