Getting caught up in the hectic pace of daily responsibilities can really take its toll on our physical and emotional well being. Experts offer simple adjustments that will help you lead a happier and healthier life.
Keep a journal
“As a mom, your number one objective is to take care of yourself so that you can show up as the best you,” says Kim Ades, one of North America’s foremost experts on performance through thought management and a mom of five. “When you take responsibility for your thoughts and feelings,” says Ades, “you model this behavior for your children. One of the best ways to understand what you’re thinking is to get the thoughts out of your head and in writing in a journal.”
Sign up for your free online journal at FrameOfMindCoaching.com.
Lower your housekeeping standards
Kelly Whitehead is an author and mom of two. Whitehead says that doing things the easy way – or turning a blind eye to a cluttered house — does not make you a bad mom. “Chuck everything into storage bins and closets to give the illusion of cleanliness,” says Whitehead. “And cereal nights are OK, and especially good for those rough back-to-work Mondays after being stuck in traffic.”
Read more>>> Housekeeping and I are not friends
Find a new title
You’re first and foremost a mom, right? But that’s not all you are! Dr. John Duffy, a clinical psychologist and author who has been “working with busy, busy moms for the past 15 years,” says it’s important to put something in your life besides being a mom. Add a new title to your name — artist, volunteer, accountant — or whatever it is that enables you to get out of the mom zone for awhile. Protect your me time and focus on other things that you enjoy.
Be present
Women are expert multi-taskers — always thinking and doing about a dozen things at once. “This leads to reduced effectiveness and increased stress,” says Dr. Elizabeth Lombardo, a psychologist, physical therapist, author and mother of two. “When you are with your children, focus on them rather than on what you should be doing for work. Same goes for your time at work, with your husband or even while you are getting a massage.”
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Invest in yourself and others
“Invest in yourself to lead a happier, fuller life,” says Candi Wingate, president of Nannies4Hire. Wingate offers tips for various ways to invest in yourself:
- Invest in proper foods. “A balanced diet provides sustained energy to be as productive as you need to be.”
- Invest in proper clothing. “How productive are you when you are focused on how hot or cold you are?”
- Invest in education. “Education is the cornerstone for professional success and personal development.”
Invest in reliable transportation, relaxing music and quality education. All of these investments will contribute to a healthier and happier life.
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