Your child was born to thrive, but so were YOU!
So many parents I work with in my practice are busy doing all the things – the school drop offs, household management, meal-making, raising good kids, and trying to find time for their own health and wellbeing. If you’re feeling busy and are looking for practical health tips, you’re not alone.
Some days and weeks it seems like there just aren’t enough hours for it all, but if your health isn’t great, how well are you going to be able to do it all? Your health isn’t the last thing on your priority list, I’d argue it should be the first.
What I think most busy parents need…is a hug. Reassurance that someone sees you trying your best, and maybe just a gentle reminder to take care of yourself too, and some simple ways to get started.
You are always the one in charge of the to-do lists you are making.
That’s something I had to remind myself when my sons were young and I was running a household as a solo-parent while trying to build a business and stay sane. If I found it tough at times – and health is a serious, foundational part of my life compared to most – I know it’s something other parents struggle with at times too.
Simple Health Tips for Busy Parents:
So here’s my list of what’s most important for your health (aside from regular Chiropractic spinal adjustments that are guaranteed to help your stress level, mobility and brain function!) in no specific order of importance.
My suggestion is to choose one thing to focus on, don’t go and tell yourself you need to change it all!
Just start with one thing, then gradually add in the other ideas, and before you know it, you’re living a much healthier life than you thought you were.
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Change Expectations & Give Up Perfection
Reframe what can be accomplished in a day/week, reflect on priorities as your family changes, and focus on gratitude not limitations. Are you being too hard on yourself?
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Connect & Communicate
Make time for friendships with other parents, maintain intimacy with your partner if you’re in a relationship, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. You may be a superhero but you can take off your cape sometimes! Who ya gonna call?
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Play
Make time to feed your soul and retain some sense of who you are as a person; breaks will recharge you and allow you to give more to your family. Laughter is “the most inexpensive and most effective wonder drug.” It suppresses the secretion of stress hormones, boosts your immune system, reduces inflammation, and feels great! What lights you up? How can you make a little time for it?
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Sleep
Sleep is when your body repairs and rebuilds. Lack of sleep affects moods, hormone balance, metabolism, immune system, aging process. Make the hours before midnight a priority, nap when possible! Are you staying up too late after your kids go to sleep?
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Move Your Body
Exercise improves everything! Aim to move your body in some way, everyday. Whether it’s dancing in your kitchen, getting out for a walk, stretching in your living room, hitting a gym, or whatever is feasible for your current parenting stage, work schedule, and physical health you’re in – keep it simple and just do something! How can you move in a way that moves you?
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Make Quality Food Choices & Hydrate
There are many opinions about healthy food intake but one thing is certain: Avoid processed and packaged items, consume whole foods, aim for variety and choose seasonal local produce. Prioritize lean protein, vegetables, and healthy fats. Choose organic as much as you can. What do you want to model for your children?
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Detox The Chemicals in Home
Reduce and minimize the airborne pollutants in your home and the planet. Consider your cleaning solutions, household maintenance and renovation products, and furnishings and decor. What toxins may be hidden in your home?
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Detox Your Personal Care Products
Reduce and minimize chemicals that can be absorbed into the body through personal hygiene products. Is it time to clean out your bathroom shelf?
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Remember Parenthood Is A Marathon, Not A Sprint.
The current stages your child/children are in will change. What’s life going to look like 12, 24, 36 months from now?
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Build A Health Team
Take an interest in your health and adopt good habits to actively build wellness, rather than just reacting to challenges. Work with a variety of professionals and choose collaborative care, and find accountability for the health habits you want to instill in your life. Who’s on your team?
