Friday, May 8, 2015

Optimal Health for the Optimal Mom!


As a busy mom with two busy kids, I understand the importance of good health for myself. It’s important to not only set an example for our kids but to also maintain our physical, mental and emotional health so we can be the best we can be.

Putting yourself first can be a tall order. There is always so much to do…..laundry, cleaning, business tasks, carpooling, homework…where to fit it in? It’s all about planning, time management and actually making YOU a priority. We start by putting ourselves on our personal schedule.

Take a moment to sit down and document your daily and weekly schedule on paper. Include everything and be realistic. Even include meals and mealtimes. Do you see enough time for yourself on there?

We have to be honest with ourselves and put our health – mental, emotional and physical – first. So what to do? First step: start yoga. Some of you already have an exercise regime and I’m not suggesting you give it up. I’m only suggesting that you try yoga at least twice a week. Why? Because it’s the cornerstone to all fitness programs; incorporating body, mind and spirit. Affording you that space to stop, breathe and experience clarity, if for only an hour a day. I know running or weight lifting seemingly has the same effect but until you try yoga, you cannot possibly experience the difference.

Clarity is what we crave on busy days, during chaotic moments and in the midst of change or perceived turmoil. Yoga births clarity and clarity shines on our best Self. Once you have a disciplined practice of yoga, or even just 5 minutes of yoga breathing plus a few moves you can do at home, you begin to easily fit YOU into YOUR life. You begin to make changes, time opens up for you, you make better choices about what to eat, when to go to bed and how to parent your children.
I’ve listed here, examples of a few simple things you can begin incorporating into your life right now and see changes immediately.



* Go to a yoga class at least twice a week. If you can’t go to yoga, schedule 30 minutes, twice a week to do some breathing exercises, 4 rounds of Cat/Cow and Sun Salutations.

Click on this link for more information on how to perform these poses properly.

* Cut (or limit drastically) sugar, caffeine, alcohol, white bread and processed foods out of your diet. Increase your vegetable intake; drink at least half your weight in ounces of water a day. (150 pounds: drink 75 ounces of water)

* Purchase a notebook that is appealing to you and begin journaling at least twice a week about your dreams, your life, and your interests. Taking the time to remind yourself of these things feeds your soul.

We all are busy trying to be the best for everyone else, a good example to our kids, an exemplary business owner, an attentive wife…what about YOU? If you can begin incorporating even one of these things into your daily life, I guarantee you will see a drastic change in who you are and the time you have available each day.

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