Time never seems as important or fleeting as when you’re a mother, and since we’re famous for putting everyone’s needs before our own that means our health can ultimately suffer. While it would be great to have a personal trainer, chef, nutritionist, and naturopath on hand at all times, the reality is that we need to fend for ourselves if we’re going to live healthily. We’ve done the hard work for you at Peachymama and scoured the web to find a few sneaky health hacks that are perfect for busy mums, so you can give your health the priority treatment it deserves.
#1: Pack Your Own Lunchbox
Mums know just how easy it is to take bites and nibbles of their children’s food all day or grab whatever they can out of the fridge for a sugar rush when they hit that afternoon slump. Beat this bad habit by spending a few minutes each morning cutting up some fruit and vegetables and store them in a lunchbox so that you can easily snack when you open the fridge. It will save you hundreds of calories over the day and guarantee that you’ll never go hungry again.
#2: Track Your Exercise
With all this technology around us, it makes sense to put it to good use for our health. Pedometers can help keep track of your activity levels and push you to reach new targets each day. Reports claim that those who use free apps on their phone to track their stats will get a reading just as accurate as pricey fitness watches, so there’s no need to spend a cent just to get moving.
#3: Stock up On Epsom Salts
This simple miracle cure can be found on shelves in grocery stores everywhere, and it has a myriad of uses for your health. Epsom salts can be used to treat inflammation, cramping, muscle and nerve issues, and to relieve constipation, among other ailments. Keep some on hand at all times, and you’ll be surprised how much relief this simple ingredient can bring.
#4: Leave Your Phone Alone
We’re not saying you should ditch the screens altogether, but it’s important for your mental health to leave your phone outside of the bedroom when you go to sleep. Studies show that those who sleep with their smartphones close by are more prone to insomnia, anxiety, and headaches, so leave them outside to charge the night away.
#5: Short and Sweaty Workouts
It’s hard to find time in the day to get to the toilet sometimes let alone work out, so try to focus on quality over quantity. The benefits of high-intensity interval workouts have long been known, and they’re perfect for the mum with limited time. These workouts involved shorter spurts of intense exercise wedged in between slower movements, with the constant change in heart rate said to be more effective than a standard workout but able to be done in half the time.
#6: Build Your Own Support System
The age-old saying of taking a village to raise a child couldn’t be truer, and every mother can attest to just how accurate it is. This might not seem like a hack of sorts, but it’s one that will pay off in the long run. Surround yourself with others who are supportive and lend a hand to them when they’re in need. One day when you truly need the help, there will be plenty of smiling faces happy to help out, even if all you need is a quick chat and a cup of coffee to help you de-stress.
#7: Get Out and Stay Out
All mums know how easy it can be to stay indoors with the kids, whether there’s more entertainment inside, or the weather is just downright miserable out there. Studies have shown, though, that just 15 minutes a day outside can lower anxiety, boost vitamin D levels, lower obesity, and give better focus, and that goes for both mums and kids.
#8: Be Kind To Yourself
This one is tougher than it sounds, but it can have a huge impact on your mental health. Rather than beating yourself up for every little thing or wrong decision you made, try to go easy and treat yourself with the same forgiveness as you would give your children. We all make mistakes, and we can’t be perfect every day, so cop it on the chin and remind yourself that you’re a good mother where it counts.
Here at Peachymama, we’re always looking for new ways that the modern mother can save time and energy in her daily life. While it’s great to put your focus on the family, don’t let your well-being slip and be sure to check in with yourself each day.
For more tips on how to manage your time efficiently and be as healthy as possible, we invite you to explore our other posts, and revisit as often as you like!
Photo by Marion Michele on Unsplash
Further Reading:
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/our-children-deserve-as-m_b_4791244
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2577824/Why-NEVER-mobile-bedroom.html