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Even if you've never been on an airplane in your life, you're probably familiar with the oxygen mask principle. If oxygen masks deploy in the event of an emergency, the airline instructs adults to put their masks on first before helping children.
Why?
Because you won't be much help to them if you've already passed out.
The same principle applies to motherhood. You may think it's noble to sacrifice your own health for the sake of your family, but a healthy you is better equipped to take care of everyone. Taking time for yourself to go to the gym, work out at home, or attend to your physical needs is not selfish—it's a way to put your oxygen mask on first.
Here are just a few more reasons why moms (and all women) shouldn't feel bad about prioritizing their own needs.
Motherhood is physically demanding
It's not just labor and delivery that takes a toll on a mother's body. With all the demands of everyday living, it's no wonder so many women feel exhausted at the end of the day.
To top it off, many of them aren't getting the sleep they need. A study by the Sleep Research Society found that mothers are sleep-deprived for the first six years of parenthood. (Of course, when your children become teenagers and adults, you start to lose sleep for a whole new set of reasons.)
To improve sleep quality and overall health, women—particularly mothers—need proper nutrition and regular exercise.
Care for emotional and mental wellbeing
Even stronger than the physical burdens of motherhood is the emotional toll it takes. Study after study has shown that exercise can help alleviate stress, anxiety, depression, and even a bad mood. Yet the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 60% of U.S. women aren't getting enough physical activity.
Setting aside just 20 or 30 minutes a day to move your body will not only have physical benefits —your emotions will thank you, too.
Set an example for your children
Another reason to prioritize your health and wellbeing is because your children are watching you. Think about how many habits you picked up from your own parents—both good and bad. Some of these things you adopted by choice and others you may have picked up subconsciously.
One of the most important things you can do for your children is to set an example for how to take care of their bodies. In a study published by the National Institutes of Health, researchers found that children begin to mimic their parents' food choices from a young age.
If your children see that you prioritize healthy eating and exercise, they're more likely to follow your example.
Enjoy more quality time with your family
Mom guilt is real. Many mothers worry that if they take time out for themselves they're going to miss out on precious moments with their children.
Instead of focusing on quantity time, consider how taking better care of yourself might help you enjoy more quality time with your family. When you're exercising, eating right, and prioritizing self-care, you'll find you have more energy to show up the way you want to with your kid—and with everyone else.
Give the gift of health with this special offer for Mother's Day
Between the demands of work and family life, you may still be wondering how you're going to fit self care and exercise into your schedule. But prioritizing your health isn't something that needs to take hours of your time every day. You don't even have to leave your house if you don't want to.
The nutrition and fitness experts at Total Health and Fitness are here to help. They understand that there's no one set way to accomplish weight loss and overall health. They'll work with you to develop a custom-fit plan to meet your exercise and nutrition goals. You'll get recipes the whole family can enjoy, as well as exercise programs you can do at home, the gym, your office, or on vacation. It's a lifestyle program designed to last a lifetime.
Right now, Total Health and Fitness is running a Mother's Day special for women. For just $199 (normally $320), you get a 4-week introductory package that includes:
- Four one-on-one nutrition appointments with a nutritionist in person or online through Zoom
- A comprehensive, customized weekly menu
- Help setting exercise and nutrition goals
- Recipes for the whole family
- Tips for dining out and travel
- One free personal training assessment at the Total Health and Fitness gym
This package makes a great gift for moms and all women who are looking for a long-term solution for health and weight issues. Click here to get a free consultation where you can just mention the KSL ad to receive the special price.
Total Health and Fitness also offers gift cards that would be a great gift for the special mothers in your life.
For more information, visit totalhealthandfitness.com.
