The new year has approached us. With diapers, play dates, and school projects, it seems that time has slipped through like a ninja in the night.
This could be your year. With a reset on the calendar, it is the perfect opportunity to begin being the best version of yourself – that being a productive and healthy mommy.
When you are home with your kiddos it is hard to find time for yourself, and most of us don’t know where to start when we do.
That is why success is in the little things. Creating a lifestyle that gives you a well-rounded schedule will make you feel like a whole new woman.
Here are the top 10 habits you can easily implement to make “efficient” your middle name.
1. Sleep
When the kids go to bed for the night, and things are quiet, you begin to think of all the things you forgot to do in the day; like that load of laundry you left in the dryer two days ago.
It’s dangerous to go long periods without sleep, WebMD reported:
“It’s connected to poor performance at work, obesity, diabetes, excessive risk-taking behavior, and heart disease”, says Thomas Roth, PhD, director of the Sleep Disorders Center at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit.”
So, don’t give in to temptation and let your downtime mess with your circadian rhythm. Leave the nightly routine to quiet activities like reading before bed; not Pinterest binges.
2. Drink, drink, drink
Many moms fall into the pitfall of being too busy to drink enough water. You should be drinking a minimum of eight 8oz glasses a day.
Water is a vital part of a functional day. Family Doctor reported:
“Water regulates your body temperature and lubricates your joints. It helps transport nutrients to give you energy and keep you healthy. If you’re not hydrated, your body can’t perform at its highest level. You may feel tired, have muscle cramps, dizziness, or other serious symptoms.”
Keep a reusable water bottle on hand during all your activities to remind yourself to sip throughout the day.
3. Stay active
You know, as well as I do, that it’s an urban legend that stay-at-home moms get to hop on a treadmill whenever they want and that it’s easy to stay fit when you are home all day.
It is, however, necessary for you to squeeze in at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise at least 3 days a week for optimum benefits.
If you don’t have time to do it all at once, split it up; 10 minutes of squats and pushups on the counter while making dinner, and a 20-minute walk with the kids before their nap.
4. Get dressed
Sherrie Bourg Carter, Psy D., in Psychology Today says, “The tone we set for ourselves in the morning sets the tone for the rest of our day.”
When you wake in the morning, shake the urge to stay in yoga pants all day and get dressed. Don’t stop there either. Brush your hair and put a little rouge on those cheeks and you will feel better equipped to face whatever adventures you have in store that day.
5. Go on outings
Whether it’s a girl day getting manicures, or that much-needed date with your spouse, it is important that you have time to appreciate all that you do as a mom and homemaker.
Enlist the help of your mother who has been begging to take the kids, and enjoy a guilt-free, well-deserved day of pampering and reflection.
6. Join a playgroup
Kids enjoy experiencing new stimuli. A different environment with some new friends is a great way to get your child socialized, and get into the rare adult conversation.
If your child is older there are great clubs at local libraries, or sports through your county’s parks and recreation leagues.
7. Ignore negativity
There are always the acquaintances that love to put in their word of advice; even though you have no recollection of asking for it.
When negative input comes rolling in, and it will at some point, be a duck in water and let it roll off your back.
8. Maintain naps
Naps are not only healthy for youngsters for their growth and immune system but it’s healthy for you.
When your child is older, use a quiet time instead of naps. Reading books, or listening to an audiobook can be a good downtime activity.
9. Encourage independent play
There are going to be times when you need to get something done that doesn’t involve your kids, like dinner or laundry. This is when encouraging independent play is important and useful.
PopSugar Mom reminds us that having a child “does not mean that you should be their sole means of entertainment.”
10. Keep a sense of humor
Having kids means that things will not always go as planned and that chaos will, at times, reign the home.
Smile through the trials (like when your toddler decided your couch should be red instead of white). Children bring uncertainty, but they bring double the joy.
The new year brings hope and renewal. Start establishing your healthy habits now and get the most out of each day you’re blessed to stay home with your little ones.
(h/t Mommy Underground)