As moms, it is completely natural for us to put ourselves at the bottom of our priority list, we are so used to thinking of ourselves last that we begin to do it without even thinking. This can be a very good thing (I'm sure that our kids and husbands appreciate it very much!) but there are also times where not taking the proper steps to meet our own needs can adversely affect ourselves, our families, and those that are close to us. It's time to put ourselves back on the top of our "priority ladder."
It is definitely convenient to choose the quick but less-healthy meal options or even to skip a meal all-together in favor of meeting our families needs. And doesn't it happen all too often that we get to the end of the day and realize that we didn't get around to working out or having any special "me" time? In the moment, it may feel like having a spotless house or taking the kids to their third trip to the park this week is more important, and those things are important as well, but at what cost?
How much better would we feel if we were physically able to do everything that was required of us as mothers? I often wish that I had more energy and strength so that I could better care for my daughter. There are many times where I feel like I could accomplish my job as a mom better if I had the strength and energy to do everything that my family needs from me in a given day (and let's face it - it's a LOT!). This strength and energy comes only from taking some "mommy 'me' time." And it is important that we include healthy food choices, an active lifestyle that includes cardio, strength, and flexibility, and opportunities for us to de-stress and re-plenish. Pregnancy and motherhood take a toll on our bodies, it is important that we take the time to educate ourselves about the changes that are taking place and to do our best to take care of our bodies so that we are equipped to be the mommy that we want to be.And if that isn't enough to persuade you . . .
Thousands of children in our country are being affected, not only by obesity, but also by disease due to the chemicals that are used in many of our processed foods as well as lack of physical activity. What an example you would be setting for your children if you, their mother, showed them the importance of setting personal time aside to maintain a healthy lifestyle by working out and by taking a little extra time to prepare "close-to-the-source" foods.
Stress and depression are at the highest rates ever for both adults and children in our country. Teach your children the importance of setting aside time for each member of your family to do something that helps each of you relax, de-stress, and experience joy. This will keep each of you happy, healthy, and motivated to take on the day.By taking a little time each day to make sure that we are keeping ourselves healthy, we are actually doing our family a great service. We are setting an example for our children and are making sure that we, ourselves, are equiped for motherhood as best as we could possibly be.
