5 ways to help Mums prioritise themselves this Mother's Day
Mother's Day. A whole day dedicated to the people that do one of the most important and toughest jobs ever.
A Mum might work full-time or part time, stay-at-home. A Mum might be a step-mum, foster Mum or an amazing Aunt or Grandma raising a little person. Regardless of what type of Mum, the first word that comes to mind when trying to describe them; Superstar! A superstar that is patient, kind, selfless and would give anything for their kids. Kids that look up to them, idolise them, mimic them. The one that sets the mood, energy and temperature of the home. If Mum isn’t happy, no one is really happy, and every Mum and everyone deserves to be happy!
Science tells us there are four primary chemicals or hormones in the brain that impact our level of happinesses; dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin and endorphins, and do you know what can help moderate all four hormones? Exercise! Surprisingly, thinking about exercising won’t help. Only doing it will.
I know what you’re probably thinking, ”I don’t have time”, “I’m in isolation with the kids”, “I can’t with the kids around”. Maybe a few of you are even thinking, “what does this chick know?". What I do know is, that I'm a much better Mum after prioritising my happiness than I was when I didn’t. The easiest way to prioritise my happiness was physical! I took the biological route and I'm so glad I did!
So, from one happy Mummy to you this Mother's Day, here are some things I wish someone told me sooner to help me find the time, motivation and drive to get my happiness on!
1. THERE ARE 24 HOURS IN A DAY. 30 MINUTES IS ONLY 1/48th OF IT
Our kids are not awake 24 hours of the day. There is always 30 minutes for YOU if you really want to find them! I don't mean 30 minutes PLUS 15 minutes to get ready, 15 minutes to bugger around afterwards. Use the 30 minutes like you’re on a gameshow; you have 30 minutes to solve a problem, if you don’t, you don’t win the prize! Procrastination is not your friend here.
2. MAKE A DATE WITH YOURSELF!
Don’t rely on the “if I have time I’ll work out” method, this is not prioritising. Remember that if Mum isn’t happy, no one usually is! Allocate a time, set and alarm or a reminder, make a date with yourself! This is where a set class (or FITSTOP LIVE) can be your best friend!
HOT TIP: Reach out to a friend or another mum. Throw on a Daily Sweat exercise and workout together - video calling is great for that!
3. SWALLOW YOUR PRIDE AND ADMIT THAT IT REALLY DOES TAKE A VILLAGE
And don’t I know it! I certainly didn't realise how much I relied on my village until isolation hit and we had to fend for ourselves. You are important! Your health and your happiness is important. Dads, big kids, roommates can give you 30 minutes, and when isolation is over, neighbours, friends. You don’t need to try to do it alone! Don't be afraid or to proud to ask.
4. GET CREATIVE, THERE REALLY IS ALWAYS A WAY
Mums are resourceful, expert multitaskers, so If you still can’t seem to find the time, use your Mumma skills and get creative! Get your kids involved, get them to join in the workout. I’ll be honest, this failed miserably for me with a toddler, so I know it can be easier said than done, but you will never know until you give it a go!
5. HOLD YOURSELF ACCOUNTABLE
Without this, nothing else will work. No one will force you, no one will ask you why you missed exercising today, no one except you! Find a way that works for you. Do you use a chore chart or wheel in your house, a schedule for the kids? Add YOU to the schedule; the schedule should include YOUR dedicated exercise time. I’ll say it again - you are important! Your health and happiness is important!
If you’re reading this and you’re not a Mum, might I suggest removing the need for her to follow any of the above. Give her the time, give her the motivation and above all, remember that everyday should be Mother's Day!
