Confessions of a Tired Mom Trying to Do It All....
A Judgment-Free Breakdown of 5 Wellness Hurdles We’re All Stumbling Over
Because we’re all different, it’s really difficult to create health and wellness products (meal plans, fitness routines, wellness programs) that work for everyone. Different phases of motherhood. Different ages. Different social, cultural, or economic backgrounds. Different fitness levels. Different goals.
The list really does go on and on.
But from the moms I’ve worked with, and the social media commentary I’ve seen, there are five major issues MOST moms struggle with. NOT ALL, but most.
Number One is Weight Loss.
After giving birth, a lot of moms struggle to lose weight, whether it was weight they carried before the pregnancy, gained during the pregnancy, or battle to lose after the birth (even years later). Trying to lose weight is the number one concern of many moms.
And it’s completely understandable. Moms are dealing with the mental load and daily grind of life. It’s not easy (and at times seems downright impossible) to prioritize nutrition, movement, and hydration to effectively lose weight. When we are able to find that balance, it feels like a miracle. But then there’s that ever-present LIFE throwing up obstacles and roadblocks to derail us again.
The Number Two issue I see with busy moms’ health and wellness is STRESS.
It’s always there, and we’re constantly struggling with how to DEAL with it. Whether we’re trying self-care options, seeing a counselor/therapist, or just trying to tough it out, stress-management for busy moms is a constant.
Stress comes in so many forms like Mental Fatigue, Decision Overload, or Emotional Exhaustion. Big anxiety. Small worries. When we’re always dealing with those LIFE situations, stress can present in ways we don’t even realize. It’s the big and small stuff. It can be brief or ongoing. It can be mental, emotional, and physical. It’s important to recognize when stress is affecting your day-to-day life and doing what you can to mitigate it.
Number Three issue is Sleep Deprivation.
It’s kind of a given that as a busy mom you’re going to miss out on some sleep. The newborn phase is the worst until they start sleeping through the night. But even when they’re older and sleeping through the night regularly, things are going to happen: bad dreams, getting sick, accidents, etc.
And then there are our own personal issues that cause sleep problems.
Sleep Deprivation can cause health troubles ranging from weakened immune system, cardio-vascular risks (high blood pressure, inflammation, heart disease, stroke), and metabolic issues (disrupts hormones, increases appetite and cravings, type 2 diabetes risks, weight gain/obesity risks). These concerns build over time from a lack of sleep, and as busy moms, even though we’re trying to hold it all together, it’s important to work on your sleep habits.
These top three issues are somewhat interchangeable at times. Meaning, a lack of sleep can cause weight gain, weight gain can induce stress, and the stress can cause MORE issues with weight and sleep. And the vicious cycle can be daunting to break.
The Number Four and Number Five issues are “Mom Guilt” and Life Balance.
I think we all know “Mom Guilt”. Am I doing the right thing for: my kids, my spouse, my family, my friends, my co-workers, my community/church/social connections, etc.? And when we don’t feel like we’re living up to the expectations and commitments we’ve made to ourselves or others, the Mom Guilt can be overwhelming and shift into health problems if we’re not careful.
Along those same lines, Life Balance becomes a real problem for busy moms and can ALSO lead to health issues if not addressed. Even when we THINK we can do it all, it’s not healthy or wise to run ourselves ragged (and admit it, we ALL do it) trying to take care of stuff.
I’m going to add in here, before I get hammered for it, that I understand EVERYONE HAS DIFFERENT CIRCUMSTANCES. I know for a lot of moms, you HAVE to do it all, take care of everything, and those circumstances cause you to HAVE to run yourself into the ground.
I see you.
I understand. There’s no judgment here.
I’ve lived those circumstances. Still living them.
You are seen.
I’m pointing out that as busy moms, this is a real risk we face when trying to manage the Mom Guilt and Life Balance.
These 5 health concerns for busy moms are intertwined. One can lead to another, and another, and become so entangled it’s impossible to sort out how to fix it or where to start.
So, my advice is simple: START SMALL. Pick ONE SINGLE THING to change or work on.
Maybe it’s drinking more water or having a cup of green tea in the mornings. Maybe it’s eating an apple every day or five minutes of stretching before you climb into bed at night.
Picking one single thing to improve your health will create momentum and get you started, plus it’s not overwhelming or complicating your already hectic life.
The small steps add up and the little victories compound over time. They all count, and your progress will increase as you go. No matter what phase of motherhood or life you’re in, Starting Small will build momentum and make healthy living more doable, even when there’s dishes in the sink, laundry on the floor, and a full schedule ahead.