Teaching our kids the importance of staying active can set the tone for creating a positive lifestyle. As the saying goes, “Do as I say, not as I do.” So, before we forge ahead and introduce the path of enlightenment to our little ones, we must practice it ourselves.
Being a mom is the most challenging job in the world. Whether you work from home, in the office, or are a stay-at-home mom (which, let’s face it – your day is everything but mundane with no financial reimbursement!), we have to promote an active, happy, and balanced life for our children.
If we aren’t happy with ourselves, how can our children be? That’s why self-care is so important. Being physically and mentally active will help us through the challenging times of motherhood while helping us look and, more importantly, feel our best. Mommy needs to come first for once.
It takes 28 days to form a habit, and with that comes perseverance and creativity. Creativity allows you to not only begin this new positive venture but it will help you maintain it for the long haul. For instance, if you’re trying to improve your physical health, you must exercise daily. Whether joining a gym or walking in your neighborhood for 30 minutes, you must decide, plan, and execute. Everyone’s situation is different, so while your schedule may allow you to wiggle room because you work from home, another person’s schedule might not be so flexible because they have to put hours in at the office.
That’s where creativity comes in. You don’t just fold due to circumstances; that is the secret to being a mom. We know how to improvise and are used to things changing at the drop of a dime. We are prepared even when we feel like we aren’t.
You must think strategically and squeeze in a walk during your lunch hour. If you have the time, you can work out for an hour every day, at least whenever time allows. Sticking to the schedule won’t be easy, especially if you’re new to working out and trying to incorporate it into an already established routine. However, if you’re dedicated to your goals, you will do whatever you can to accomplish them.
Although physical activity is essential for a healthy lifestyle, it’s not the only way to stay active. Unfortunately, keeping your mind active may not be perceived as necessary as maintaining physical health. In my opinion, it takes precedence over the physical. Your mind is an organ that needs just as much attention and maintenance as your physical body does. The brain is your end all be all. It guides you towards right and wrong and constantly works with or against you, depending on what you allow.
If you are not careful, you can fall victim to your mind becoming idle. Activities like reading and crosswords can be beneficial. The task doesn’t have to be elaborate. Keeping your mental health in check is extremely important, and it’s never too early to start. Educating our children about mental health awareness is not only responsible but crucial to their development. Stress lingers in the mind and body, and our kids need to know how to recognize and address it when triggers arise.
Ignoring problems does not solve them; the same can be said for poor physical and mental habits. Staying on top of doctor’s appointments, exercising, and practicing overall healthy habits at a young age will positively impact our kids and surely bring them success later in life. The key to happiness is peace within yourself, and self-care is not selfish but necessary to maintain your role as a mother and a human being overall.
You can’t make others happy unless you are truly happy.
So, the next time you feel guilty for putting yourself first, know that your children will benefit from it in ways you can’t imagine. Neglecting yourself is neglecting your children.
