Tips To Balance College, Work, and a Newborn

As a busy mom, you're constantly on the run, and you often tend to neglect yourself as you care for your family. This hectic pace could backfire on you, though, and it's important to protect your health so that you can keep up your energy and support your spouse and kids. Read on for physical and mental fitness tips and tricks to help you become a healthier mom.

Eat Right

Your first step in your fitness adventure is learning to eat right. It's so easy to grab junk food on the run or keep you energy levels up with sugar and caffeine, but you know this isn't good in the long run. In fact, it can cause weight gain, energy crashes and health problems. So make a commitment to healthier food choices.

Begin by planning and preparing healthy meals ahead of time. Each weekend, make out a menu for the week. Focus on lean proteins, whole grains and plenty of fruits and vegetables. You can find healthy recipes online, but start with easy ones that require only a few ingredients. Prepare and freeze meals if possible, or at least have your supplies on hand and ready to go. Get your kids involved in the planning and preparation process, too, so that they can learn how to make better choices.

Now turn your attention to snacks. Again, it's easy to snatch a candy bar, but make an effort to have healthier options at your finger tips. Fresh fruit, cut vegetables, baked crackers or pretzels work well. Also, fill water bottles, and use them to replace soda and energy drinks.

Finally, consider taking some supplements to improve your health and boost your energy. Vitamins are a good choice, but also research products like Thrive. You can read a Thrive review or two to see how it works and then give it a try.

Exercise

Eating right should always be accompanied by a steady exercise routine. Set aside a few minutes several times a week to take a walk or ride your bike. Alternately, you might schedule time at the gym or set up an at-home gym in a spare room or basement. Have your kids exercise right along with you. You might try some aerobic dance with them or take them swimming. Even play tag in the backyard. Just get active! You'll be a fitter, healthier mom with more energy to keep up with your kids.

Manage Stress

Physical fitness is only part of the package, though. You also need to be mentally fit to handle what your life throws at you. A major part of mental fitness is stress management. Create a “toolbox” for yourself filled with techniques to help you combat rising stress levels. Learn guided breathing techniques or music therapy, for instance. Take some time out for meditation or crafts or a favorite book. Start a journal, or even set up an account for an online role-playing game so that you can enter into another world for a little while each day and work out your stress.

Treat Yourself

Finally, sometimes when your mental fitness could use a major boost, give yourself a major treat. Schedule an afternoon just for yourself, for instance. Leave the kids with their grandparents or a friend, and do something just for you. You might take in a movie or go shopping, have your hair done or visit a museum. Have a friend join you if the temptation to go home and catch up on housework is strong. You two can grab some coffee and have a long chat, making for a perfect, relaxing afternoon and a much-needed treat.

Your physical and mental fitness are important, and even though you're a busy mom, you must take time to care for yourself and stay healthy.