With so many things clamouring for our time and attention, how’s a busy mom to fit in taking care of herself? If you’re like many moms, chances are your health is way down on the bottom of your list. Right there under that growing laundry pile.
I know, trying to follow health tips feels like just another mountain on your to-do list, right?
And who can blame you? Between soccer practise and dance classes, runny noses and birthday parties, times-tables and sleepovers – who has time?
We spend so much time taking care of others that we often neglect taking care of ourselves. I know this only too well. I remember a point in my life where I would literally check my calendar to see if I could afford to be sick that day. It sounds pathetic in retrospect but I have a sneaky feeling that I’m not alone.
And while my schedule has changed from crazy-hectic, to simply hectic, taking care of myself is something I still struggle with.
What’s a mama to do?
Let me start by first saying, that I am by no means an expert. Neither am I as fit as a fiddle. No, in fact, I have quite a few changes I’d like to make, but I’m happy to be on a journey to my best version of me. And that includes taking care of my body and my mind – my overall well-being.
As moms, we have to remember that when we take care of ourselves, we are in a better position to take care of those who depend on us. And there’s more:
“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” – 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
If God wants us to honour Him with our bodies, what are some ways we can do so?
Here are some areas I’ve been focusing on that might inspire you. Be sure to check with your health care professional before trying any of these health tips.
Tweet This1. Make time for exercise – this is something that I’m working on and still need to find a good rhythm. One thing I know for sure: when I exercise regularly, my body thanks me for it. It gives me that extra pep in my step and the energy I need to give back to my loved ones. Plus, I simply feel better about myself.
2. Pay attention to your body. Schedule regular check-ups and periodic health exams – don’t let health issues catch you by surprise. Be proactive about your health and stay on top of any concerns you may have. You know your body best – listen to it!
3. Eat healthy meals, on time and at regular intervals. This has been such a big challenge for me. Too often breakfast consisted of whatever the kids left over and samplings of their lunch. Not good.
Recently, I’ve been turning this around based on some great advice from a fitness coach. Tips on portion sizes and a balanced diet have been helping me to be more conscious about what and how much I eat.
4. Drink water and lots of it. I’d be embarrassed to tell you how little water I was drinking. Knowing all the benefits of water, I’m now on a mission to up my intake. Find out how much your body needs based on your weight and work toward that goal.
5. Develop a healthy sleeping pattern. Many experts say 8 hours of sleep is ideal. I say, be realistic. What I find even more helpful than have a fixed number of hours, is having a consistent sleep pattern. I try to go to sleep at roughly the same time and rise around the same time every morning – even on weekends.
6. Stress less – easier said than done, right? The good thing is that some of the tips on the list, such as exercise and good rest, will contribute to a well-rested mind. My daily morning devotions also help me to centre myself and get ready to conquer each day — laundry pile and all!
What about you?
What health tips would you like to share with us?
What motivates you to be your best, healthiest self?
Wishing you blessings,
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Oh, Marva! I have learned the importance of these the hard way! I always exercised and ate well, however, sleep was the last thing on my priority list. That and stress took its toll! Praying for you along with all Mamas as they embrace one healthy tip after another!
Thanks for being you, my friend! And for sharing your hope alongside me at #MomentsofHope! I treasure your friendship!
Blessings and big hugs,
Lori
I’m so grateful for you and your #MomentsofHope, Lori! This week’s was such a good one.
Yes, one step at a time does it. Hope you’re getting some much better sleep these days!
Blessings on your weekend, my friend!
Marva this is awesome! We absolutely have to take care of ourselves if we wish to continue taking care of our families! I know sometimes doing this is hard, at least for me, but one step at a time is good right?
That’s right, Jen, it only takes a simple step. One tiny step can take us very far when we combine it with another tiny step, and another and another. Let’s keep moving forward together!
Thanks so much for stopping by! I’ve been thoroughly enjoying your #HappyNow linkup!
I’ve had quite the amount of stress lately so these are very helpful! I need to put many of these into ACTION!!!
Thank you for sharing Marva!
So glad you found the tips helpful, Lillian. I hope they will help you get that stress monster under control. Please keep me posted and let me know how it goes. If there’s something specific you’d like me to pray for on your behalf, please give me a shout.
Hugs!
What a great and practical post, Marva!
I love your suggestions for exhausted moms. All of these ideas are really good!
A couple of things I like to do: hang out with good friends and take the time to do something you love to do – sew, get a manicure, or watch chick flicks.
I’m sharing this one all around today and tomorrow.
Blessings…
Those are great ideas, Melanie and they definitely would help with our emotional health, which is so important as well. Thanks for that tip! I wish we were closer to each other so we could go have a manicure together. How fun would that be?! 🙂
Marva — what a timely post as I head into a very stressful and busy week! Excellent!
Thanks, Laura. I hope you can make some time to take care of yourself this week and that moments of pause will show up when you least expect. Blessings, to you!
Excellent post today, Marva! This is so important, and we moms do tend to neglect our health. The past months I’ve been focusing on getting more sleep. It’s amazing how much better I feel. Also want to go for regular checkups. I had a health scare this spring that probably could have been avoided if I’d already been going in for regular yearly checkups!
Please take good care of yourself, Betsy. We know those preemptive health checks can help us avoid a lot of problems — we just have to make the time to do it. Let’s be sure to make our health our priority.
Thanks for your kind words, by the way. 🙂
I love that you stressed baby steps. I do many of the things on your list, but taking time for exercise is not on my list of priorities. I need to get much better at that. Thanks for this nudge in the right direction!!
Consider yourself nudged, Deb! So glad I could inspire you to get moving. I need the inspiration myself, so perhaps we can spur each other on. 🙂
Fantastic tips! Thank you!!
So glad you found them helpful, Tawni! Thanks for stopping by.
Your words are timely for my encouragement because I am working at most of your points! Especially the exercise (and getting outside every day!) Blessings, Marva!
Well let’s be sure to encourage one another, Michelle. We’re in this together!
Blessings to you as well!
This is such a good reminder even for those of us who consider ourselves healthy! I’m a health nut, but stress is a buster! I really relate to that alert! I’m needing to find new ways to not allow stress to take over! Thanks for all these reminders, I’m going to make a green drink when I get home..something I did for a while but stopped..warmest thanks! Love your encouragement!
Hi Kathy, I’m glad that reminded you about your green drink. I’ve been enjoying some green smoothies recently and that’s such a big turn around for me. It’s a great way to get those veggies in. If only I can get my kids to like them too — that’s my next goal!
Thanks for your kind words. You’re always welcome here!
These are great tips, Marva. I’ve been trying to pay more attention to my health lately. I will check out Coach Cox and see what I can learn there.
I hope you’re having a great day!
I did a 6-week programme with Coach Cox and found it really helpful. It really got me thinking about the choices I make. For us busy moms, we have to be deliberate or it just won’t happen.
It’s always a blessing to have you stop by, Dawn. I love your encouraging spirit!