It’s hard being a busy mom. You’re always trying to keep up with the latest information, crush it at your job, get some alone time with your partner (or to yourself), keep your kids safe and happy and all the meanwhile, look good while you’re doing it! (Trust me, you look great ps!!) If you’re here and reading this, you’re likely a mom who tries to do it all. And, you value taking care of yourself too. You’re pretty much a Super Mom! So, let’s make your life a little easier. Here are some of my favorite ways to take care of yourself as a busy mom on the go.
Exercises to do at Home or at Work
It’s easy to squeeze in exercise when you put in just a tiny bit of effort. It’s always hard to start, but once you get going…it’s endless where you can see results. One of my favorite stories is when a colleague told me that they went for walks on their lunch breaks. On one such lunch break, they went further than they ever had down a nature path and discovered a swing! Seeing no one around, they swung their heart out that day and many after. It was a great way to get some exercise in the middle of the day and experience some joy too! Where can you add movement in your day?
Products that Make Health & Wellness Easier
So, everyone’s already heard of the FitBit, so what are some other awesome ones? How about just an amazing at-home massage? So, you may have some out-there looking gadgets from a white elephant gift exchange, but I am telling you, this at-home massager is the real deal. A colleague of mine gave me the heads up to this. They use it daily. It heats up to relax your muscles and spins in two directions to get all sides of your muscles. If you like a stronger massage and don’t want to waste your money on something that doesn’t work, you found it, this is the one. It’s awesome. And, it’s just $40.
Other products that can make your life healthier? You already own one. It’s a stopwatch! There’s one on your phone most likely. Try to set timers for 20 minute or one hour increments if you have a desk job. The alarm will remind you to get up and stretch. Or, bring some small hand weights to your office and do a quick routine in between time segments. Even more? Try out a grocery delivery service like Door to Door Organics or get individual meals to cook at home through Blue Apron. Services like these can save you valuable time and introduce new healthy foods.
Quiet Time
Every mom loves a little quiet time! And with the help of one of many of the meditation apps out there (Guide from Greatist on Meditation Apps for Every Personality), maybe now is a good time to try to fit it into each and every day (or most!). Some things that can help with meditation are using beads (and counting them), a roller or yoga block for your back, rice bag for your eyes, cushy yoga mat, oil diffuser (or incense).
A Busy Mom Can Use Some Help!
There is absolutely no shame in asking for help. In fact, if more people did, we might have a little more togetherness (and be a little less stressed!). Nowadays, there are a lot of great ways to get affordable help for everyday things. One way is to hire a “mommy’s helper” like a local high school or college student who wants to make some extra money. And, while you’re at it, why not hire a sitter so you can go on a girls night or date with your partner? Doubt you’ll regret it! Other ways to get help are hiring virtual assistants to help with online grocery shopping, travel planning, doctor’s appointment setting and more. Trust me, I know someone who uses one and it is very handy (as well as only $30 a month!).
Meal Prep (And Having Fun While Doing It!)
There’s no way around it, meal prepping takes time and effort. Yet, what you put in to get it done will definitely save you time and effort in the long run (plus help you eat fewer calories). One thing that I have heard of people doing is subscribing to magazines like Rachael Ray Everyday. There is just something about being able to rip a recipe out of a magazine that make it more fun to cook than reading a screen. They have a whole folder of recipes and once a week, they go through and pick out delicious things to make. And, to add to the motivation, try blasting some Beyonce or sipping on some wine or tasty tea (or decadent snack??). Make it fun and something to look forward to. Think of it as YOU time!
About the Author
Katie Bisbee-Peek is a Denver therapist specializing in finding the positive in everyday situations. From her own personal experiences, she knows that wellness is a crucial piece in experiencing daily happiness. Catch her on the slopes in Colorado!