As a Busy, Working Mom, These Are 7-Ways I’ve prioritized My Health in 2023!
By Amanda Da Silva, B.Hkin, B.Ed, and M.Ed
5-minute read
It's essential to make time for ourselves, now more than ever.
As working moms, it can be easy to get caught up in our daily routines and forget about our own needs.
We're constantly taking care of others—our kids, our partners, our parents—while we neglect ourselves. That's why this year I'm making a commitment to becoming a dedicated champion of self-care! It's never too late to start nurturing our minds and bodies. With a little determination and consistency, we can achieve big things!
So, join me in making 2023 the year we prioritize our health and well-being!
These are 7 ways I’ve prioritized my health in 2023.
Morning Mindfulness in Bed
'Tis the nighttime! Away from the hustle and bustle of daily life, this momma's most productive hours arrive with sunset - my 'magic hour'. Humble home comforts set a tranquil atmosphere, dozing fur-babies in front of crackling logs, feathered friends snuggled away for dreamland. It's pure bliss as I soak up some precious me-time to make magic happen.
Quiet nights are the perfect opportunity for creative productivity, but I digress. As soon as my alarm goes off in the morning and before my feet hit the floor, I give myself a few moments to check in and set an intention for the day. This is my own personal time where I can focus on myself and just be present. No phone, no checking messages, or emails! I take a few slow deep breaths and remind myself of the importance of being mindful throughout the day regardless of what is thrown at me.
Reflecting in the morning helps me get into a mindset of positivity, energy, and gratitude. Taking a few moments out of each day to pause, reflect, and be kind to myself brings greater balance into my life. By committing to mindfulness, I start my mornings with optimism and set an uplifting tone for all the adventures ahead.
No.2: Daily Reading (30 minutes)
Want to start each day with a positive mindset? Give reading a try- it's been an awesome source of inspiration for me and has definitely helped set the tone for good days ahead! My morning routine is one of the most important parts of my day. I make sure to dedicate at least 30 minutes to reading a book I’m enjoying.
I am a big fan of the Blinkist app which is an abridged version of books that only takes around 20 minutes to read. With this in mind, I set my alarm half an hour earlier before the craziness of getting ready for school starts in my household. This is also a great opportunity for me to reflect and focus on my goals for the day and reframe my mindset. Doing something productive for myself right off the bat also helps me stay motivated and organized throughout the rest of my day.
Starting your day with a short inspiring reading can set the tone for a productive and fulfilling day. Here are some examples to get you started:
● "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho
● "The Power of Now" by Eckhart Tolle
● "Man's Search for Meaning" by Viktor Frankl
● "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen Covey
● "Atomic Habits" by James Clear
● "The Daily Stoic" by Ryan Holiday
No.3: Investing in some health technology: Red Light Therapy
As busy moms, we have a lot on our plates, but that shouldn't mean prioritizing our own health and well-being should be put on the back burner.
Health technology is the perfect way to do just that! It can save loads of time and make self-care so much more accessible. From fitness trackers and heated pillows to massage guns and diffusers, investing in health technology can help you take control of your self-care routine and put yourself first!
I recently purchased this device called the Kala Red Light Mini, Canada’s #1 Portable Red-Light device, and love it. I initially got it to alleviate my muscle and joint pain, but the benefits of this device extend even further. Red light therapy has been highlighted for its incredible benefits in recent years. It can reduce inflammation, improve cellular health, and stimulate collagen production. Not only does red light therapy help with physical conditions, but it can also help with mental clarity and overall relaxation.
Studies have found that red light therapy can help to regulate circadian rhythm, relieve anxiety, reduce stress levels, improve sleep quality, enhance cognitive performance, increase energy levels, and more [1][2]. All this from a few minutes of daily use of this amazing device! Health technology can make it easier for you to nurture your body in effective yet practical ways.
Spend a few extra minutes each day giving back to yourself and experience the wonderful result of self-care: better health, renewed energy, and inner peace.
No.4: Consistently Moving My Body Daily
Consistently moving my body daily has become a habit of mine, and I make sure to fit in at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise per day.
Just a half hour of daily activity can make all the difference for your health! Keeping fit will strengthen bones, build muscle strength, and boost your mood. It also lowers risk factors related to heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, and certain cancers.
Being able to track my activity with the newest technology on my Apple iWatch is a great way to stay motivated and accountable for achieving my fitness goals. Of course, having 3 dogs that eagerly await their daily walk is an excellent incentive for me to stay consistent. Nurturing my body and keeping it active are two essential habits I'm devoted to keeping up daily - and you should too!
No.5: Crockpot for the win
When it comes to preparing delicious and healthy meals, we can be hard-pressed for time.
The answer - invest in a crockpot! Create slow-cooked stews, soups, curries, or even steamed vegetables and desserts using this wonderful appliance. Crockpot cooking is your secret weapon for preparing low-effort yet delicious and nutritious meals that even picky eaters will love. Your kids won't even realize they're eating their veggies.
Instead of spending precious time prepping ingredients, opt for convenience with frozen vegetables or pre cut meats. With fewer dishes and messes, it's the perfect win-win dinner solution for busy parents and growing kids alike. Whether it’s a crockpot, instapot, or air fryer, get ready for quick and tasty family dinners without hassle!
No.6: 20 lbs. Weighted Blanket
Sleep can often be elusive, but with a 20 lbs. weighted blanket you'll soon find yourself drifting off peacefully!
I've never felt so refreshed and energized. My weighted blanket has totally revolutionized my sleep, giving me the most peaceful nights of deep slumber. I'm all smiles come morning time - a true blessing that's changed up my nightly routine in such an amazing way.
This blanket stimulates deep touch pressure, which helps relax your body and ease anxiety for some serious stress relief. And the benefits don't stop there! In fact, weighted blankets also stimulate the production of serotonin and endorphins. This can drastically improve your mood and reduce cortisol levels in the body (the primary hormone associated with stress). Bonus points because you get to stay snug during those chilly nights.
So, when morning comes around, you wake up full of energy – sweet dreams indeed!
No.7: Creating a Bedtime Routine
We, busy moms, could use some self-love, and what better way to treat ourselves than winding down with a soothing bedtime routine each night?
It's not just our kids who need consistency - we do too! So, let's give ourselves the gift of relaxation and get into that cozy nighttime groove for refreshing sleep every single night.
My bedtime routine is an important part of my day. It’s something I have to prioritize if I want to be able to show up as the best version of myself. There are a few simple things that I do to prepare myself for bed and ensure that I get a good sleep. I start by dimming the lights, turning the phone to silent, plugging it in and putting it away, and taking a magnesium supplement. This signals to my body that I’m ready to relax as I prepare for sleep. Then, I turn my Himalayan salt lamp on and write three things I’m grateful for.
Note: Himalayan salt lamps are believed to help improve air quality by purifying the air in your home, neutralizing electromagnetic radiation from electronics, and even reducing allergic reactions and asthma symptoms.
Creating your bedtime routine is all about figuring out what works for you and then sticking with it! This can help you reduce anxiety and create healthier bed habits so you can wake up energized and refreshed. I highly recommend setting a consistent time for going to bed, avoiding screens at least 30 minutes before bed, using breathing exercises to destress, reading or journaling to relax your mind, and finishing with a quick meditation practice. Enforcing your bedtime routine will set the stage for a rewarding night of sleep and healthy living!
There are so many small changes we can make to take better care of ourselves and achieve our health goals. Making even small shifts in how you manage your day-to-day life can lead to big improvements in your physical and mental health.
By taking these steps each day and making deliberate choices that support my health and well-being, I know that I can be my best for myself and my family.
What are some ways you're going to prioritize your health in 2023? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Hi! I’m Amanda Da Silva.
I’m a mother of two boys, a wife, daughter, teacher, entrepreneur, former CEO, and life-long learner. I’m all about personal growth, community 💕, and being of service. (Find out more about me here.) In addition to being passionate about personal development, I’m an educator and coach with 20-years experience teaching and leading in the BC school system. I have a B.Hkin, B.Ed, and M.Ed, specializing in leadership and administration. Creating community and leading thriving teams are two of my favourite things to do. I also love helping people live empowered and growth-oriented lives.
I hope you’ll join me as we build our success together! 🙌
