Being a mom of two boys, a wife, an entrepreneur…I get a little stressed out sometimes. Okay, more like on the daily. But yesterday, I found myself saying no more. I’m tired of having panic attacks. I’m tired of the anxiety. I’m just tired. I need healthy habits in my life.
Healthy Habits Everyone Should Do
I may be losing weight (down 38 pounds since January 1!!), but my mental health needs more of my attention. I mean, what good is having a swimsuit body if your brain isn’t sexy, too?
Eat Healthy
I’ve been eating clean for 2 whole months (and even survived eating Paleo at Disney!).
While not always easy (I’ve strayed a little when eating out-I’m a sucker for a good taco salad!), it’s definitely been worth it.
What you put into your body affects everything.
Your sleep, patience, and your willpower.
Literally everything.
Eating right increases your brain’s ability to function and regulate your hormones.
This means clearer thinking and better decisions.
To fuel your brain, look for foods that contain
- antioxidants,
- healthy fats,
- vitamins, and
- minerals.
You’ll support your brain and have more mental energy. This means that you’ll feel more alert and sleep better.
Imagine feeling less fatigued and being able to keep up with duties for the day! It’s like a miracle!!
Eat Often
We moms have a bad habit of neglecting our hunger and then eating way more than we should because we’re starving and The Baby didn’t finish their lunch.
…fess up, mama. I know it’s not just me.
Do yourself a favor.
Don’t starve yourself for hours at a time.
When you go hungry, your blood sugar spikes and then crashes.
This means that you end up feeling sluggish (and a little punchy).
Even if you don’t have time for a full meal, eat a banana, which is full of potassium and fiber, and a handful of whole almonds at the very least.
Exercise
If you are fueling your brain, then you may find that you have some extra energy.
And you and I both know what needs to happen.
You need to work out.
I don’t care if you want to take up running, jogging, go to a dance class…
Just do something, anything, to get your heart rate up.
Exercise gives you a natural feel-good-fix of endorphins that will do your body and mind a world of good.
When you workout, you improve your mood, lower your stress, and keep your heart healthy.
I am loving my Pure Barre workout right now-I can do it in my living room.
No excuses.
Find an activity that you can do to move your body for just 10 minutes to start.
Meditate
Eating and exercise help tremendously but it still helps to take a moment and check in with yourself.
Each day, take a couple of deep breaths and ask yourself:
- Am I happy?
- Did something stress me out? Why?
- What can I do to have a healthier day or week?
Meditation and yoga can help a lot when you are stressed to the hilt.
And, if you do yoga, you can check off that little exercise box on your schedule each day.
Meditation allows your brain time to process the goings on.
It also has the benefit of bringing your heart rate down. When done correctly, meditation may help battle neurological disorders, like depression and anxiety.
My favorite form of meditation is prayer in the morning before I start my day.
Not into prayer? Try taking a few moments each day to stretch your body and relax.
