Time, effort, discipline, consistency, patience, and knowledge are required.
As a mother of three, business owner, and a true health and wellness advocate, I often get asked how I balance my busy life. In truth, my self-care strategies frequently change as my children grow and progress through different stages of their lives. When adopting healthy practices that lead to a happier and more fulfilling life, be aware that change doesn’t happen overnight. It requires time, effort, discipline, consistency, patience, and knowledge. Choosing what I give myself daily is both empowering and liberating. I am feeling better than ever at 47 – my mind, body, and spirit are thriving, and it feels undeniably incredible!
Below are my six non-negotiable self-care tips for balancing a full life with purpose and passion:
A morning routine
As a mom and entrepreneur, I have developed daily habits to stay focused. My morning routine sets the stage for the day, and I believe habits are key to finding happiness and satisfaction in family, food, career, faith, and friendships. I love mornings because the quiet allows me to find myself without interruption.
Optimize nutrition
What we put in our bodies every day influences how we feel. Food is power, fuel, and health. It’s almost impossible to talk about improving oneself without talking about the food we consume. I eat Mediterranean-style food focusing on whole, real food, lean proteins, and bold flavours.
You are a priority
I’ve struggled with this throughout my life because motherhood requires mental, emotional, and physical energy, making it extremely challenging. My first intuition and priority are the kids; without a doubt, they come first. But I find that if I can carve out time for myself each day, I feel more energized, calmer, and happier and give more to everyone around me.
Rest
I have learned to say no to a lot of things. I have to be very strategic about where I put my time and energy and who I give it to. As an introverted extrovert, I crave time at home in my safe space to regroup and feel good. This has meant that often, I go to bed early or sit out many invites just because I know my time will be better spent resting. Rest is essential when it comes to feeling our best.
Time in nature
The best things in life are free, including time spent outdoors. I feel blessed to live surrounded by the ocean, mountains, and trees. I have spent countless hours walking in the forest, and some days, it made all the difference in attitude during the day. Get outside for a walk, breathe in the fresh air, and you will immediately feel the difference.
Gratitude
The practice of gratitude is powerful. Writing down three things I’m grateful for each morning is a habit I’ve been doing for many years, and I find it incredibly therapeutic. I encourage you to try a 30-day gratitude challenge where you write down what you are grateful for each day. Practising gratitude daily can help us stay present in the moment and focus on increasing our sense of joy, reducing our worries, and boosting our mood to amplify positive energy.
