It’s the buzzword it seems everyone is saying—mindfulness.
When you think of mindfulness, you may think of hippies, granola, and frolicking in a meadow.
But what does mindfulness really mean?
The very definition of mindfulness is a mental state achieved by focusing one’s awareness on the
present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one’s feelings, thoughts, and bodily
sensations, and is used as a therapeutic technique.
As you can imagine, this can be an incredibly difficult in our busy society.
Staying present in your life is one of the best ways to connect with your children and relish the
time you have with them.
“Make sure you’re prepared to
give your children the best by
focusing on your health and
happiness.”
Here is how you can increase your mindfulness to be a better mom and increase your own
happiness and health.
Take Time for Yourself
It may seem like an oxymoron—how do you connect with your children by spending time away
from them?
The truth is that taking care of yourself is the first step to taking care of others.
As the old adage goes, you can’t pour from an empty cup.
Taking time for yourself and your own enjoyments, even if it’s only in small amounts, is essential
to your health and well-being.
This could be going on a date to the movies with only your partner, spending an afternoon alone
reading a book at a coffee shop, buying yourself the shoes you wanted.
Also, consider meditation.
Don’t let the “mom guilt” set in to make you feel selfish for spending time for yourself.
In fact, doing something for you will allow you to be more present with your children because you
are nourishing other aspects of yourself that make you who you are.
Eat a Balanced Diet
Taking care of your body is essential to taking care of your mind.
Chances are, like so many you probably have dabbled in a diet or two.
The trends come and go, enticing you with the promise of getting thin quick with smoothies that
taste like dirt and chocolate that tastes like disappointment.
You may even feel dismayed that you are exposing your children to the same routine.
First of all, the diets themselves can be convoluted or downright ineffective.
The answer doesn’t lie with the diet itself, but the needs of your body to keep you and your children
healthy and strong.
Therefore, try starting simple.
A balanced diet essentially means eating everything in moderation.
Fill your plate with tasty veggies that nourish your body, and go moderate with the yummy fruits
and other sugars.
Eat healthy fats like those from fish, lean beef (if you’re not vegan) and walnuts to reduce
inflammation.
If you are suffering from mommy stress, your diet and stress may have affected your skin.
Dealing with pimples alongside your teenagers?
You’re not alone; many moms are surprised that their face flares up with breakouts during
times of high stress and a poor diet can actually cause blemishes and other skin issues.
The first step in diagnosing acne is understanding what type of acne you have—you may be
surprised to know that what you are eating (or not eating) is hurting your skin.
Your body will thank you for nourishing it properly by giving you more energy to embrace your
day, from work to home, and you’ll see the evidence on your face.
Moderate Exercise
Just like with diets, the exercise trends come and go.
Fortunately, the variety of available exercises to participate in means that there is something
for anybody.
Exercise has been proven to increase circulation and produce your “happy hormones,” such as
endorphins.
Participating in moderate exercise will increase your energy, mood, and stress so that you can be
more present in yourself and give more time to your children.
You will be amazed at how incorporating a simple brisk walk or a yoga routine can brighten your day.
Want more intensity?
Participate in weight-lifting classes or kick boxing classes to get your blood pumping.
Once you find your niche and engage in it regularly, you will feel your best.
Reflect on Your Emotions
One way of staying present is to check up on your emotions.
If you are feeling anxiety, depression, or fatigue, try to reflect on why and how you can reduce it.
Likewise, if you experience joy, peace, or inner contentment, learn what got you there so you
can replicate it.
Recognize your feelings as a normal part of the human experience.
If you discover that your feelings are disrupting your life, try seeking professional health to discover
why and how you can move forward for yourself and for the benefit of your family.
“Staying present in your life is
one of the best ways to connect
with your children and relish
the time you have with them.”
There’s no role more important than that of motherhood; make sure you’re prepared to give
your children the best by focusing on your health and happiness in 2017.
How “present” are you in your own life?
What are your suggestions for staying healthy and happy as a mother?
Share your thoughts and comments with us.
It’s amazing how easily it is for moms to lose themselves in their role as mother. I’m obsessed at the moment with figuring out how to get back to being ME, then mom and wife. I’m hoping that by keeping that part of me I’ll be able to handle everything else.
Thanks so much for posting this at the No Rules Weekend Link Party for me to find!
Hi Patty,
I am so pleased that you shared your perspectives on this topic. Getting back to being “me” is so important to us as women. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us. I appreciate it.