Guest article written by
Cheryl Conklin
You’re a mom. That means you don’t always have the time or energy to fuel your own tank. But now is not the time to run on empty. The pandemic has been hard on all of us, and you’re not doing yourself any favors by neglecting your own health and wellness—what makes you look and feel your very best. Need ideas? Keep reading for how to ease back into feeling like the best version of you, like the Super Mom that you are.
Feed your body
Let’s start with food. Food has the power to alleviate depression, help you lose weight, and keep your mind sharp. Berries, avocados, bananas, and sweet potatoes are great for boosting your mood while lean proteins, including eggs and chicken, can help you lose fat and build muscle.
Feed yourself well every day by focusing on whole foods and recipes that utilize fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. If you have picky children, consider fall fare, such as chili—utilize beans, corn, and tomatoes, which are all super healthy, and dress it up with cheese, sour cream, and crunchy tortilla strips to make it fun.
Clear out negative energy
You’ve probably been stuck at home more often than not since March. Since the pandemic hasn’t been declared over just yet, you can reasonably expect to remain a homebody for the foreseeable future. Unfortunately, this may lead to stress and strain, even among your most happy-go-lucky little ones. Clear out the clutter, let some fresh air in, and look for other ways to open the doors to positivity. Redfin suggests smudging with sage and adding salt lamps to enhance the mood.
Make the mirror happy
While you should never base your personal value on how you look, know that it can still affect your self-image. But the world is different now and you may not be able to get to the salon to make sure your hair is on point. And when you have little ones at home, you may be tempted to throw up a messy bun and wash your hands of beauty altogether.
Don’t! Wake up each morning and put yourself together. This will give you a mental boost, and help you separate night from day. Marie Claire has tutorials for easy hairstyles while Ipsy recommends several tinted moisturizers that will help your skin look fabulous on the outside while keeping it healthy from the inside.
Have some girl time
If you’re not quite ready to get out of the house and have a glass of wine with the girls, you can still socialize using social media and videoconferencing. A virtual girl’s night might consist of cooking together using your Echo Shows or playing an online escape room. Girl time is crucial to your emotional well-being, so do make a point to carve out at least an hour for an in-a person or online powwow with your best gal pals once a week.
While you’re at it, don’t forget to call and keep up with your other friends and family. Remember, as Mindwise Innovations explains, humans are social by nature. You’ll live longer, have better mental health, and realize a better quality of life if you prioritize human connections.
The above tips can help you live a better life during the pandemic and beyond. Don’t neglect yourself, and also don’t be afraid to let your children and spouse or partner know when you need a moment to prioritize you. You deserve to look and feel your very best even amid a global crisis.
Author Cheryl Conklin of Wellness Central can be contacted via email cherylc@wellnesscentral.info or visit her website here: www.wellnesscentral.info. Wellness is central to a happy life.
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