Back to school season is here! Alarm clocks are ringing earlier, breakfasts and lunches have to be made, and after-school activities have to be coordinated. It’s easy to lose yourself in the mix of your children’s schedules. As we adjust our routines, it is important to put your health and well-being first. Here are five tips, from SlimFast Plan Consultant and Registered Dietitian, Maryann Walsh, to keep yourself physically, nutritionally, and mentally healthy for the rest of the year.
1. Start your Day Off Right with Breakfast
One of the best ways to keep up with your busy schedule is by eating breakfast. Eating breakfast kick-starts your day and sustains energy levels. SlimFast meal replacement bars, shakes, and smoothies are a nutritious, quick, and easy way to start your day
2. Stay Hydrated
Since the duties of a busy parent come at all times throughout the day, it is important to stay hydrated. Fill a water bottle up with water and bring it with you to drink throughout the day. Aim to drink at least 8 cups of water per day, which will keep your energy levels high and aid digestion. Not sure if 8 cups of water per day is the right amount for you? Check out this article to learn more about how to figure out your water needs.
3. Find Ways to Make Exercise Fun
You don’t need to spend hours exercising each day to stay fit. Try dedicating 20-30 minutes a day or approximately 150 minutes per week to do something that increases your heart rate. This could be gardening, running, playing tennis, playing basketball or soccer with your kids, or even doing a free 20 minute at-home workout. Choose a form of activity that makes you feel empowered. Here is a great full-body workout that you can do in just 10 minutes!
4. Schedule Time for Self-Care
As a parent, it’s normal to put everyone in the family before yourself, especially during the school year. Amidst all of those extracurricular activities, projects, sleepovers, and PTA meetings, you have to set aside some time for yourself. When you take this time to escape from your parental duties, you can rest, pamper yourself, meditate, talk to friends, watch tv, or do anything that helps you rest and recharge.
It‘s important to not feel guilty setting aside “me time.” You need to be at your best to give everyone else your best.
5. Prioritize Sleep
A good night's sleep is incredibly important for your health. Sleeping six to eight hours per night is essential to your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Here are some tips for improving your sleep!
Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup and by taking care of yourself you will be able to better take care of those that you love.
ABOUT MARYANN
A consultant of the SlimFast Plan, Maryann is a Registered Dietitian with Bachelor of Science degrees in Biological Sciences and Dietetics and a Master of Food and Nutrition. She has extensive experience working with clients of all ages and from all walks of life, helping them to achieve their wellness and weight-loss goals. Learn more about Maryann.