Being a mum can be so chaotic and consuming sometimes, that it often causes us to overlook the simple things like our health. Here’s healthy lifestyle habits that are so easy that they’d be perfect for every busy mum.
As a busy mum, it can be tough to manage your day-to-day life, let alone make time for healthy habits and self-care. However, taking care of your physical, mental, and emotional health is essential, not just for you, but for your family too. In light of this, we’ve put together a guide of 11 healthy lifestyle habits that busy mums can adopt to improve their overall health and well-being.
Sleep
In our busy lives, it’s easy to put sleep on the back burner. We have so many responsibilities pulling us in different directions, and it can be tempting to stay up a few extra hours to catch up on work or enjoy some alone time. However, it’s important to remember that sleep is not just a luxury – it’s necessary for our health and wellbeing. Prioritizing sleep can help regulate our hormones, improve our mood, and help our bodies function properly. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night, and take steps to create a relaxing sleep environment. Simple habits like keeping technology out of the bedroom and avoiding caffeine before bed can make a world of difference. So why not make a commitment to prioritize sleep and give your body the rest it deserves?
Meal Prep
Planning out your meals each week is a great way to de-stress and ensure that you and your family are eating healthy, balanced meals. By taking the time to plan ahead, you can save both time and money, while also reducing food waste. To make meal planning even easier, consider using a meal delivery service or grocery delivery service. This will save you even more time, and give you one less thing to worry about during busy weeks. And to make the most of your meal planning, be sure to stock up on containers and check out meal prep recipes on Pinterest for inspiration. So why not give it a try? Spend a quiet Sunday afternoon planning out your meals for the week, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing you have healthy, delicious meals on the horizon.
(Would you like some stress and anxiety reducing foods to add to your meal prep?)
Stay Hydrated
Drinking enough water may seem like a minor task, but its impact on your health is significant. It is essential to carry a water bottle with you throughout the day and aim for at least 8 glasses of water a day. Did you know that 60% of the human body is made up of water? Incredible, right? Drinking water helps keep your brain active, assists the digestive system, keeps us energized, regulates body temperature, hydrates the skin, helps in detoxification, and carries a plethora of essential nutrients! Additionally, the human brain is composed of 95% water, lungs are 90%, blood has an 83% water content, muscles contain 76%, and bones consist of 22% water. So, if you want to keep your mind and body in top shape, drinking enough water is a simple act that doesn’t require much effort but offers enormous benefits to your overall health.
Amina Bengkung Wrap
Exercise
We all know exercise is a healthy lifestyle habits. As a busy mum, it can be difficult to find the time to fit it in. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to sneak in exercise throughout the day. Take a 20-minute walk with your kids to play at the park or do a quick youtube workout at home. Better yet, find a gym with a creche facility, so you can squeeze in a workout while your little ones are being taken care of. There are even free classes at many gyms these days, so be sure to ask what they have to offer. With these options, fitting exercise into a busy schedule has never been easier. Movement not only strengthens the body, but it also boosts energy and helps with sleep. Plus, exercise releases endorphins, which are the happiness hormones. Who doesn’t love a good mood boost? Another idea is to pick one day to run or cycle to work, or get off a few bus stops early and walk the rest of the way.
Mindfulness
If you’re looking for ways to reduce stress and improve your mental well-being, look no further than mindfulness practices. By incorporating meditation or simply taking a few deep breaths throughout the day, you can gain control over your thoughts and emotional reactions, which can have a positive impact on your relationship with pain. This is particularly useful for those who experience chronic pain. Furthermore, studies have shown that mindfulness can increase the gray matter in brain regions associated with memory, learning, and focus. And if you’re looking for a boost in your creative thinking, practicing mindfulness may be just what you need. So why not give it a try? Incorporating mindfulness practices into your daily routine is a simple yet effective way to promote a sense of calm and overall well-being.
Self-Care
We all know how important it is to take care of our loved ones, but sometimes we forget to take care of ourselves. It’s essential to make time for activities that we enjoy and that make us happy. Whether it’s reading a book, taking a long bath, savoring a warm cup of tea, or indulging in a relaxing massage, self-care should be a top priority. And the benefits go beyond just feeling good – studies show that self-care can enhance self-confidence, increase productivity, and boost happiness. From a physical health perspective, taking care of yourself can even reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and cancer. Plus, when you have a better relationship with yourself, you can have a better relationship with others. So, let’s prioritize self-care and allow ourselves to be refreshed and replenished – after all, you can’t pour from an empty cup.
Community
Being a parent is a huge responsibility and can often be a challenging task. Fortunately, there are ways to make the journey easier and more enjoyable. It’s essential to have a support system in place, and connecting with other mums can be an effective way to reduce the stress that comes with raising a family. Facebook groups and local communities offer an opportunity to connect with others who understand the challenges and joys of motherhood. Whether it’s finding a local church or a young mothers’ group in your area, a quick google search can lead to a sense of community and support. Having people who share similar experiences can help you feel less isolated and more supported throughout your journey as a parent.
Amina Bengkung Wrap
Limit Screen Time
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get lost in the endless stream of notifications and social media updates. It’s no surprise that technology can be addictive, but it’s important to remember that too much screen time can have a negative impact on your overall well-being. From physical strain on your eyes and body to an increased risk of obesity and chronic health conditions, the side effects can be quite serious. Limiting your screen time and setting boundaries around technology use can make a big difference. Whether it’s turning off your phone during meals or avoiding screens before bed, small changes can lead to a big improvement in your quality of life. So take a step back, take a deep breath, and start setting limits on your screen time today. Your body (and mind) will thank you!
Goals Inspiration
Setting realistic goals for yourself is an important strategy for reducing stress and taking control of your life. However, sometimes the challenge of achieving large goals can cause us to feel overwhelmed and discouraged. That’s where breaking goals down into smaller, more manageable pieces comes in. Celebrate your successes along the way, and remember that achieving your goals is a process. To help stay on track, write your goals down and make them visible by setting them as a screensaver or widget on your phone. Additionally, developing a plan with consistent, small steps can make it easier to reach your goals and reduce that overwhelming feeling. Remember, every step forward counts towards the bigger picture. Don’t forget to be kind to yourself and congratulate yourself for every milestone you achieve!
Gratitude
Feeling overwhelmed by the challenges life throws at us is normal. But sometimes, we forget to acknowledge the good things we have in our life. That’s why taking time each day to count your blessings and express gratitude can have a tremendous impact on your overall satisfaction and wellbeing. By listing three things you’re grateful for, you’ll start your day on a positive note and appreciate the positives that surround you. Studies have shown that gratitude can open the door to more relationships. It also improves physical and psychological health, enhances empathy, reduces aggression, and even helps you get a better night’s sleep. So, take a moment today to be thankful for what you have. Just see the difference it can make in your life.
Laughing
If you’re looking for a simple way to improve your physical and emotional health, try laughing more often! Not only does it feel good, but it’s been shown to have some serious health benefits. Laughter can strengthen your immune system, boost your mood, and even alleviate pain and stress. Making a conscious effort to laugh more can be as easy as booking tickets for a local comedy show or following your favorite funnyman on Instagram. You could also start a Pinterest board filled with things that make you smile or watch some humorous videos on YouTube. Even just 10 to 15 minutes of laughter a day can burn up to 40 calories! So why not set an intention to bring more laughter into your life today?
As a busy mum, it can be difficult to prioritize your health and well-being. But by adopting these 11 healthy lifestyle habits, you can improve not only your own health, but the health of your entire family. Remember, self-care isn’t selfish – it’s an essential part of being a happy, healthy mum!
Amina Bengkung Wrap
