Do you feel overwhelmed? Do you want to start feeling vibrant and alive again? Spring is here. Or at least this is what the calendar says. When I look through the window in Calgary, I don’t see many signs, unfortunately. Everything is grey and sad.
Winter was long and it is time for us to feel spring in our step.
We are parents and we are always on the go, always working, and taking care of our families. We also need self-care. If we don’t take care of ourselves, who will?
If you are planning to start a gentle period of detox or cleanse, these tips will help you jumpstart it.
I struggle with some things from the list too, especially number 5. I don’t watch much TV, but I do sit and work in front of the computer for long periods of time. Some say that sitting is the new smoking. One of my resolution for these upcoming months is to sit less and move more.
On that note, here are my 6 tips for parents to feel vibrant and alive.
1. Get enough sleep.
Please don’t skimp on sleep!
If you know your child wakes up early and you have to be awake with them early in the morning, try and go to bed 30 minutes earlier than your usual time. More sleep gives the body the chance to recover from the previous day’s hard work, stress, and worry. It also prepares us for another long day of successful work and play.
2. Drink 2 liters (8 cups) of water and herbal teas every day.
I can’t emphasize enough how important drinking enough water is for the body. We are mostly water and our body needs water to function properly.
You know you want to drink more water and tea every day. You know you are dehydrated, but it always seems hard to find the time to drink a glass of water.
To achieve this, fill a 1-liter bottle of water in the morning and also make yourself a big cup of tea. Try to drink the water and the tea before 1 pm. Then at 1 pm fill the bottle again and make another tea and try to drink them before you go to bed.
3. Avoid drinking pop or commercial juice.
Drinking empty calories and sugar will make us feel sluggish and tired. Let’s not buy these drinks once and for all!
However, if you really enjoy them, drink them only on special occasions. Don’t buy them every day and don’t keep them in your house.
If the juice is freshly made, then drink as much as you can, especially it is mostly made of vegetables.
4. Stop smoking.
We all know that smoking is a bad habit to have and that is a hard habit to break.
My parents smoked since they were in their early 20s and they tried many times along the years to stop. They were not successful, although they knew smoking was bad for their health.
What helped them and made them commit to not smoking anymore was coming to Canada to visit us. They did not want to expose their grandchildren to cigarette smoke and they quit cold turkey the second they landed on Canadian land. My husband and I are not smokers, so we were very happy that my parents were able to make the decision to stop smoking.
During Nutrition School, many of my colleagues were talking about a book that helped them or their relatives and friend to stop smoking.
The book is called “Easy way to stop smoking” and it is written by Allen Carr. If you decide to read it because you need help to stop smoking, I would love if you tell me your results.
5. Move more. Spend less time in front of your computer/phone/iPad, TV etc.
As I said before, I am guilty of this as I sit and work in front of the computer for long periods of time. What I started doing is scheduling my periods of activity. So now I have 30 minutes put aside for whatever exercise I choose to do (walking, lifting weights at home, or following an exercise DVD or YouTube video). I usually do this as soon as I get up so that I make sure I don’t miss it.
6. Find a couple of 10 minutes throughout the day to just sit, relax, and try to quiet your mind and body.
I know, who am I kidding? What parent has 10 free minutes?
Having said that, I still truly believe that we can all find them, these 10 minutes. These quiet times will recharge us and give us more patience to deal with what’s to come and make the most of our challenges. Find a quiet place in your house or at work, retire there for 10 minutes, and try to quiet your mind and relax your body.
I find that being in the bedroom works well for me as long as I don’t announce my kids I am going there. If I tell them, then I know for sure they will follow.
Don’t try to make all these changes at once. Choose one tip and stick with it for 7 days. Then choose another one and add it to the first one.
Write down your goal and the ways to plan on achieving your goal in big letters and stick the paper to the fridge or make it your phone background. It will help you remember that you need and want to make the change.
What about you? What areas would you like to improve yourself in? How are you planning on achieving your goals? Do you need help? Write your questions in the comment section below and I will do my best to answer them.
Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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