Lauras Crafty Life: Smart Thinking Lifestyle Tips

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When you are getting ready to take off on an airplane, the flight attendant tells you, in case of an emergency, put on your own oxygen mask before helping those around you. I think this same theory applies to being a mom. You must help yourself if you ever plan on helping anyone else.

Here are some tips for taking care of you:

1. Get plenty of rest.

This one seems like it should be easy, but can be extremely difficult when you have small children, especially if they are not good sleepers. I know for me personally, I don’t have nearly as much patience to deal with my children and life, if I am tired. Try to get the recommended 7 – 9 hours of sleep your body needs. It might mean going to bed earlier, taking a nap when your child sleeps, or sharing some of the night-time duties with your spouse.

I find it hard to fit exercise into my day, so I either wake up before my kids and work out or find ways to be active with them throughout the day. I do sit ups or push ups while we play on the floor, I play baseball or soccer outside with my son, and if the weather is bad, my son and I will challenge each other on the Wii Fit. You don’t have to be a marathon runner, but try to fit physical activity into each day. It can be as simple as taking a walk with the stroller to actually working out at the gym. Exercising makes you feel better about yourself, gives you more energy, relieves stress and makes it easier to fall asleep at night.

3. Eat right and drink plenty of fluids.

I am by no means a perfect, super healthy eater. But I try to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and limit fat and sugar. For me, it is important to allow myself small treats as a part of my normal diet. I don't feel deprived and don't feel the need to pig out on junk food. Be sure to eat breakfast. It jump starts your metabolism and sets you up to not overeat the rest of the day. And drink your water. I have noticed that I am incredibly sluggish and just don't feel quite right if I don't get enough to drink throughout the day.

4. Nurture your relationships.

Be sure to carve out kid free time with your spouse. If you are on a budget, you don’t have to go out. You can have a “date night” at home after you put the kids to bed. Even just spending 15 minutes each day really talking to one another with no distractions can do wonders to keep your relationship fresh and new. You must also make time for your friendships. It can feel very isolating when you are home alone with just your kids all day. There is something to be said for having adult conversations! And knowing you are not alone in what you are feeling or dealing with can be a tremendous mood booster.

5. Schedule time for yourself EVERY day!

This is the one I personally have the hardest time with. It is completely necessary to do something YOU love to do each and every day. Give yourself a pedicure, take a hot bubble bath, read a romance novel, flip through the pages of your favorite magazine, sing, dance, watch your favorite show, or if you are like me, do something crafty. Only you will know what recharges your batteries. Finding time to do something for yourself will make a world of difference in having something to offer your spouse and children. You might have to carve out time for this and in result something else has to give. Remember, the laundry and sticky floors will still be there tomorrow.

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Having a happy, well adjusted mommy is absolutely necessary! As moms (and women), I think we often feel guilty about putting our needs first. But, if you can realize you are really helping out everyone in your entire family, it will go a long way to ease some of that guilt. It is okay to put yourself first.