A Guide to Caring for Your Body
Moms are insanely busy pretty much all the time. Unfortunately, that can mean we put our most basic needs behind everything else like caring for our kids or our jobs. This is sustainable for a short while, but over time you will begin to feel depleted in more ways than one. Neglecting taking care of your body and health can have some serious consequences down the road. It’s so important to stay in tune with the things your body needs so you can feel your best. Here are some gentle reminders of things you should be doing on a regular basis to keep caring for your body.
Stay Hydrated
You need to make sure you are drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Yes, every single day. Water does so many things for our bodies like flushing out toxins and lubricating our joints. The Mayo Clinic recommends that women drink 2.7 liters of water a day, which is 91 ounces. If you have a hard time drinking water, try adding in some fresh fruits, cucumbers, or mint to change the flavor.
Eat Well
Most of us know eating healthy and fresh foods is an important part of our diet. If this is something that is difficult for you, consider meal planning and prepping your meals ahead of time so it’s less to think about when you get hungry. Have plenty of healthy snacks available for when you get a little hungry between meals.
Get Sleep
Sleep is incredibly important to our overall health. It’s when our bodies and minds recharge, build new connections in our brains, and retain all those fun memories you’re making with your family and friends. Many of us are sleep deprived, especially when there are babies or little ones around waking us in the middle of the night. Adjust your sleep routines to make sure you’re getting enough sleep each night. The CDC recommends adults get at least seven hours of sleep per night.
Keep Your Appointments
Medical care providers want to see you regularly for good reason: they’re trying to make sure each part of you is staying healthy over the course of a year. Make and keep your appointments for all of your primary health needs like the dentist and a yearly physical.
Exercise Daily
No, this doesn’t mean signing up for the next marathon race near you. Just 20-30 minutes of activity each day can really help your body. Getting your blood flowing by walking, dancing, or anything else is proven to be a great benefit to your physical and mental health.
These may seem like simple things to do but as moms we need to make sure we’re caring for ourselves so that we can care for others as well. Take the time to take care of your basic needs each day, your body will definitely thank you.
