My posts usually contain affiliate links.  If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may get a commission at no extra cost to you.

How do you stay balanced as a busy mom?  There usually aren’t enough hours in the day and rarely enough of you to go around. 

There’s no one way to staying balanced as a busy mom. But, you can take simple steps to achieve a healthy work-life balance.

1 – Prioritize

 As a working mom, you can confuse what must be done with what you want to get done.  To help me stay balanced, I make a list of the top three things I must do for the day. 

Then, I tackle the one I’m least looking forward to completing.  This strategy for prioritizing is outlined in Brian Tracy’s book, Eat That Frog!  If you want to stay balanced, you must be realistic about what you can do and prioritize your day.

If you’re currently working from home (like me!), having a healthy work-life balance is more important than ever. Sometimes, the things that seem urgent really aren’t.

For example, I have two laundry baskets of clean clothes waiting to be folded. But, I also have more important tasks on my list that need to be done before folding those clothes.

I will eventually get to the laundry baskets, but it won’t be today! By prioritizing your tasks, you save yourself undue stress by focusing on what’s most important.

2 – Be Grateful

Having an attitude of gratitude is a great way to stay balanced as a busy mom.  It’s tough to manage work deadlines, homework assignments, doctor appointments, soccer practice, and the grocery list.

Additionally, when you’re going through difficult times, you take on added pressure. Whether you’re out of work or facing a lot of uncertainty, it would do you good to focus on the positives in your life.

When you’re a busy mom, it’s easy to focus on what you need to do and what hasn’t been done.  If you’re not careful, you can wind up complaining and feeling negative. 

Sometimes, you need to take a moment to stop and be grateful. 

Remembering what you have and the important people in your life is a great way to stay balanced.  You can start by making a list of all the positives in your life.  When you’re feeling negative, take out the list to help shift your perspective.

3 – Smile

If you want to stay balanced, don’t underestimate the power of a smile. It costs nothing and it can be an instant mood changer.

I try to smile as much as possible because it makes me feel better and often leads to laughter.  And, laughter is just good for the soul.  When I wake up, I know I’m winning because someone else didn’t wake up that morning. 

If you watch the news, you’re bound to find a ton of reasons to complain, think the worst, or even feel down. So, limit your content!

I try to focus on the positive and not to sweat the small stuff.  I don’t worry about the things I can’t control. Instead, I focus on what I can control – my attitude and how I respond to the world around me.

You can stay positive in any situation. Check out my article!  Putting on a smile is just a simple way to remind yourself to continue to live your best life in balance. 

4 – Rest

You’re a busy mom with a lot to do.  But, rest is essential if you want to stay balanced. 

I have a full-time job outside of the home (inside for now!), a blog, two kids, a husband, and a dog!  When I don’t get proper rest, I’m cranky, prone to sickness, and no good to anyone. 

It’s not a badge of honor to work, work, work, and never rest.  In fact, it’s dangerous.  You don’t want to wait until your body demands the rest.  Instead, be proactive and incorporate rest into your routine.

Do yourself a favor and unplug! Lately, I’ve spent more time on my computer than ever. However, I know when my body has had enough. When I find myself staring aimlessly at the screen, I know it’s time to unplug.

Having a healthy work-life balance includes taking time to renew, refresh, and re-energize.  And, when the boundaries of work and home are blurred, you need to make finding time to rest a main priority.

Each week, you should have at least one day where you take time to rest and nurture your mind, body, and spirit. Whether you make it a family day, a sleep-in and lounge day, or a (modified at-home) spa day, you need rest to stay balanced.

5 – Pamper Yourself

As a working mom, you cater to your family and what they need.  But, how often do you cater to yourself?

Sometimes, you need to pamper yourself to stay balanced and centered.  Doing something for yourself can be rewarding and exactly what you need to help you make it through the day, week, or month.

I look for ways to make my son and husband feel special and celebrated.  Sometimes, I need to do the same for myself.  Whether it’s going to get a massage or simply giving yourself a facial or pedicure, take the time to give yourself some special attention.

There are a lot of simple ways to pamper yourself at home. Paint your toenails. Have a cup of your favorite tea / glass of wine in silence. One of my favorite ways is to take a bubble bath with aromatherapy candles.

Do I threaten or bribe my kids to leave me alone? Yes – and, it’s well worth it!

You don’t always have to travel or spend money to practice self-care. Sometimes, it’s the simple things that help you stay balanced.

6 – Self-Reflect

Keeping a journal your thoughts is a great way to engage in self-reflection. Journaling helps you to process your thoughts and emotions. It’s also an easy way to keep list of your goals and accomplishments. 

Reflecting on your progress is a great way to stay balanced and assess changes in your life.  There are some things you will write on paper that you won’t say out loud. 

If you’re going through a challenging time or if you’re in a period of transition, writing your feelings down might help you gain some clarity.

When I go back and review journal entries from previous years, I can see a lot of growth. However, it’s also a great reminder that I’ve made it through difficult situations before.

Maybe you don’t want to discuss how you’re feeling with your spouse? Maybe you’re not sure how you feel?

Taking the time to deal with your honest, raw emotions is a great strategy to help you maintain a healthy work-life balance.

7 – Exercise

Your physical and mental health are an essential part of staying balanced. Exercise as a way to reduce stress and increase your energy level. 

As a busy mom, you might not think you have time to workout. Or, you may think you can only get a good workout at the gym. 

However, you don’t need a gym or a lot of time to exercise. You just need to be creative and have a positive attitude.

You can exercise by making simple adjustments to your daily routine. Just adding a 20-30 minute daily walk or taking the stairs can boost your mood, energy level, and overall health. You can also make sure you get a minimum of 10,000 steps a day with a fitness tracker. 

For me, exercise is vital. It is my go-to stress-reliever. When I feel the weight of the world on my shoulders, I exercise to feel better.

If you’re not sure where to begin, checkout my 5-minute workout for busy moms. It will help jump start your exercise routine.

8 – Read

Reading is another great way to stay balanced because it can help slow things down.  Whether it’s for enjoyment or personal growth, reading can be a great stress reliever. 

When I read for leisure, I enjoy crime thrillers or dramas because they provide a great escape from reality. And, who doesn’t need an escape?

However, I also read for personal growth.  Some of the best books I’ve read to help you stay balanced are The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch, The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren, and I Dare You by Joyce Meyer.   

As a working mom, you need an outlet to help you de-stress from all the different hats you wear.  Picking up a good book may help you rekindle an old hobby.

I have to read a lot for my job and with my kids. So, when I take time to read a book for myself, it’s a real treat!

Whether it’s a gossip magazine, a self-help book, or a juicy novel, reading is a good way to maintain balance.

9 – Embrace Imperfections

We all have something we’d like to change about our appearance or personality.  It could be your thighs or your nose.  Maybe you’d like to be more outspoken or less sensitive. 

Whatever the case, embracing your imperfections is a great way to stay balanced. If you focus on everything you don’t like about yourself, you’re not going to feel great about yourself. 

Having a negative self-image will impact your confidence and feelings of self-worth.  So, focus on what you love about yourself and work on the rest. 

I used to get teased about my lips.  And, now people pay to get fillers to look like me!  If you don’t like your thighs, make your way to the stairs or start doing squats. 

But, if you’re not going to do the squats, find clothing that doesn’t highlight your thighs.

If you want to be more outspoken, try speaking up more with your friends and family. Or, embrace the fact that you like to observe what’s going on rather than be the center of it all.

When it comes to parenting, don’t be too hard on yourself.  If you make a mistake, own it and move on. 

To help you stay balanced, just remember, no one has it together. We are all imperfectly perfect at doing the best we can do.

10 – Take a Day Off

Taking a personal day for yourself is probably the most important way to stay balanced. As a working mom, you really have two full-time jobs, if not more. 

There’s the job you do that pays the bills.  And, then there’s being a mom.   Too often, the jobs overlap and it’s hard to find personal time for yourself.

However, if you don’t take a day voluntarily, your body will eventually force you to do it. 

Wouldn’t you rather take a day to enjoy it rather than having to take off because you’re sick?  If you have personal time, schedule a day off to do whatever makes you happy.

You’ll be surprised at how renewed and refreshed a day of personal enjoyment can make you feel. If you’re concerned about losing the time – ask yourself, In six months, will it matter that I took the day off?

If you’re currently working from home, you may not need to use your personal days. But, you should set clear boundaries.

Spend a Saturday in your pajamas binge-watching your favorite show. Let the kids eat whatever is in the house and don’t worry about!

Put something fun on the calendar – happy-hour with friends (virtual, if necessary), watching your favorite movie, or family game night!

You can maintain a healthy work-life balance by making some simple changes to your daily routine. 

To stay balanced as a busy mom, make yourself a priority and continue to live your best life in balance!

Disclaimer: You should consult your physician or another health care professional before starting any fitness routine or making changes in your diet. Any health, fitness, or nutritional information offered is designed for educational purposes only.  Do not rely on this information as a substitute or replacement for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. While exercising, if you experience faintness, dizziness, pain, or shortness of breath, you should stop exercising immediately and seek professional medical assistance.

The post How to Stay Balanced: 10 Self-Care Tips for Busy Moms appeared first on .

My posts usually contain affiliate links.  If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may get a commission at no extra cost to you.

How can you be good to yourself as a working mom? You’re busy working, trying to get to appointments on time, and figuring out the week’s dinner schedule. 

Who has time to think about being good to yourself? Well – you do if you follow these 7 simple self-care tips:

Exercise

I know I say it a lot, but, finding time to exercise is a great way to be good to yourself.  As a busy mom, you need to stay healthy.  Also, you need a ton of energy.  

By exercising, you’re not only doing something good for your physical health, but you can also reap mental health benefits. Furthermore, when you exercise, you release endorphins a.k.a. feel good hormones. 

Those endorphins can help you relieve stress and change your mood. Additionally, it’s a great way to help you maintain healthy work-life balance.

For most busy moms, the biggest obstacles to working out are time and motivation. The idea of exercise can sound like another chore added on to an already crowded list.

Who needs that? What you really want is to make exercise part of your lifestyle.

To make exercise part of your lifestyle, you simply need to make small adjustments to your daily routine. Also, be flexible and have a good attitude.

My exercise routine isn’t always pretty. For instance, sometimes I have to stop and attend to my toddler in the middle of it – but I always go back! And, since I’m currently working from home, I need it more than ever.

If you need help finding time for exercise, check out 10 ways to make time for exercise. Likewise, if you need a little motivation, here are 5 tips to get a quick and easy workout.

Eat Healthy

Much like exercising, eating healthy is a great way to be good to yourself and to your body.  As a working mom, I know the challenge of preparing healthy meals and snacks. 

To help you stay on track, prep your meals for the week on a Saturday and Sunday to avoid choosing unhealthy alternatives when the week gets busy.  Throughout the week, I drink green shakes using the Nutri-Bullet. 

I usually prep the green shakes at the start of the week. Then, I blend them the night before. All I have to do is grab and go in the morning. 

As a busy mom, you might be tempted to skip breakfast and settle for a cup of coffee to get you started. But, I would encourage you to start your day with a quick and healthy meal.

Just like breakfast is important to give your kids a great start – the same goes for you!

For a quick option, you can make egg muffins or frittatas, oatmeal, breakfast sandwiches, or a breakfast burrito. These are all healthy and quick breakfast ideas you can prep ahead.

Likewise, I eat leftovers for lunch or healthy options I prep at the start of the week. To stay on track, plan your meals ahead of time and prep in advance.

Watch the sugar! It just weighs you down and makes you feel sluggish…while packing on extra pounds.

You can be good to yourself now by making simple changes like swapping sodas and juice for water at meals. Want to get fancy? Add some fruit and lemon juice to your water.

Stress Less

As a mom, there is always something to worry about. However, a great way to be good to yourself is to reduce stress. 

Stop worrying about things that are out of your control.  Many of us are facing a lot of uncertainty. While there’s plenty to be worried about, it won’t do you any good!

When I catch myself thinking about the possibility of losing income, job security, or my kids being impacted negatively by what’s going on in the world, I refocus my thoughts on the positive. 

I speak positive words over my children out loud.  I also pray for them and trust God to protect them. 

Do whatever you need to do to reduce stress and anxiety because it can lead to physical health issues. Check out these simple tips to reduce stress as a busy mom. 

Sometimes you need a shift in balance to help you stress less. First, start prioritizing what’s really important in your life – including yourself! Other times, you simply need to shift your perspective and monitor your thoughts.

Be good to yourself by remembering what really matters – include yourself on the list.  Whether it’s your job, money, or family issues, don’t let stress get the best of you.

Set Personal Goals

One great way to be good to yourself is to set personal goals.  You were a woman with dreams and desires before you became a mom.  Don’t forget that!   

You should always have something you are working toward.  Whether it’s moving forward in your career, developing a skill, or starting a new hobby, having goals for personal growth is an important part of being good to yourself. 

One of the ways I enjoy keeping track of my goals is by creating a vision board. It allows me to categorize the things I want to accomplish. By hanging it on the wall, it serves as a visual reminder of what I’m working toward.

As a busy mom, it’s so easy to put the needs of your family and everyone else in front of your own. But, trust me! It’s great to know you’re doing something to help improve yourself.

Wouldn’t you tell your kids to set high goals and run after them? The same applies for you!

Create a vision board of your personal goals and hang it in a place that’s visible to remind you to be good to yourself.  If you’re not into vision boards, write down you goals and hang them somewhere visible (i.e. the refrigerator, bathroom mirror, bedroom wall).

Need help getting started? Check out my FREE 3-Step Goal Action Plan to help you begin moving tow

Reward Yourself

I believe in the 80/20 rule.  80% of the time, I try to eat healthy, exercise, and budget wisely.  It doesn’t always work, but I try! 

The other 20%, I reward myself with what I like.  So, if I want the brownie, I’m gonna have the brownie!  Life is to short to constantly deny yourself of the simple things that you enjoy. 

As a mom, I know you love to make your kids happy.  So, be good to yourself and reward yourself with something that makes you happy. 

The things that make you happiest don’t always cost money. Having some quiet time to myself is essential. While it’s not always easy to get, I try to get time to myself each.

For most moms, mommy guilt is a real thing. Refuse to participate!

When you consider all you do for your family, why should you feel guilty about needing some down time?

Yet, as moms, we believe we can keep going like the Energizer bunny. We actually feel wrong for wanting time or taking time for ourselves.

I’m sure you look for ways to put a smile on your kid’s face. Getting him that toy he wanted? Surprising her with ice cream?

How many times have you planned something special for your hubby? Cooked his favorite meal? Wore a sexy outfit?

Reward yourself by asking for the things you want and need – time to yourself, a day without chores, a day off from cooking, or whatever makes you happy. And, don’t feel guilty about it.

Life is too short not to buy the shoes that give you life – at least every now and then!

Say “No”

If you’re a people pleaser, saying “No” may be the best way to be good to yourself.  As a mom, you try to do it all and you can – just not at the same time and certainly, not well. 

So, you have to prioritize what must be done and what you want to do. That often means having to put your needs and the needs of your family before others.

As a working mom, it can be a challenge to balance it all. You want to do well at work, but you also want things to run smoothly at home. At some point, the two worlds collide. And, you have to make some tough decisions.

Shortly after having my first son, I accepted a new position with new responsibilities. I had to travel more often and often worked later than I really wanted.

However, with my second child, I was older and wiser! I began letting go of non-essential responsibilities at work as soon as I found out I was pregnant. In some instances, it cost me money, but it was well worth it.

I also began stepping down from various community committees and organizations. My life was changing and what worked for one season was not going to work in this new season of life.

I even took more time off to stay at home with my second son. And, while some people were not happy with my decisions, I knew I was doing what was best for me and my family.

Someone is going to be unhappy because you just can’t please everyone.  Saying “No” should not make you feel guilty. 

It should make you feel empowered. 

You don’t have to try to accommodate everyone in every situation. If you want to be good to yourself, remember there is only so much time in the day and only so much of you to go around.

Forgive Everyone for Everything

Practicing forgiveness is the ultimate way to be good to yourself.  Remember, forgiveness is for you and not about the people who have wronged you. 

When you forgive people, it’s not saying what they did was okay. Instead, it’s giving yourself permission to move on and take your power back because holding on to resentment gives people power over you. 

If you need help with forgiveness, there’s an excellent book, Forgiveness: 21 Days to Forgive Everyone for Everything, to help you get started.

As a working mom, you might feel guilty for leaving your kids to go to work, working late hours, or having to travel for work.  Or, maybe you feel guilty for not having a lot of patience. 

With the global pandemic, we all have been challenged in different ways. While working from home (teaching distance learning), I’ve had to help my second grader with his online assignments, and take care of my toddler.

It has not always been pretty!

Be good to yourself and forgive yourself for not being a perfect parent.  There isn’t one! 

We are all imperfect.  We will make mistakes. We will disappoint one another. 

If you can remember that, you would be doing something good for yourself.

When you take the time to be good to yourself, you are investing in something very valuable – you!  By taking the time to practice these important self-care tips, you can continue to live your best life in balance.

Disclaimer: You should consult your physician or another health care professional before starting any fitness routine or making changes in your diet. Any health, fitness, or nutritional information offered is designed for educational purposes only.  Do not rely on this information as a substitute or replacement for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. While exercising, if you experience faintness, dizziness, pain, or shortness of breath, you should stop exercising immediately and seek professional medical assistance.

The post How to Be Good to Yourself: 7 Self-Care Tips for Working Moms appeared first on .

My posts usually contain affiliate links.  If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may get a commission at no extra cost to you.

The perfect morning routine for working moms is simple.  Since I’ve never been a morning person, creating this morning routine changed everything for me.  While it involves six steps, it really is one concept – start your day on a positive note! When you start your day up, it’s much harder to get you down.

1 – Start moving. I would love to get a workout first thing in the morning, but it’s rare that my schedule will allow it.  If you can exercise first thing in the morning, do it!  You know, I’m all about getting at least 10,000 steps a day.  The earlier you start moving, the more steps you take.  It’s an amazing way to start your day and your mind and body will thank you for it.  But, if you can’t squeeze in a workout, try adding stretching exercises to your morning routine. Stretching is a great way to get your blood flowing and your brain going. And, it can be done in just a few minutes.

2 – Listen to an inspirational message. I try not to listen to the news in the morning because it’s usually not positive.  As part of my morning routine, I listen to Bible teacher, Joyce Meyer while I’m getting ready for work.  It’s a 30-minute television message I let play while I’m getting dressed.  I also DVR it so I always have a message ready.  You can do the same with podcasts or videos on YouTube.  I also have inspirational messages downloaded on my phone. Whether you’re getting dressed or in the car, listening to an inspirational message as part of your morning routine helps set the tone for your day.

3 – Recite positive affirmations.  To help me stay focused, I wrote my favorite scriptures on index cards and put them on my bathroom mirror.  While I’m getting ready for work, I read the scriptures out loud. This part of my morning routine helps me to stay centered and focused on my purpose. You can do the same with quotes or positive affirmations you create.  And, you can recite them first thing in the morning or throughout your day.

4 – Listen to uplifting music. While it’s tempting to listen to the radio on my way to work, most days I opt for uplifting music.  Again, it’s much easier to stay in a positive mood if you start your day with positivity.  If you have a hectic commute, listening to inspirational music might be what you need to deal with traffic and avoid road rage. Playing music with a positive message or something that feeds your spirit will help keep you calm and peaceful. One mom I know listens to classical music on her way to and from work.  Whatever your preference, adding uplifting music to your morning routine can be helpful.

5 – Be thankful.  If you’re like me, you’re probably moving quickly to get out of the door.  But, adding gratitude to your morning routine is important. Taking a moment to think about what you’re thankful for can do wonders for the mind.  It’s easy to focus on your tasks for the day, deadlines, and the dreaded meeting you have to attend. You can shift your focus if you concentrate on why you’re grateful, instead.  It only takes a minute to give thanks for your job, your husband, your children, your health, your family, or your friends.  Starting your day with an attitude of gratitude helps you to stay centered, Mom!

6 – Read a devotional or something encouraging.  I get daily devotionals via email, and I try to read them before I get to work.  One is specifically designed for the workplace (Today God Is First).  The devotionals are free and usually have a positive message and an encouraging story. You can sign up to have quotes, affirmations, scriptures, or devotionals sent to your phone through email or text.  I make reading the devotionals part of my morning routine because I often cover the positive affirmation and time to be thankful in one devotional.  Since it’s on my phone, I can also access it throughout the day as a reminder.

7 – Eat a healthy breakfast. I know! It sounds like a no-brainer. But, in reality, it’s very easy to leave breakfast out of your morning routine as you’re rushing out the door. Even if you grab something to eat, it might not be healthy. Getting a healthy start is as important for you as it is for the kids. When you miss breakfast, you’re more likely to choose unhealthy snacks and meal options later in the day because you’re hungry. If you don’t have a lot of time, you can start the day right with grab and go items, like a green shake, protein shake, oatmeal, fruit, or egg muffins. To save time, blend your shakes and prep your food the night before.When healthy eating is part of your morning routine, it’s easier to choose healthy options throughout the day.

8 – Smile.  You’ve probably said this to your own kid a thousand times.  Smile! Do you need to take your own advice? Smiling is the easiest thing to add to your morning routine.  And, it’s definitely the most underrated!  While a smile costs you nothing, it adds incredible value to your day.  You just feel better when you smile, even if you’re not feeling well.  When you smile, you send the message that you’re friendly and open to others.  In return, people are likely to be friendly and courteous to you.  Add a smile to your face and see how your mornings change.

As a working mom, there’s a lot you deal with in a day.  You can stay centered by creating the perfect morning routine to stay positive and continue to live your best life in balance!

Disclaimer: You should consult your physician or another health care professional before starting any fitness routine or making changes in your diet. I am not a doctor or medical expert.  I am simply sharing my personal experience and knowledge as a mom.  Any health, fitness, or nutritional information offered is designed for educational purposes only.  Do not rely on this information as a substitute or replacement for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. While exercising, if you experience faintness, dizziness, pain, or shortness of breath, you should stop exercising immediately and seek professional medical assistance.

The post The Perfect Morning Routine for Working Moms: 8 Self-Care Tips appeared first on .

My posts usually contain affiliate links.  If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may get a commission at no extra cost to you.

Hey working mom – the burnout is real!  By the end of the day, you’re exhausted. We’ve all been there, but you don’t have to stay there.  You can get more energy now by following these five simple tips:

Eat Breakfast

We tell our kids it’s the most important meal of the day.  But, how many times have we skipped it? Yeah, a bagel on the run doesn’t count – well, not really.  You need breakfast for the same reason your kids need breakfast. You’ve got a busy day and you need to fuel your brain and body.  You don’t have time to make a gourmet meal, but you can plan your week with healthy grab and go food options, such as yogurt, green shakes, probiotic shakes, or oatmeal with fruit.  As a bonus, you can add chia seeds to either of those options to give you some added energy and keep you feeling fuller throughout the morning.

When you start your day off right, you’re more likely to maintain energy throughout your day. Likewise, you’re more likely to make healthier food choices. When I start my day with a donut, it’s just a lot easier to go off the rails and eat what tastes good in the moment – pizza, fries, cheeseburgers! Even if you get a quick burst of energy, it doesn’t last long because the sugary and greasy foods that taste good also make you feel sluggish.

Cut Sugar

One important change I made to increase my energy level was cutting out sodas and juices.  I have them occasionally, but it’s rare.  Did you know most 12-ounce sodas or juices contain an average of 48 grams of sugar?  48 grams of sugar = 12 teaspoons.  When is the last time you poured 12 teaspoons into a 12-ounce cup? NEVER.  But, that’s what you get when you drink a can of soda or juice.  In a 20-ounce bottle, it can be close to 18 teaspoons of sugar!  

Instead of drinking sodas and juice, drink water. I like to add fruit and lemon to my water to give it flavor.  If you need some fizz, try sparkling water.  Just be sure the sparkling water is zero calorie and zero sugar. 

I know a lot of people need their coffee in the morning to get going. You should also watch the amount of sugar in your coffee, depending on where you’re getting it. If it’s from home, you’re probably okay. But, if you’re like me and have a favorite coffee shop, some of those drinks have 40 to 50 grams of sugar, much like soda. So, pay attention to how much you consume. Eliminating sugary drinks will have a positive effect on your waistline, your energy level, and your overall health.

Drink More Water

 The more water your drink, the better you feel.  As a working mom, I get super busy and it can be easy to forget to hydrate.  When I’m exercising, it’s even more important.  I usually take a refillable water bottle with me wherever I go.  If you feel sluggish throughout the day, consider your water intake.  If you don’t drink enough water, you’ll get dehydrated and that can lead to exhaustion and other health dangers. 

Most people wait until they feel thirsty to drink water. By the time you feel thirsty, however, you’re already dehydrated. There’s no way for you to get more energy if the well is dry. If you’re exercising, you especially need to pay attention to your water intake to ensure you replace the fluids you lose from sweating.

As a busy mom, you’re moving all day long whether at work or running around for the family. It’s important for you to take care of your health because you can’t do what you need to do without being energized. Water is not only important for proper hydration, but it also helps flush toxins from the body.  Increasing your water intake is an easy way to get more energy. 

Walk Daily

You may be thinking – “Here’s one more thing to add to my to-do list!” But, engaging in exercise is actually a great way to feel energized. It sounds weird, but the more you move, the more energy you’ll have. In addition to my weekly exercise routine, I take a walk almost daily.  Usually, I’m walking my dog. But, I also use the time to de-stress from my day. 

I used to be in a rush to get it over with because it was just another thing on my lengthy to-do list.  But, now I try to leave my phone at home and really focus on being in the moment.  I take time to look at the flowers, enjoy the breeze or sunshine, mostly, (I live in South Florida!) and think about nothing.  You don’t know how much your mind needs a break until you give it one.  

Other benefits of taking a daily walk are increased steps. In general, you should try to get 10,000 steps daily, which equals about 5 miles. Depending on your level of fitness, that may sound like a lot. But, you’d be surprised how much you walk during the day as a busy mom, especially if you’re wearing a fitness tracker. On most days, I’m averaging between 15,000 and 22,000 steps! Taking a daily walk will only add to your overall physical health and likely lead to better sleep.  If you want to get more energy, get moving! 

Unplug Nightly

Most of us have some form of social media and use our phones frequently throughout the day. Maybe it never occured to you that you could get more energy simply by unplugging from your electronics. But, you can!

When you were in the hospital having the baby, you probably weren’t on your phone.  Whatever else was pressing at that time, had to wait.  When you’re tempted to reach for your phone at night, remember that time and unplug. When I get home, I make a conscious decision to lose my phone.  I am not available for my job because I have moved on to my second job – being mommy and wife. 

If I am on my phone, it is to catch up with family and friends.  I don’t receive emails from my workplace on my phone on purpose.  After a certain time in the evening, I don’t check text messages, my personal email account, or social media because it’s information overload.  You should also create a nightly routine to unwind – minus the electronics. Setting boundaries and unplugging from technology will give you more energy because you shouldn’t always be on.  Give yourself a break from technology and allow time to re-energize. 

Life as a working mom is busy, but it doesn’t have to be unbearable.  You need energy to do all you have to do.  Apply these five changes to your life and begin to have more energy now as you continue to live your best life in balance!

Disclaimer: You should consult your physician or another health care professional before starting any fitness routine or making changes in your diet. Any health, fitness, or nutritional information offered is designed for educational purposes only.  Do not rely on this information as a substitute or replacement for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. While exercising, if you experience faintness, dizziness, pain, or shortness of breath, you should stop exercising immediately and seek professional medical assistance.

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Hey, working mom – your time is valuable!  Four simple time management tips can literally change your life.  Your worst enemy is not the mother-in-law who won’t stop criticizing your parenting skills.  Well, she’s close!  But, your worst enemy is mismanaged time. If your day comes to an end and you have no idea what you did, you probably need to improve your time management.  No worries!  Make your life easier by following these simple time management tips :

1– Set Realistic Goals

 As a working mom, there is always more to do than the 24 hours will allow. Still, there are only 24 hours in the day.  One of the quickest ways to get out of balance is to overbook yourself.  As a working mom, I have two full-time jobs – the one outside of the home and being a wife and mom when I get home. Not to mention my job as a writer and blogger!  Let’s be clear – something is not going to get done!

If I have a writing deadline, I’m making easy meals which allow for leftovers or we’re eating out.  When I set my weekly exercise goals, I know I won’t have the time or energy to exercise every day.  While I prefer to exercise in the mornings, with an infant, a six-year-old, and a job that starts at 7:00 a.m., it’s not happening! Since my weekends are more flexible, that’s the time when I focus on my workouts.

If you want to improve your time management, be realistic about the  amount of time you have.   Don’t overextend yourself by setting goals which will be impossible for you to accomplish.  It will only leave you frustrated and overwhelmed.

2 – Eat the Frog

There’s a quote by Mark Twain that says if you eat a frog first thing in the morning, everything is uphill from there.  Well, the idea is to do the thing that you want to do least – first.  If you tackle that thing  first, the rest of your to do list should be easy peezy lemon squeezy!  When I keep delaying a task, whether it’s cleaning the fridge, organizing the closet, or folding laundry, it just takes longer.  It’s also more stressful because it’s in the back of my mind as something I need to do.  Once I can cross it off the list, I feel much better.

Believing you have all the time in the world to get things done is like believing you have all the money in the world to spare. For years, I struggled with time management.  If I had a deadline, I rarely started early.  I really thought I worked better under pressure.  Lies!  Now that I understand time management, I’d rather get it done and leave time to correct any mistakes – minus the pressure!

3 – Be Intentional

Okay, working mom, before you start your day, you should know your goals are and have a plan of action.  My most productive days at work and home are when I know exactly what I plan to do and have actually put together a plan to get it done.  If I need to cook after work, I have a meal in mind and the ingredients prepped or at least ready.  If I have a major project at work, I make a list of what I need to get done and prioritize the list.

You can even plan your “free time” (I’m not being sarcastic) to maximize every minute.  Good time management requires you to be intentional.  As a writer, I always carry a notebook in my car or purse.  And, I use my phone to take notes!  While I’m waiting at the doctor’s office, I use the time to brainstorm or write. As I’m ironing my son’s uniforms, I usually catch up with a friend or watch a show on DVR. When I’m exercising, I try to listen to a podcast or an inspirational teaching.

It might sound like I’m multi-tasking, but I call it maximizing.  I’m making the most of every minute by getting all I can get out of it.  That also means being still and present in the moment. I know, it’s very hard to do!  But, when my six-year-old asks me to watch a movie or spend time with him, I am all in.  When my husband and I spend time together, it is purposeful and without the distraction of electronic devices. Every day, I intentionally walk my dog without my cell phone because it’s an opportunity to breathe in my surroundings. Be intentional about how you’re spending your time to be more effective.

4 – Develop a Schedule

I’m a list kind-of girl.  I love to make a list and cross out each task once it’s done.  If you have an assistant at work, he likely keeps a calendar or schedule with all your meetings and appointments.  You can do the same for your family life and personal goals.  Developing and maintaining a schedule will help you with your time management.  And, don’t forget to put yourself on the schedule!

Each day, you should set aside some time just for you.  It could be a relaxing bubble bath, a phone conversation with a friend, a heart-pounding workout, or engaging in some mindless entertainment.  Do something which makes you feel happy, relaxed, calm, or centered.  If you see there is time left unmanaged, you can be more intentional about how you use it.  Having a plan of action will help you achieve more balance in your life.

You can easily improve your time management by setting realistic goals, avoiding procrastination, being intentional, and developing a schedule.  These simple time management tips will help you maximize your time and continue to live your best life balance.

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