1. Get plenty of sleep. There’s a reason you can still hear your madre say, “It’s past your bedtime!” Turns out getting the right amount of sleep is muy importante for your health. Lack of sleep can affect your mood, heart, and memory (to name a few). And let’s face it, as moms we need to be on our game. My goal is to start getting to bed an hour earlier than my usual time each night.
2. Exercise as often as possible. Part of my goal of going to sleep earlier is to have the energy to workout. Working out can help boost energy, combat disease, and — get this — promote sleep! Sounds like these healthy habits are starting to go hand in hand. And what better example for your child than for him to see you make your own health a priority.
3. Meditate to beat stress. I’ll admit, I’m not as patient as I’d like to be, but that doesn’t mean I can’t be. After a holiday hiatus, I’m kickstarting my meditation practice again with the help of the app Headspace for just 10 minutes a day. Mediation has been proven to help build your immune system, reduce stress, and it can make you feel happier overall.
4. Eat healthfully as often as possible. While our home is often filled with whole foods, fruits, and vegetables I’ve realized recently that I should start being as strict with myself about my fruit and vegetable intake as I am with my son about his! I was so worried about making him healthy lunches that I’d run out of the house with barely a few bites of toast in my stomach. I’m taking steps to make sure that each meal I eat is as colorful as his.
5. Read (or do something else soothing) to unwind. Sometimes we just need to unplug from everything. Phone, Computer, TV… even kids! I used to love reading just for pleasure. Yet, I know that if I don’t schedule it like a chore it’s just not going to happen. Reading even the latest chic lit book can help me relax and unwind.
6. Be grateful for what you have. It’s so easy to let a bad day feel like everything is doomed. I’ve set a daily gratitude reminder to my phone calendar to remind me that there’s always something to be thankful for, no matter what. Gratitude is linked to happiness after all.
Photo: Getty
