Hey there Mama, how ya feeling today?
As moms, we are the glue in our families. We are the teacher, the nurse, the judge, the chef, the maid, and the list goes on. We have so many responsibilities and our families depend on us. No wonder we feel drained and tired all the time.
It’s so important that we keep ourselves healthy so our family can depend on us. It’s not fun being sick. However, it’s really not fun being sick when you’re a mom, cause you don’t get time off. You still gotta mom.
I’ve tried out a few things that help keep me going. Things that give me a little pep in my step. These tips give me energy, keep me healthy, and make me feel good.
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Drink water!
Drinking the correct amount of water has changed my life. I drink half of my body weight in ounces every day (or at least most days). I am to a point where my body tells me when I have not drank enough water. I feel lethargic and well, just straight up cranky.
By drinking the correct amount of water, you limit the extra snacks that are so tempting (especially when you are a SAHM or work from home). I’m working so hard to make sure I have enough water that it am not as “snack” hungry. I actually lost a few pounds when I began drinking water earlier in the year because I wasn’t snacking all the time! Who would have thought drinking water instead of eating an entire pack of Cosmic Brownies would make me lose weight!
Getting a water bottle that holds a lot of water is important to me. I hate refilling. With the water bottle I have, I only need to fill twice a day. Once in the morning and once in the afternoon. It also is super cute! You know me, all about the cutesy. Here is the one I use.
Meditate
Wait! Don’t keep scrolling. Trust me, I did the eye roll too! Who has time to meditate? I mean come on. Did you see all the list of things mamas gotta do? Girl, let me tell you. I am a scatter-brained, ADHD kinda girl. If someone told me to meditate I’d listen politely and start thinking about puppies. Since I’ve started meditating 5 minutes a day, I feel so much more centered. Let me tell you why you need to meditate.
First, it takes 5 minutes. Like I mentioned in my other post, https://lionheartedliving.net/apps-that-make-your-life-easy/ there is an amazing app called Headspace that guides you through each session. There are several courses that are free (which are the ones I reuse over and over). You can set how long you want to meditate. There are 3, 5, and 10 minute options for you to choose from. When your hubs gets home or if you miraculously get all your kids to sleep at the same time, try it out. I do recommend doing this when the kids won’t interrupt you (turn on Daniel Tiger for 3 minutes sister, you need this).
Second, it changes the way you think. I’m sure you’ve heard that our brains are plastic. This just means that our brains change throughout our lives. They are not fixed. When we learn to meditate, we are changing the way we use our brain. We begin to practice meditation when we aren’t actually sitting meditating. We teach our brains to let the thoughts come and go and not let them take over.
Finally, you know that verse that says to be still? Yea, “Be still and know that I am God ” (Psalm 46:10). Maybe I am alone in this, but I have a really hard time being still. Like literally ya’ll. I HAVE to move. I am moving right now as I write this. However, when we think about our minds being still that is another thing. Putting our thoughts, worries, fears, joys, praises, happiness, all aside to get filled up. To focus on our creator. This is a great time to be still. You can invite God in those 3 or 5 minutes and just listen as you follow along with the app. You can find a verse and meditate on that. Just being still and inviting Jesus in our quiet and alone moments is so important. He will use those times to speak to what your heart needs.
Get outside!
I understand ya’ll might not all have the luxury of Tennessee weather. It is mid February and last week we played outside in shorts. If weather permits, try to get outside every single day. Even if it is just a short amount of time. It has such a great impact on your health and your mood. It’s also a great way to bond with your kiddos and for you all to get some exercise.
I read an article on Business Insider by Kevin Loria that discusses how spending time outside has health benefits (scientifically proven). Just to name a few, spending time outside can improve your short-term memory, eliminate fatigue, anxiety, and depression, and lower blood pressure. If you want to learn more about the benefits of spending time outside, check out Kevin’s article here –> https://www.businessinsider.com/why-spending-more-time-outside-is-healthy-2017-7#outdoor-experiences-may-help-fight-depression-and-anxiety-5
Days that Everett and I play outside or take a “hike” (toddler version) feel less stressful. We are getting exercise and enjoying God’s green earth. I recommend this especially for boy moms (and all the mamas said amen).
30 minutes of exercise
30 minutes of exercise a day will help you lose weight, boost your mood,
give you energy, and will model to your kiddos that physical activity
is important. Did you know that childhood obesity has more than troubled
since the 1970s? It’s important that we are modeling healthy living for
our kiddos. This is one way to do that! To read more about childhood
obesity, check this out. —-> https://www.cdc.gov/healthyschools/obesity/facts.htm
I am not going to lie to you, I have struggled with this the past two weeks. However, I strongly support the fact that a mom needs to exercise. There are so many programs that you can do from home and great support groups that will encourage you!
One way to encourage exercise in your life is by finding some type of exercise that you enjoy (enjoyable exercise? that isn’t real but you know what I mean). Whether is running, barre, home videos, or walking. Some type of exercise is great! I don’t have time every day, but my goal is 3 times a week. Set goals and get some girls together!
Drink green tea
Healthline reports that green tea is one of the healthiest drinks on the planet! It has so many antioxidants and nutrients. It is great for brain function, reduces certain cancers, and help in weight loss. The more you drink, the better the health benefits! I you want to learn more about the benefits of green tea, check out this article. —> https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/top-10-evidence-based-health-benefits-of-green-tea#section5
Green tea is also a great way to get rid of habitual drinks that might not be the best for you. If you are trying to get rid of a bad habit, like drinking sodas or over-snacking, green tea comes in handy. Instead of grabbing your favorite unhealthy drink or snack, make a tea.
I love having a glass (or two) of wine every night. Even though wine has some health benefits, I wanted to cut it out for a season. Instead of pouring some Merlot, I made a tea and it really helped! I began drinking tea like crazy. Green tea does have caffeine, so you might want to get decaffeinated if you are planning to drink at night. There are also amazing teas that are a great way to help unwind. I’ve linked my favorite tea blends below.
Traditional Medicinals Organic Nighty Night Valerian Relaxtion Tea, 16 Tea Bags (Pack of 1)
Traditional Medicinals Organic Green Tea Ginger, 16 Tea Bags (Pack of 6)
Traditional Medicinals Organic Chamomile Herbal Leaf Tea, 16 Tea Bags (Pack of 6)
In conclusion
Staying healthy is so important for you, Mama. You need to be mentally, physically, and spiritually well for your family. That doesn’t happen on it’s own. You have to take care of yourself. I know, it’s easier said than done. By implementing these simple tips into your life, you’ll feel better and be able to enjoy being a mom.
Though these 5 tips might not solve all of your problems, they will keep you alert, focused, and centered. When you have a rough day (or weeks) you can implement these back into your life. Don’t forget, you are called to parent well, not perfectly.
Your girl,
