By Cierra Green, MD
Back-to-school season brings a different kind of chaos, often multiplying the demands on busy moms. Between managing the logistics of school supplies, transportation and lunches, as well as carrying the emotional load of helping kids navigate school life (plus balancing family and career), it’s no wonder that many moms’ own health ends up at the bottom of the list.
Ignoring your physical and mental health can lead to exhaustion and burnout, making it even harder to cope with the daily juggle. But back-to-school season doesn’t mean your health must suffer. By prioritizing your needs, you can protect your wellbeing and set the whole family up for a successful year.
SMALL ROUTINES WITH BIG PAYOFFS
When it comes to taking better care of yourself, developing micro-habits is one of the most effective ways to make changes without the overwhelm of overhauling your whole life.
- Exercise: If you struggle to get enough exercise, add “exercise snacks” into your day. Even just a few minutes of movement can add up if you fit them in multiple times each day.
- Rest: Just like you do for the kids, set a non-negotiable bedtime for yourself. A consistent sleep schedule is one of the most powerful ways to improve your sleep quality.
- Nutrition: Having meals organized in advance can be a real time-saver. It also ensures that the whole family eats balanced, nutritious meals throughout the week.
- Hydration: Keep a bottle of water nearby to sip on throughout the day. Sometimes just having that visual reminder is enough to help you remember to drink more.
- Managing stress: Find healthy ways to turn off stress. Whether it’s a yoga session, time in nature or regular breathwork, figure out what works best for you and make it a daily priority.
SOME FINAL TIPS
I see many moms struggling to fit everything into each day despite shifting their priorities. As a busy mom myself, I know firsthand that the struggle is real. Here are a few final tips to help you save time, your sanity and your health.
- Have your groceries delivered. You’ll save time and avoid impulse buys by staying out of the aisles.
- Set clear boundaries. It’s okay to say “no” to work, family or friends when you simply can’t help out this time.
- Don’t procrastinate, delegate. Remember that you don’t have to do it all. Recruit family members to help with daily chores.
- Ask for help. People aren’t mind readers. Asking for the help you need is sometimes all it takes to turn everything around.
- Maintain regular checkups. Wellness checks are essential to maintaining good health. You wouldn’t skip your child’s checkup, right? So, make sure you prioritize your own as well.
Dr. Cierra Green is a board-certified primary care physician at Ochsner Health – Long Beach. Contact her at (228) 220-5200 or visit ochsner.org to learn more.