If you're a mom, your world will most likely revolve around your children and their wellbeing....sometimes to the detriment of your own health.
While being a mother can bring incredible joy and fulfilment, but its demands and the stress of looking after little ones can leave one not only physically exhausted, but can strain you emotionally. Lack of sleep and constant worry about their children's wellbeing often result in mothers neglecting their health.
As the world is observing Mother's Day tomorrow we've asked experts what can mothers to do to ensure that they stay healthy and take care of themselves.
Experts agree that finding a mix of fun activities not only leave mothers happy and fulfilled, but can ensure that their lives have balance too.
Tyrone Edgar clinical psychologist at Premier Health Centre in Joburg says its vital for moms to prioritise their wellbeing by keeping active, eating healthy and getting enough sleep.
“This can be difficult to do especially for new moms. But it is very important to take care of that as sleeping is the foundation for good mental health,” says Edgar.
Emotional Therapy
Edgar suggests that getting an objective voice can help your mental stability and give you a good support system. It can be very difficult for anyone to go through challenges and changes alone. Get the family involved or a support group that will constant motivate you,” said Edgar.
Exercise
The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag) says physical exercise can help release pressure caused by negative emotions such as anger, anxiety and stress.
A combination of moderate- and vigorous-intensity aerobic activity to high-intensity muscle-strengthening activity at least two days per week for additional health benefits.
Letshego Zulu, fitness and adventure enthusiast suggests mini workouts such as burpees and squats and Turkish Get-ups to keep healthy.
She also suggests Mountain Climbers - are calisthenic exercises that challenge your balance, agility, proprioception, and coordination.
Turkish Get-ups is a total-body exercise that increases torso stabilisation and overall strength.
Sleep
Getting good sleep is not only important to your health, but it also boosts your mood, improves creativity, and reduces stress.
Dr Renata Schoeman, from the South African Society of Psychiatrists (Sasop) says adequate sleep is important for a healthy lifestyle.
It can boost your immune system and keep hormonal balances in check to prevent obesity and diabetes.
Sufficient and regular sleep also prevents mental health problems such as depression as it boosts emotional resilience.
“Sleep is also very important for concentration, memory, and learning, and even the prevention of dementia, as waste products that accumulate during waking hours are “flushed” away during sleep," says Schoeman.
Eat healthy
Louii Engelbrecht, a health coach, and dietitian says when it comes to diets mothers should own their health at all times.
Although motherhood demands lots of energy, he suggests that mothers should, however, cut down on caffeine, especially for breakfast as it can leave one with anxiety.
Eating the right small portion of food and giving the body natural sugars and enzymes from fruit and vegetables is also good for one's body..
Feast on healthy foods such as veggies, chicken, Mediterranean stir-fry, omelets and grilled fish. This will allow you to lose weight naturally.