Maintaining a healthy lifestyle as a parent can be almost impossible to imagine. You have to juggle work, taking care of the kids, and keeping your health all at the same time. It’s easy to let some things slide by the wayside when you’re busy.
But it’s important to look out for yourself, even if it means sacrificing some of your free time. Below are some tips for maintaining a healthy lifestyle as a parent.
Get Plenty of Sleep
Typically, parents get far less sleep than they should. It’s common to forgo sleep to get things done or take care of everyone else around you. However, getting enough sleep is crucial to keeping up with your busy schedule and staying healthy.
If time allows it, try taking a nap during the day to make up for not sleeping at night. Doing so will help you stay alert and handle the stressors of parenthood.
If taking a nap during the day isn’t possible, make sure to go to bed early at night. It will ensure that your body gets enough rest it needs to power through the following day.
Eat Right
It can be tempting to grab junk food to eat between taking care of everyone around you. However, it does not equate to eating healthy meals.
Focus on making meals that are healthy and filling. Eating right will help you get through the day and keep your energy levels up. Try having a carbohydrate-rich breakfast to start your day right, such as oatmeal or toast with peanut butter.
Try packing a balanced lunch for work if you have trouble finding time to make one. There are plenty of balanced meals that you can make in advance to grab on your way out the door in the morning.
Similarly, when you get home from work, don’t make excuses for not cooking meals. It only takes about thirty minutes to make something healthy for dinner, and it will save you time later on when you have to cook for yourself.
Exercise Regularly
If you can, make it a goal to exercise regularly. It doesn’t have to be intense, even if you aren’t in shape. Take the stairs instead of the elevator or walk around at work during your breaks.
It would be best to aim to get about thirty minutes of exercise a day. It can be something as simple as doing laundry or housework, but it all adds up in the end.
If you’re busy and don’t have time for something like that, try fitting quick workouts into your daily routine. Try doing some sit-ups and pushups when cleaning the house or some cardio when accomplishing other chores.
It’s helpful to have access to exercise equipment so you don’t feel limited to what you can do. If you don’t have enough funds in your wallet, try to do some DIY workout equipment. A quick search can provide you with hundreds of videos and tutorials of exercise tools that don’t cost a thing.
Schedule Your Healthcare Visits
Regular visits to health professionals for routine medical and dental care are the key to good health. See your physician, dentist, and eye doctor as recommended for screenings and exams. These visits are typically scheduled by the time you reach adulthood. Still, new parents should get in the habit of organizing their checkups immediately upon bringing home the baby or before the baby’s first birthday.
Healthcare providers typically schedule routine examinations at least once a year for adults. Still, you should see your physician more frequently, especially if there are any health conditions in the family or if you’re experiencing any symptoms.
It’s not hard to get in the habit of scheduling these appointments. They typically require a simple phone call and a bit of planning.
Don’t Overindulge on the Kids’ Playtime
It’s easy to get wrapped up in what your kids want to do all day, especially if they aren’t occupied with school. But it’s important to give yourself some time for yourself.
If you feel guilty when trying to take some time alone, try scheduling your free time in advance. Block off an hour or two where you can sit around and do nothing. You might be surprised at how much energy you have when you’re not worried about the kids.
If you want to take it a step further, try going on a date night with your spouse if they’re not working the same shift as you. It might be expensive to do something like that, but it will give you some time away from everything else.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can be hard, especially when you’re a parent. But by following these simple tips, you’ll be on your way to a healthier you. So, as a parent, will you be able to stay healthy?
