Your nose is running. Your body aches. You know you got that
cold from your seven-year-old. The work project you’ve been
struggling with is due Friday, and you keep telling yourself, “I
just don’t have time to be sick.”
No career-committed mother wants to give up her precious time to
illness. But the truth is if you don’t make time for your
health, you will have to make time for illness. And, illness, we
all know throws a curve ball at our balance.
So how do you fit in exercise, relaxation and all those fresh
carrots and green vegetables when time is so limited in your
life already?
Start by reclaiming ownership of your health. Good health is
about integrating all aspects of your life—body, mind and
spirit. It’s more than adding three hours a week at the gym to
your schedule. It’s about obtaining a general sense of
well-being. Take a step back and look at your health from a more
holistic perspective—exercise is just one part of the equation.
Examine how you are treating your body. Are you respecting it in
terms of nutrition, movement and rest? Are you tuned in and
paying attention to how you feel?
See Your Doctor(s) Regularly If you haven’t seen your general
practitioner lately, make an appointment for a full physical
exam. That includes checking your cholesterol and blood pressure
levels and, if you’ve been feeling particularly stressed or
tired, having your thyroid and adrenal gland checked as well.
This will give you a base measurement from which you can go
forward.
While you’re looking after yourself, schedule an appointment or
medical screening with your dentist and optometrist as well.
You’d do it for your car, so why not your body? In particular,
if you’re experiencing any unusual symptoms, don’t ignore them.
Lumps, bumps, knots and fatigue are your body’s way of saying
that something requires your attention. Tell the appropriate
health-care provider about them.
Become a Strategic Eater The fuel you put into your body can
make all the difference to your health and energy levels.
Practicing good nutrition means learning about food. It does not
mean dieting. Understanding which foods give you energy and
which rob you of your vitality is essential to keeping you at
your best. Different metabolisms call for different combinations
of fat, protein and carbohydrates, and through being aware of
what you’re eating and how you’re feeling you will know what
foods combine to bring you maximum energy.
While becoming clear which foods work best for you, start
thinking about the size and frequency of your meals. Eating
small amounts five or six times a day has proven to be better
for us than three large meals. It is easier on the digestive
system and provides a more constant, even flow of energy to the
body, avoiding the hunger peaks and valleys. You’ll be less
tempted to grab that chocolate bar or bag of potato chips to get
you through the afternoon, and you’ll arrive home with better
energy to face the evening.
About the author:
Lisa Martin is the founder of Briefcase Moms™, a company that is
dedicated to helping time-starved working mothers manage the
competing priorities of motherhood without guilt and stress. As
a mother and professional personal coach with more than 18 years
of corporate and entrepreneurial experience, Lisa understands
the stresses facing career-committed professionals. Sign up for
Briefcase Moms™ complimentary publications Taking Care of Mom™
http://successandbalance.com
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