Being a mom to three energetic boys, juggling health coaching, part-time work, household chores, and personal commitments, I understand the struggle of prioritizing wellness amidst our hectic lives. Often, it feels like my wellness takes a backseat to everything else. But here’s a revelation: self-care isn’t an indulgence, it’s a necessity. Yes, even for us super moms! So, here are some effective strategies I’ve learned along my wellness journey to maintain health and wellness amidst the wonderful whirlwind of motherhood:
1. Embrace Simplicity
Wellness doesn’t have to involve complicated meal plans or long, intense workouts at the gym. For me, simple has always been better. I keep meals easy: choose a protein, a non-starchy vegetable, and a fiber-rich carb. Regular use of the crockpot makes meal prep a breeze.
When it comes to physical activity, simplicity is key. Enjoy a post-dinner family walk, or grab some alone time with a free online workout. I’m currently a fan of the Strong20 program from Nourish Move Love. It’s a 20-minute strength training routine perfect for busy schedules. You can find the workouts here.
2. Schedule Your Wellness
I am learning to treat my wellness activities as non-negotiable appointments. Scheduling workouts, meal prep, and even relaxation time helps me prioritize them as essential daily activities. This approach decreases the chances of skipping them when life gets busy or unexpected tasks pop up. Protecting these wellness appointments with the same importance as a work meeting or your child’s activity reinforces the message that my health deserves time and intentionality.
3. Include Your Family
Rather than separating wellness from family time, try merging them. My family loves evening walks, helping me plan our meals, cooking healthy meal together, and even practicing mindfulness exercises as a group. This not only helps me meet my wellness goals, but also fosters healthy habits in my family too—it’s a win-win.
4. Practice Self-Compassion
Perfection is not the goal; self-compassion is. Moms, we tend to be hard on ourselves, but we need to remember to extend grace and patience to ourselves too, recognizing that not every day will go perfectly—and that’s okay! When things don’t go as planned, rather than criticizing yourself, pause and consider what you can learn from the experience. Celebrate small wins, acknowledge your efforts, and understand that wellness is a journey, not a destination.Remember, self-compassion helps build resilience and makes your wellness goals more achievable and enjoyable.
5. Set Boundaries
Learning to say “no” has significantly impacted my wellness journey. Initially, saying no was difficult because, as moms, we often feel obligated to do everything and help everyone. However, recognizing my limits and honoring my energy has allowed me to focus more effectively on my priorities. Setting boundaries means intentionally choosing commitments that align closely with your goals and values. It’s empowering to realize that saying no to external requests isn’t selfish—it’s essential for your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Protect your boundaries with kindness but firmness, and you’ll see a positive shift in your wellness journey and overall happiness.
6. Find Support
One of my biggest breakthroughs was realizing I didn’t have to do everything alone. Building a support network—whether through local groups, online communities like my Belong-Motivate-Inspire community, or connecting with friends who have similar wellness goals—has provided the accountability and encouragement needed to maintain balance. Community support truly makes balancing wellness and motherhood easier and more enjoyable. I’ve also been considering starting a free online community specifically for moms who want encouragement and a supportive network focused on wellness. If this idea resonates with you, let me know!
Prioritizing your wellness is one of the most valuable gifts you can give yourself and your family. You absolutely deserve the effort and attention it requires!
Which of these strategies resonates most with you? I’d love to hear how you balance wellness and motherhood in the comments!