Tips for How to Stay Fit and Healthy as a Busy Mum

Tips for How to Stay Fit and Healthy as a Busy Mum

Most adults don’t get enough exercise – are you one of them? Are you ready to start taking better care of your body by incorporating more movement into your daily life? This is easier said than done if you are a busy mum, but it’s possible if you are determined to make it happen. If you are ready to start this journey towards improved physical health and mental well-being, read on.

Every person is responsible for their own bodies. Taking care of your body is an active choice and as a reward, you will be fitter, healthier and stronger. You’ll also feel more ready to deal with all the things that you need to get on with in life. When you feel physically strong, this helps you deal with other challenges in life too.

• Make Exercise a Part of Your Life

Exercise has lots of advantages for your body and your mind. Being physically active will increase muscle strength, improve your energy levels and make you more flexible. It also helps you sleep better (especially if you exercise outdoors) and improves your mood too.

For maximum health benefits, try to include physical activity each day. Aim for at least 30 minutes each day and try to fit in a few longer sessions a few times a week. It doesn’t always have to be intense exercise – mix things up to keep it fun and to target different muscle groups. Walking, running, cycling or swimming are all great choices as are things like stretching, yoga, or fitness classes. See what you enjoy the most and work out a way to fit more exercise into your weekly schedule.

Sometimes, it can be a struggle to fit in exercise around the kids. Early mornings and evenings after bedtime are great opportunities to do exercise – either at home or away from home if you have a partner at home or other childcare options. I love going for a run in the mornings before the kids wake up or going on a walk in the evenings after their bedtime.

• Have a Healthy Diet

Your diet is a huge part of your health so enjoy a healthy diet if you want to stay strong, fit and healthy. Include lots of whole grains, fresh fruit and vegetables and lean protein. Avoid processed foods and foods high in fat and sugar. Cook from scratch as much as possible and enjoy foods while they are fresh and in season. Get the whole family involved in the meal-planning process to come up with healthy meals that everyone can enjoy.

Eating smaller and more frequent meals throughout the day is a good way to keep your energy levels steady and is easier on your digestive system too. Opt for foods that are high in nutrients and try to vary your meals with different fruits and vegetables as this is great for your health.

• Manage your Stress

Spending time in nature can help reduce anxiety and bring peace when you are feeling stressed. Let go of unimportant worries to allow you to enjoy life’s moments to the fullest. Make time for winding down after busy days and take time for self-care, for spending time with your loved ones and enjoying your hobbies. Mums who are less stressed tend to be happier too which will improve your relationships with your children.

• Find Fun Activities to Join In

Find fun activities to join that are great for your physical health and that will allow you to connect with friends, family or your wider community. It can be things like team sports, walking groups, park runs, or organised hikes for example. You’ll have lots of fun with like-minded people while doing something that’s good for your body too. When you have children, you might need to look for things that can include your little ones or that work around their school schedules.

• Get Enough Sleep

Getting enough sleep is so important to our health. Aim for at least 8 hours of sleep every night and focus on improving the quality of your sleep too. While you sleep, your body and mind restore, repair and reenergises so getting a good night’s sleep is an essential part of looking after your health.

A healthy lifestyle will make you feel better physically, mentally and emotionally. To reach these goals you need to make an effort to do the things that are needed to support your well-being by getting enough exercise, eating a healthy diet, managing your stress levels, sleeping well and participating in enjoyable activities. Get started today so that you can enjoy the rewarding benefits of living a healthy life with the energy levels that you need to enjoy your life to the fullest.

Guest Article.