As mothers, we are often the primary caretakers of our families' health. From putting food on the table and caring for our home to bandaging scraped knees or soothing a feverish child in the middle of the night, it's up to us to ensure our loved ones are in good shape physically, mentally, and emotionally. This role is not just about responding to health crises as they arise; it's also about preventing them through proactive measures and instilling healthy habits that will serve our children well throughout their lives.
Recognizing the Role of Moms as Health Advocates
The first step in this process is recognizing our critical role as health advocates. Our actions, attitudes, and decisions significantly impact the overall health and wellness of our families. We set the tone for our family's health culture. By prioritizing health and wellness ourselves, we can inspire our children to do the same. We can do the research and find all the different ways to support our families best. We are also the gatekeepers of our home. We decide what comes through our door: junk food vs whole food, toxin laden products vs clean products, etc.
Teaching Healthy Habits to Kids
One of the most effective ways to promote health within our families is by teaching our children healthy habits from a young age. This includes basic hygiene practices like hand washing and oral care, as well as regular exercise, sufficient sleep, and most important of all, balanced meals. Nutrition provides the foundation for our children's health for their whole lives, and we can help them have a fantastic start! Holistic remedies, such as essential oils, can also play a valuable role in maintaining health and treating minor ailments.
Remember, teaching is more than just telling; it's about showing and doing together. Make these activities fun and engaging – turn hand washing into a game, cook healthy meals together, or go for family walks or bike rides.
Navigating Health Information
In today's digital age, we have a wealth of health information at our fingertips. However, not all sources are reliable or applicable to our unique circumstances. It's essential to discern reliable sources, understand the information presented, and apply it effectively. Consider turning to reputable health organizations, holistic health practitioners, herbalists, aromatherapists, nutritionists, and others with many years of experience in their respective fields and positive results to show. Don't be afraid to ask questions or seek second opinions. Remember, informed decisions are empowered decisions.
Communicating with Healthcare Providers
When it is necessary to visit a healthcare provider, open communication with is crucial. Don't hesitate to ask questions, voice concerns, or share observations. You know your family best, so trust your instincts and advocate for what you believe is in their best interest. Your perspective is invaluable, and a good healthcare provider will appreciate your input and partnership in caring for your family's health. If your healthcare provider will not listen to you or discounts without merit the holistic options you would like to try, you are perfectly free to get a new healthcare provider who is more informed and is willing to work for you. This is a mindset shift I was able to make years ago. Your healthcare provider is not all-knowing, is not your boss, and you can fire them to find a better one who will work for and with you.
Be the Change You Want to See in Your Home
Finally, remember that as a mother, you are a powerful role model. The choices you make, the habits you cultivate, and the attitudes you display toward health and wellness will significantly influence your children. If you want your children to value health, show them what that looks like through your actions. Take responsibility and model what a healthy person eats, does, says, etc. This may take some adjusting, but we are all a work in progress, so do the best you can with the knowledge you have, and always seek to learn more! Let's empower ourselves to be the change we want to see in our homes.
Advocating for family health at home is a multifaceted endeavor. It requires us to recognize our role as health advocates, teach healthy habits, navigate health information, communicate effectively with healthcare providers, and lead by example. It's a challenging task but one that comes with significant rewards. Together, we can raise a generation of children who understand the importance of health and are equipped to take responsibility for their wellbeing.
Have picky eaters? Grab this guide: 7 Strategies to Help Picky Eaters Eat!
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Motherhood is a full-time job, and moms often find themselves juggling multiple roles and responsibilities. Despite this, it's possible to do it all and still have the energy to enjoy life. In this blog post, we'll explore four key things that can help moms maintain their energy levels and live a balanced life: sleep, eating well, NingXia Red, and exercise and add some practical daily tips.
Sleep: The Foundation of Energy
Sleep is a crucial aspect of maintaining energy levels, but we understand that getting enough rest can be challenging for moms, especially those with infants. While it may be difficult to get a full night's sleep, there are steps you can take to improve the quality of your rest:
- Create a relaxing bedtime routine to signal your body that it's time to wind down.
- Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet to create an optimal sleep environment.
- Take short naps during the day when possible, even if it's just 20-30 minutes.
- Share nighttime duties with your spouse or ask for help from family and friends.
Eating Well: Fueling Your Body
A balanced diet is essential for maintaining energy levels throughout the day. Focus on consuming nutrient-dense foods that provide sustained energy, such as whole grains, lean or plant-based proteins, healthy fats, and plenty of fruits and vegetables. Here are some tips for eating well as a busy mom:
- Plan your meals in advance to ensure you always have nutritious options on hand.
- Keep healthy snacks like nuts, seeds, and fresh fruits & veggies readily available.
- Consider meal prepping to save time and reduce stress during the week.
- Stay hydrated by drinking water throughout the day.
- Stay away from energy drinks, caffeine, and processed foods.
NingXia Red: A Nutrient-Packed Boost
NingXia Red is a powerful antioxidant drink made from wolfberries, essential oils, and other nutrient-rich ingredients. This natural supplement can support overall health and wellness while providing a much-needed energy boost. By incorporating NingXia Red into your daily routine, you can experience increased vitality and improved mental clarity. I found this when I was pregnant with my 7th child and had been dragging all day, and falling asleep at the dinner table every night. The very first day, I did not fall asleep early and I felt the benefits throughout my pregnancy, through labor and delivery, and breastfeeding, and I kept right on going - I have been drinking it since 2012. I still feel the benefits!
Exercise: Energizing Your Body and Mind
Regular physical activity is essential for maintaining energy levels and promoting overall well-being. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week. This can include activities like brisk walking, swimming, or yoga. Exercise not only helps to increase energy but also reduces stress and improves mood. Here are some tips for incorporating exercise into your busy schedule:
- Break up your workouts into shorter sessions throughout the day. 10 minute workouts can do amazing things!
- Involve your kids in your exercise routine, like going for family walks or bike rides.
- Choose activities that you enjoy and look forward to doing. I love dancing, so zumba and bar classes are my favorites!
Practical Daily Tips for Maintaining Energy
Finally, here are some helpful daily tips for managing your energy levels as a busy mom:
- Prioritize tasks the night before and focus on accomplishing the most important items first.
- Delegate responsibilities to your spouse or older children when possible.
- Set aside time for self-care, such as reading, journaling, or taking a relaxing bath - or even just take a long "break in the restroom." Ask for support from your spouse, friends, and family for this.
- Practice mindfulness and deep breathing exercises to help reduce stress and maintain focus.
- Use essential oils that support your adrenals or help you be alert.
While motherhood can be demanding, it's possible for moms to do it all and still have the energy to enjoy life. By focusing on sleep, eating well, incorporating NingXia Red, exercising regularly, and implementing practical daily tips, you can maintain your energy levels and live a balanced, fulfilling life as a mom. Remember to be patient with yourself and celebrate your accomplishments – you're doing an amazing job!
***If you need a supportive community and have health goals that include more energy, less stress, better sleep, lowering inflammation, or losing weight, check out the Jumpstart.
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Hey, moms! Tired of feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, and like you'll never have time to take care of yourself? Well, it's time to debunk these common myths about motherhood once and for all! We often hear myths and stereotypes about motherhood that can leave us feeling discouraged. These myths can create unrealistic expectations and even prevent us from taking action to improve our well-being. It's important to recognize that these myths don't have to define our experiences as mothers. The truth is, you don't have to live with constant exhaustion, overwhelm, or neglecting your own self-care.
Let's look at 3 mom myths.
Myth 1: It is inevitable that you will be exhausted.
The truth is that while motherhood can be demanding, it doesn't mean that you're destined for constant exhaustion. Check your priorities! It's ok to leave the least important things by the wayside for a season. Obviously, your family is #1! But to take care of your family, you must have energy! And the go-to can't be energy drinks, coffee, or other stimulants which wreak havoc on your adrenals. Prioritize sleep (when you can), fresh whole foods, exercise, and water. Add in my favorite antioxidant drink that kept me from falling asleep at the dinner table when I was pregnant with my 7th child, and you will be set! These may seem simple, but they make a world of difference and you will feel vibrant and alive. You can do it all and still have energy.
Myth 2: You will be overwhelmed.
Although motherhood comes with its fair share of challenges, it doesn't mean you'll always feel overwhelmed. Learning effective time management strategies, setting boundaries, and asking for help when needed can significantly reduce feelings of overwhelm. Developing these skills goes a long way to help you better manage stress and maintain a sense of balance in your life. Keep yourself organized and stay on top of things so they don't pile up, delegate tasks, and take breaks to recharge. This will ensure that you can handle the demands of motherhood without feeling constantly overwhelmed. Overwhelm is a state of mind, and by staying organized and maintaining a structured approach to daily tasks, you can effectively prevent it from taking over your life.
Myth 3: You will never have time to take care of yourself.
Self-care is crucial for all moms, and it IS possible to make time for it despite a busy schedule. By intentionally carving out moments for yourself (even just 5 minutes at a time if that's all you can manage during certain seasons), and integrating self-care practices into your daily routine, you can not only support your own well-being but also be better equipped to care for your family. Join a book club, learn meditation, just relax and enjoy some music, exercise, or indulge in hobbies that bring joy and fulfillment. While some of these may require getting help so you can do them, many are possible on a day to day basis by carving out a little time.
I wish I had someone tell me these things when I was younger, I learned them little by little, many times the hard way - by crashing and burning. If you are ready to take some time for yourself, take control of your health and well-being both physically and mentally, join me for the Jumpstart. By participating in this program, you'll gain access to a meal plans, schedule, and recipes, exercise routines, mindset mastery, and a supportive community of like-minded moms who share your goals and aspirations. The Jumpstart program provides guidance on creating sustainable habits that lead to increased energy and overall well-being. It is all designed to help you feel more energetic and less stressed, while promoting better sleep and releasing chronic inflammation.
Don't let these myths hold you back from experiencing a fulfilling and balanced life as a mom. All you need are some tools, knowledge, and support to debunk these misconceptions and embrace a healthier, happier version of motherhood. With a little guidance and determination, you can overcome these myths and thrive as a mom, proving that it's possible to find balance, energy, and joy in motherhood.
Sign up for the Jumpstart program today and start your journey towards a more vibrant, resilient, and fulfilled life as a mom.
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My grandmother died recently, and although she was 101 and in hospice, so we knew she wasn't well, if threw me off. Life can throw unexpected things our way, making it difficult to stay on top of our mental, physical and emotional health. When we are thrown off by the unexpected, we often get overwhelmed. Our emotions can show up in many different ways. This time, for me, I didn't really want to do anything and had low energy.
I've learned over the years that it's ok to take time to feel your emotions. It is ok to take a break. So I did. Here are a few things that are helping me get through. Looking at holistic approaches to combat the stressors of everyday life can be extremely beneficial!
Here are some holistic options to use when life happens:
- Essential Oils - Studies suggest that essential oils can help reduce stress and improve sleep. Try diffusing calming scents like lavender or orange in your bedroom or living room for a calming aroma and a sense of comfort.
- Prayer & Meditation - Taking time for prayer and/or meditation every day is an incredibly powerful way to start and end each day on a positive note, as well as helping you stay connected with God and yourself on a spiritual level. Even just five minutes of uninterrupted time spent in stillness can make all the difference!
- Get Support From Friends & Family - When life throws you curveballs, having people around us who truly understand us can be invaluable in reducing stress and anxiety levels; why not call a friend or family member for a chat when things get tough? And getting physical hugs from loved ones can be a miracle worker when we need it, so let yourself melt into a hug and feel the comfort it brings.
- Be Mindful Of Your Diet - Eating nutrient-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains provides the body with essential vitamins, minerals and healthy fats needed for proper functioning — so try to swap processed foods with healthier alternatives wherever possible! These can often be quick and easy to prepare, and they make you feel so much better overall.
- Find Time For Self-Care - When times are hard it’s important to remember that taking care of ourselves should always remain a priority — so make sure you schedule in ‘me-time’ regularly; take a nap, go for a walk, go out for lunch with friends or take an hour off to enjoy your favorite hobby!
Life happens to all of us, and can throw us out of our groove. Adopting these holistic practices into your daily routine may seem daunting at first– but stick with them and you’ll likely notice a positive shift in your wellbeing soon enough!
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Our sleep cycles are incredibly important — and getting enough restful sleep can make the world of difference when it comes to our energy levels! But with the pressures of modern life such as work, family and social commitments piling up, hitting the proverbial pillow at a regular hour is becoming an increasingly distant dream.
The thing is — without proper sleep, our productivity and well-being take a serious hit. So, what do our sleep cycles have to do with all this?
When we’re asleep, we go through different stages of being awake or being in deep restorative slumber. These stages are known as Non-REM (rapid eye movement) and REM (rapid eye movement) sleep cycles and they each play their own vital role in replenishing the body’s energy reserves.
During Non-REM sleep, which makes up about 75 percent of one's entire sleeping time, heart rate and breathing slow down significantly; meaning that cells can properly regenerate during this time. Furthermore, proper tissue growth in muscles and bones occurs during Non-REM sleep — making it key for athletes or anyone who requires physical strength for their job! On top of that, hormones like HGH (human growth hormone) are released during Non-REM; helping us stay leaner longer!
In REM sleep meanwhile — we experience vivid dreams due to heightened brainwave activity — which helps keep our brains sharp! Most importantly however — non-REM AND REM gets repeated throughout the night several times over until we finally wake up feeling refreshed and energized.
So chronic lack of the right hours of rest can set off a wave of patterns such as fatigue during the day; hormonal imbalances setting you up for mood swings or weight gain; poor concentration making your work suffer; weakened immunity preventing your body from fighting off disease etc. It is safe to say that getting adequate amounts of quality shuteye is essential for optimal energy levels!
To ensure that you get enough restful sleep every night — establishing a regular bedtime routine is key. Aim to turn off all screens at least an hour before going to bed and start winding down by reading a book or engaging in a light stretching session; relative darkness should be enforced within the bedroom too so opt out from having lights on while trying to snooze if possible. And lastly don’t forget to avoid large meals before hitting the sack as digestion problems might disrupt your slumber!
Need more tips on getting better sleep? Check out: 11 steps to a better night's sleep.
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