Being a mom is one of the most rewarding but also stressful jobs in the world. If you're a busy mom who feels like you're constantly running around and never have a moment to yourself, it's important to find ways to reduce stress. Here are four tips to help you do just that.
1. Get organized
One of the best ways to reduce stress is to get organized. This may seem impossible when you're already juggling a million different things, but trust us, it will be worth it. Spend some time each day decluttering your home and your schedule. If the idea of decluttering overwhelms you, check out my blog How to Create Your own Declutter Checklist. Create a daily or weekly schedule for yourself and your family so everyone knows what's expected of them. I love using flexible planners like the Simplified to-do List Planner. And don't be afraid to ask for help! Delegating tasks to others will free up some much-needed time for you.
2. Make time for yourself
It's important to remember that you are an individual with your own needs and wants, not just a mom. Make sure to schedule some time each week for yourself, even if it's just an hour or two. Use this time to do something that makes you happy, whether it's reading, going for a walk, or taking a yoga class. Honestly one of my favorite things to do for myself is to take a Stressaway Coconut Milk Bath because it is so relaxing and makes me feel pampered. Taking care of yourself will help you be a better mom and will reduce your stress levels in the long run.
3. Simplify your life
One of the best ways to reduce stress is to simplify your life. This may mean cutting back on extracurricular activities for your kids or saying no to social engagements that you don't really want to attend. It's also important to simplify your daily routine by streamlining your wardrobe, meal planning, and grocery shopping. The less complicated your life is, the less stressed you'll feel on a day-to-day basis.
4. Don't sweat the small stuff
It's easy to get caught up in the little things and forget what's truly important in life. When you're feeling stressed, take a step back and remind yourself that the small stuff doesn't really matter in the grand scheme of things. Try not to sweat the small stuff and focus on what's truly important to you and your family.
5. Give yourself (and others) grace
It's easy to get caught up in the moment and say or do things we regret. So take a deep breath, slow down so you can think before acting - even if that means giving yourself some extra time! Use your words wisely because they will stay with us forever. We all make mistakes; let’s just learn from them instead of dwelling on what went wrong (or right!). Remember: grace is something given when someone recognizes their own flawiness without blaming others close by who may have done nothing wrong at all
Reducing stress as a busy mom can seem like an impossible task, but it's definitely doable with a bit of effort. By getting organized, making time for yourself, simplifying your life, not sweating the small stuff, and giving yourself and others grace, you can easily reduce stress levels and enjoy being a mom more than ever before!
If you're a mom with Hashimoto's disease, you know that breakfast can be a real challenge. You have to be careful about what you eat, because if you eat something that triggers your symptoms, it can make the rest of the day really tough. But at the same time, you need to make sure you're getting enough nutrients to keep your energy levels up. So what's a mom with Hashimoto's supposed to do?
There are a few things that you should keep in mind when you're planning your breakfast. First, you want to make sure that you're getting enough protein. This will help to keep your energy levels up and prevent any blood sugar spikes that could trigger your symptoms. Second, you want to include some healthy fats in your breakfast. This will help to keep you full and satisfied until lunchtime. And finally, you want to make sure you're getting some fiber. This will help to regulate your digestion and prevent constipation, which can also trigger Hashimoto's symptoms.
Some good breakfast options for moms with Hashimoto's include eggs (cooked in olive oil or butter), bacon or sausage (look for brands that are sugar-free and nitrate-free), avocado toast (on gluten-free bread), or a smoothie made with almond milk, protein powder, and berries.
Breakfast is definitely a challenge for moms with Hashimoto's disease. But by keeping a few things in mind, you can easily find a breakfast that will give you the nutrients you need without triggering your symptoms. So don't despair - there are plenty of delicious options out there!
One thing that helped me not only understand what was going on in my body and what I could eat was a book I found by a functional doctor; click HERE to check it out.
And be sure to join Happy, Healthy & Loving Life
This is our safe place to talk about the different things we use to help our families and ourselves live the happiest, healthiest lives possible
If you're a mom, you know that parenting is a full-time job. And, just like any other job, it comes with its fair share of emergencies. From spilled milk to lost homework, there's always something that needs your attention—and fast. That's why every mom needs an emergency binder.
What is an emergency binder, you ask? It's a binder full of important information that you may need in a pinch. Things like your child's medical information, contact information for their teacher, and a list of your family's allergies.
Basically, it's a one-stop shop for all the things that you might need in an emergency situation.
Why do you need an emergency binder? Well, think about it this way: would you rather spend precious minutes rummaging through your child's backpack for their medical form or have it right at your fingertips? In an emergency, every second counts—so having all of the information that you need in one place can be a real lifesaver.
So, what should you include in your emergency binder? Here's a quick list to get you started:
-Your child's medical information (including immunizations)
-A list of your family's allergies
-Contact information for your child's teacher(s)
-A copy of your child's birth certificate and/or passport (if you have one)
-An up-to-date photo of your child
-Any relevant insurance information
Of course, this is just a starting point—you'll want to tailor the contents of your emergency binder to fit your family's specific needs. Below is an emergency binder checklist you can grab for a more complete list.
But once you have all of the essentials gathered together, you'll be glad you did—trust me!
Moms are always prepared for anything—but sometimes, even the best laid plans can go awry. That's why every mom needs an emergency binder. A binder full of important information that you may need in a pinch, like your child's medical information or contact information for their teacher. So next time there's an emergency, you'll be glad you're prepared.
Grab a copy of my FREE Emergency Binder Checklist
The Emergency Binder Checklist outlines the sections to set up an emergency binder and identifies the items/information you will want to include in each of those sections.
Get a copy HERE!!
Is this a question that plagues you every time you are feeling low and happen to walk into a store. Why is it that when we are sad, we tend to spend money? Is it because we are trying to fill the void that we are feeling inside? Or is it because we think that buying things will make us happy?
I think there are a couple of reasons why we spend money when we are sad. First of all, when we are feeling down, we are more likely to indulge in impulsive behavior. We see something that we want and we buy it without thinking about whether or not we can afford it or if we really need it. Secondly, I think a lot of us use spending as a way to cope with our sadness. We think that if we can just buy that new shirt or those new shoes, then we will feel better. But the truth is, no amount of stuff can ever fill the void that we are feeling inside.
The next time you are feeling sad and find yourself in a store, ask yourself what it is that you are really looking for. Are you looking for something to make you happy? Or are you looking for something to help you cope with your sadness? If it’s the latter, then I would encourage you to put the credit card away and find another way to deal with your emotions. Maybe go for a walk outside or call a friend to talk. Whatever you do, don’t try to fill the void with stuff. It’s not worth it.
There are a few reasons why emotional spending is something you should try to avoid. First, it can be costly. When you're not thinking clearly, it's easy to overspend on things that you don't really need. Second, emotional spending is often a way of avoiding dealing with difficult emotions or situations. If you're constantly using shopping as a way to cope with your problems, then it's likely that those problems are only going to get worse. Finally, emotional spending can become a destructive cycle. The more you do it, the more likely you are to keep doing it. So if you find yourself engaging in emotional spending, it's important to nip it in the bud before it becomes a bigger problem.
Want to learn more about emotional spending?
GET MY GUIDE TO OVERCOMING EMOTIONAL SPENDING
One thing I have been looking to do lately is to be intentional about including protein in not only all my meals but my snacks too. And if I can get protein and fat, it is a double bonus because I know it will be sustaining.
So when I found this recipe that tasted too good to be true, I had to do the math!
Each yummy buckeye protein ball has 6.3 grams of protein- and I am not lying when I tell you that just two are enough to keep me going!! Be sure to read to the bottom to get a FREE SAMPLE!! And more recipes!!
Without further ado...
(I hate having to scroll for 10 minutes to find a recipe- Don't you?)
BUCKEYE PROTEIN BALLS RECIPE
ingredients
2 scoops (approx 1/2 cup) Vanilla Complete
1 Tbsp coconut oil
directions
6. Place dipped peanut butter protein balls- now Buckeye Protein Balls, on a parchment paper-lined tray
7. Place tray in fridge or freezer to set chocolate
xoxo-Enjoy!
Would you like a free sample of Complete to make your own at home?
CLICK HERE to get a free sample of Vanilla Complete- & more recipes!!
But you have to promise to come back and let us know how much you liked the protein balls!!
