by Matt Davida
As a parent, how much time do you set aside for yourself? Do you have a routine in place that focuses on all aspects of your health? If you're not setting aside time for yourself, that's something you should change today.
The good news? Becoming healthier and staying that way isn't as complicated as you might think it is. What can be tricky is finding a good balance, making commitments and seeing them through. Here are three simple ways to do just that.
1. Fine-Tune Your Diet
You're probably not surprised to see diet at the forefront of becoming healthier, and for good reason. What you eat, drink and supplement with each day have a profound impact on not only how you look and feel, but your overall health as well.
The best part about supporting your diet is that even the smallest changes can add up to something great. Swapping out processed items with whole, fresh food is a great place to start. It could be as easy as trading in your traditional pasta for a whole-grain variety, or adopting the mindset of filling your plate with mostly vegetables and fiber-and protein-rich foods.
Don't forget about supplements. While a good general rule to follow is to choose the ones that fill in nutritional blanks, other supplements are more specific, such as an eye health supplement. Not only are these a great way to ensure your body gets what it needs, but you’ll also know exactly what you’re consuming as well.
2. Get Your Movement In
Do you get enough exercise? What's great about exercise is that there are endless ways to incorporate it into your life, and you don't have to buy a gym membership to do it. And when you're a busy parent, this is something to remember.
Maybe you're faithfully putting in 20 to 30 minutes of movement a few times a week, but you haven't seen the results you were hoping for. Maybe it's been too long since you broke a sweat. Maybe you've decided to finally commit and begin a program. Whatever your situation, there's a way to improve your fitness.
If you're feeling stagnant with your current routine, try switching things up. Hop on your bike instead of going for a jog, or try swimming laps instead of walking. If you were doing well for a while and fell off track, don't beat yourself up. Start small and work your way back. If you've been wanting to get moving and are ready to go, remember that even walking for 20 minutes a day or doing a 10-minute online workout are great ways to see progress.
3. Look Out For Your Mental Health
It's no surprise that parenting can be tough. It's not easy to always put other needs before your own. It's not easy to have night after night of broken sleep and early mornings that follow. It can be downright frustrating when it feels like snagging a few minutes to yourself seems impossible.
Unfortunately, these situations present themselves daily and if you're not looking out for your mental health and well-being, it will all start to take its toll.
Even if you feel selfish for taking an afternoon to yourself (or a whole day), remember that alone time is necessary. It's important to have uninterrupted time with your thoughts, just as it's important to get back in touch with things you enjoy doing. Even if it's something simple, such as going to a greenhouse and looking at plants and flowers, make it a priority.
Learning to read your cues is paramount in maintaining a healthy balance. Take note of things that create anxiety or upset. Learn how to say no and set boundaries. Establish routines and simplify your life where things feel heavy, such as too many activities or commitments.
As a parent, looking out for your health is a must. However, it might not always be easy as it was before kids to do so. But by establishing healthy habits, committing to movement and protecting and nourishing your mental health, you'll notice improvements right away. And when you're at your best, your family will feel it too.
The good news? Becoming healthier and staying that way isn't as complicated as you might think it is. What can be tricky is finding a good balance, making commitments and seeing them through. Here are three simple ways to do just that.
1. Fine-Tune Your Diet
You're probably not surprised to see diet at the forefront of becoming healthier, and for good reason. What you eat, drink and supplement with each day have a profound impact on not only how you look and feel, but your overall health as well.
The best part about supporting your diet is that even the smallest changes can add up to something great. Swapping out processed items with whole, fresh food is a great place to start. It could be as easy as trading in your traditional pasta for a whole-grain variety, or adopting the mindset of filling your plate with mostly vegetables and fiber-and protein-rich foods.
Don't forget about supplements. While a good general rule to follow is to choose the ones that fill in nutritional blanks, other supplements are more specific, such as an eye health supplement. Not only are these a great way to ensure your body gets what it needs, but you’ll also know exactly what you’re consuming as well.
2. Get Your Movement In
Do you get enough exercise? What's great about exercise is that there are endless ways to incorporate it into your life, and you don't have to buy a gym membership to do it. And when you're a busy parent, this is something to remember.
Maybe you're faithfully putting in 20 to 30 minutes of movement a few times a week, but you haven't seen the results you were hoping for. Maybe it's been too long since you broke a sweat. Maybe you've decided to finally commit and begin a program. Whatever your situation, there's a way to improve your fitness.
If you're feeling stagnant with your current routine, try switching things up. Hop on your bike instead of going for a jog, or try swimming laps instead of walking. If you were doing well for a while and fell off track, don't beat yourself up. Start small and work your way back. If you've been wanting to get moving and are ready to go, remember that even walking for 20 minutes a day or doing a 10-minute online workout are great ways to see progress.
3. Look Out For Your Mental Health
It's no surprise that parenting can be tough. It's not easy to always put other needs before your own. It's not easy to have night after night of broken sleep and early mornings that follow. It can be downright frustrating when it feels like snagging a few minutes to yourself seems impossible.
Unfortunately, these situations present themselves daily and if you're not looking out for your mental health and well-being, it will all start to take its toll.
Even if you feel selfish for taking an afternoon to yourself (or a whole day), remember that alone time is necessary. It's important to have uninterrupted time with your thoughts, just as it's important to get back in touch with things you enjoy doing. Even if it's something simple, such as going to a greenhouse and looking at plants and flowers, make it a priority.
Learning to read your cues is paramount in maintaining a healthy balance. Take note of things that create anxiety or upset. Learn how to say no and set boundaries. Establish routines and simplify your life where things feel heavy, such as too many activities or commitments.
As a parent, looking out for your health is a must. However, it might not always be easy as it was before kids to do so. But by establishing healthy habits, committing to movement and protecting and nourishing your mental health, you'll notice improvements right away. And when you're at your best, your family will feel it too.
