Self Care for Moms - Fitness & Healthy Living Tips
Being a mom is a full-time job, and finding time for self-care and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can often feel like an uphill battle. However, it's crucial for busy moms to prioritize their well-being, both physically and mentally. We'll explore practical strategies and tips to help busy moms incorporate fitness and healthy living into their daily routines, ensuring they can thrive and be their best selves.
As a mom, there is often this feeling that we need to put everyone else first. However, we can't be our best if we don't take care of ourselves!
This section is dedicated to self care for moms -- from fitness tips to stress relief -- we'll show you how to make time for YOU!
Read all posts on fitness and healthy lifestyle below, or choose another topic in the archive:
Beauty Tips — Quick and easy makeup and hair tutorials for the mom on the go. Because who really has time to spend hours in front of the mirror?! If you’re struggling to feel comfortable in your own skin, check out this post!
Motherhood — The motherhood journey...the good, the bad, the messy...the real and the raw!
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding — Perhaps the hardest part of motherhood is bring babies into the world! This section is filled with real life pregnancy and breastfeeding encouragement to help each other through the challenges and celebrate the milestones.
Being a Mom is Challenging
Busy moms face unique challenges when it comes to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The lack of time and energy, the constant balancing act, and the tendency to prioritize everyone else's needs over their own can make self-care seem like an impossible task. It's crucial to acknowledge these challenges and find strategies to overcome them.
Taking care of yourself is not selfish—it's necessary.
Prioritizing self-care has numerous benefits for both your physical and mental well-being. It sets an example for your children, improves your overall mood and energy levels, and helps you better handle the demands of daily life. Remember, when you prioritize self-care, you are better equipped to take care of others.
Even as a busy mom, there’s still time for health and fitness…
Finding time for exercise and making healthy choices can seem daunting for busy moms. However, even small steps can make a significant difference.
Look for small pockets of time throughout the day to squeeze in exercise, such as a quick walk during lunch breaks or a short workout session at home. (Pst. these five minute exercises can be done anywhere!)
Making healthy eating choices on-the-go is also possible with planning and preparation. Here are some of my go-to choices!
13 Best-Tasting Healthy Smoothie Recipes
Peanut Butter Low Carb Protein Balls
Healthy Homemade Green Gummy Snacks
Non-Dairy Gluten Free Chocolate Covered Pretzels
Creating a supportive environment at home, where healthy options are readily available and encouraged, can further enhance your journey towards a healthier lifestyle.
The Power of Small Changes
Making significant lifestyle changes might seem overwhelming for busy moms, but it's important to remember that small, sustainable changes can have a tremendous impact. Here are some manageable adjustments that can make a difference:
Sneaking in short workouts
Even 5 minutes of exercise can be beneficial. Find pockets of time throughout the day to engage in physical activities like taking a brisk walk or doing a quick workout routine. Here are some of my quick and easy workouts you can try!
Pilates Series of Five - 5 Minute Complete Ab Workout
Making mindful food choices
Opt for nutritious and whole foods whenever possible. Prioritize fresh fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains to fuel your body with essential nutrients.
Prioritizing sleep for overall well-being
Aim for a consistent sleep schedule and make sleep a priority. Establish a relaxing bedtime routine to ensure quality rest. Remember, that if you need to sleep late to get in your extra zz’s, don’t sweat about it! I use this trick to help me not oversleep during naps. Even if you’re not a morning person, you might be shocked to find that your habits could be a big factor.
Quick and Effective Workouts
For busy moms, time efficiency is key when it comes to workouts. Consider the following strategies:
Do simple workouts from the comfort of your home
You don’t need to spend hours a day in the gym in order to get real results and lose weight after having kids! Even if you’re working out in a small space, there are plenty of at home workouts that you can do to squeeze in a little fitness during nap times or while your kids are at school.
Fun ways to involve kids in physical activities
As a mom you don’t have to choose between staying fit and spending time with your kids. There are plenty of family-friendly activities that can also double as workouts. For example, I shared my Playground Workout for Busy Moms that you can do to spend time with your kids and get in a killer workout! But, if you need some more ideas here are a few others:
Outdoor games like tag, hide and seek, or red light green light
Family walks or bike rides in the neighborhood
Dance parties in the living room
Jump on a trampoline with your kids
Yoga or stretching exercises with your kids (Pst. Mama you can easily clean that yoga mat with this homemade cleaner!)
Walk More
Walking 10,000 steps a day sounds like an insane challenge! But trust me, it changed me for the better! You can read all about what happened when I took the 10,000 steps challenge here.
These activities not only keep you active but also provide quality time with your family. Plus, involving your children in physical activities at a young age sets them up for a healthy lifestyle later on.
Meal Planning and Nutrition Tips
Meal planning can be a game-changer for busy moms. Consider the following tips:
Set aside time each week to plan your meals. This will save time, reduce stress, and ensure you have nutritious options readily available.
Importance of meal planning: Set aside time each week to plan your meals. This will save time, reduce stress, and ensure you have nutritious options readily available. Explore quick and healthy recipe ideas for busy nights to ensure nutritious options are readily available.
If you’re looking for Meal Plans already full of recipes to start your first month eating healthy on the right foot, check out these posts!
A Month of Healthy Meals: 30 Top Healthy Recipes
101+ Healthy Recipes to Kickstart the New Year
Emphasizing a balanced and nutritious diet: Focus on consuming a variety of foods from different food groups. Include lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats in your meals.
Hydration as a key component of overall well-being: Stay hydrated throughout the day by drinking an adequate amount of water. Get creative with infused water or herbal teas to make hydration more enjoyable.
If you’re looking to kickstart your healthy eating journey, here are some posts to help you plan out tons of healthy meals!
22 Healthy Salad Recipes Guaranteed to Make You LOVE Salads
13 Best-Tasting Healthy Smoothie Recipes
65+ Healthy Snack Recipes for Weight Loss
27 Easy & Healthy Breakfast Recipes for Busy Moms
Mental and Emotional Well-being
Taking care of your mental and emotional well-being is just as important as physical health. Consider these strategies:
The connection between physical health and mental well-being: Engaging in regular physical activity can have positive effects on your mood and mental well-being.
Stress management techniques for moms: Incorporate mindfulness and meditation into your daily routines. Find a few minutes each day to engage in deep breathing exercises or mindfulness practices.
The benefits of finding time for hobbies and self-reflection: Make time for activities that bring you joy and help you unwind. This can include reading, practicing a hobby, or simply taking a few moments for self-reflection and self-care.
Incorporate mindfulness and meditation into your daily routines.
Make to do lists: We’re busy moms and finding the time to do EVERY single thing can be tough, but it can help you lower your stress. Here are some strategies I use to get things done and reduce stress.
Play games that are good brain breaks: Don’t forget to work your brain just like any other muscle!
Building a Support System
Seeking support from friends, family, and like-minded individuals can make a significant difference. Consider the following:
Encouraging moms to seek support: Reach out to friends and family members for assistance and emotional support when needed.
Joining fitness communities or mom groups: Surrounding yourself with individuals who share similar goals and challenges can provide motivation and accountability.
The importance of open communication with a partner: Communicate your self-care needs with your partner. Together, you can establish a plan that allows both of you to prioritize your well-being.
Overcoming Common Obstacles
Busy moms face common obstacles when it comes to practicing healthy living. Here's how to tackle them:
Lack of time: Make the most of available time by incorporating short bursts of exercise throughout the day and prioritizing activities that align with your goals.
Balancing family and personal needs: Remember that taking care of yourself is not selfish but necessary for the well-being of your family. Find a balance that works for you and establish boundaries when needed.
Incorporate healthy products, snacks, and even tools in your daily life to help make living a healthy lifestyle easier.
Celebrating Progress and Success
It's important to celebrate every milestone and success along the way. Remember these tips:
Setting realistic goals and celebrating small achievements: Break down your long-term goals into smaller, attainable ones. Celebrate each milestone along the way to stay motivated.
The importance of self-compassion and acknowledging effort: Be kind to yourself and embrace self-compassion. Recognize your efforts and appreciate the progress you make, no matter how small.
Sharing success stories and testimonials for inspiration: Seek inspiration from other busy moms who have successfully incorporated healthy living into their routines. Read success stories and connect with individuals who can provide support and motivation.
I struggled a lot as a new mom trying to lose the baby weight, so here are some posts about my weight loss journey you can check out for inspiration and motivation!
Why You're Not Losing the Baby Weight
How I Lost That Last 10 Pounds of Baby Weight
Transformation Tuesday: 2 Months til Bahamas
How to Set Weight Loss Goals (For Moms)
Does Red Wine Help You Lose Weight? Science Says YES
How to Get Your Body Confidence Back After Baby #2
Incorporating fitness and healthy living into a busy mom's routine can be challenging but immensely rewarding. By making small changes, prioritizing self-care, and seeking support, busy moms can achieve a healthier and happier lifestyle. Remember, every step you take towards a healthier life is an investment in yourself and your family's well-being. Embrace the journey, celebrate your achievements, and enjoy the benefits of a healthier lifestyle. You've got this, super moms!
You are never alone mama!
Remember, you're not alone in this journey, and by sharing tips and experiences, we can build a supportive community of soccer moms committed to a healthier lifestyle. Let's empower each other to be the best versions of ourselves!
For more healthy living inspiration and motivation, here are a few resources that can help!
Follow Me on Social Media!
Like and Follow my Facebook page for resources for positivity and motivation to make each and every day count as a busy mom!
Follow me on Pinterest for tons of inspiration for everything from Homemade and Natural Living, Keto, Paleo, and Low Carb Recipes, Healthy Family Recipes, Clean Eating And Healthy Food, Salad Recipes, Healthy Snacks, and so much more! I even have a whole Pinterest board dedicated to Healthy Moms!
Follow me on Instagram for a look into my real life as a Texas mama, trying my best to balance it all!
And Follow me on Twitter for little snippets of my daily blogging journey!
For More Healthy Living Inspiration and Motivation, Check Out these Blog Posts Next!
If you are interested in Keto or low carb eating, check out my posts all about What is Keto, Easy Keto Recipes, and What You Need to Know Trying Keto for Women.
You can also visit my blog How 2 Do Keto for more keto and low carb inspiration!
If you are a fit mama or looking for gift ideas for healthy moms, check out this Gift Guide for Healthy Moms.
If you want to help get your kids on board with healthy eating, check out these posts!
How to Teach Your Kids to LOVE Healthy Food (no more dinner battles!)
The 6 Healthy Habits All Parents Should Teach Their Kids
5 Surprising Foods That are Actually Good for You
Common Nutritional Deficiencies in Children & How to Spot Them