Archive for Mom’s Well-Being

Taking Care of Mom: 5 Simple Ways to De-Stress

By admin · Comments (9)
Thursday, March 22nd, 2012

5 Simple Ways to De-StressAs a mother, it is SO easy to get caught up in the everyday chaos of life with kids. However, this doesn’t mean you have to be stressed out as you deal with the daily struggles Motherhood brings. While it might sound next to impossible, you can find ways to de-stress.

Here are 5 simple ways to de-stress.

Be Selfish:

That’s right – be selfish. I know this goes against everything mothers are “supposed” to be, but every now and then it’s okay to think of yourself. There are days when we, as mothers, get extremely overwhelmed. We’re being pulled in so many different directions. This is when it is good to take 30 minutes to an hour to yourself, for yourself – just to do whatever you want. It doesn’t matter if it’s writing in a journal, reading or taking a nap – do whatever you want. You will feel relaxed, de-stressed and able to focus after your mini-break.

Listen to Music:

Who doesn’t spend time in the car driving to and from work, or taking the kids to the various places they need to be? That’s a good time to try listening to music. It has a way of releasing the worries we have been carrying with us throughout the day. Make a CD containing a collection of your favorite “feel good” songs and keep in your car so always have uplifting music at hand. You’ll find that this CD will help your spirits on the days when everything seems to be bringing them down.

Have Quiet Time:

One of the easiest ways to calm your nerves and let go of your stress is to set aside some time each day to just sit and relax. Find the time that works best for you – early in the morning before you wake your children up for school, mid-morning or afternoon when they are at school, even right before bed has been found to work too. Regardless of when you do this, think of it as your time to clear your mind and calm your nerves – so, give it a try. It doesn’t have to be much time – as little as 20 minutes!

Pamper Yourself:

For most mothers, when they think about pampering themselves, they think it just isn’t feasible. However, what I mean is not the normal kind of “spa-treatment” most associate pampering with. The kind I’m suggesting is “home-spa” pampering. Purchase a few nicely scented candles, bath salts and new lotion. Once the kids are in bed, lock yourself in the bathroom and light the candles while you fill the tub with steaming water and watch the bath salts dissolve. Take a long (minimum of 30 minutes) bath and then apply the lotion once you’re out and dry. You will be surprised at how relaxed you will feel afterwards.

Phone a Friend:

Sometimes, life can seem unbearable and it’s just too much for us to take by ourselves. This is when it’s helpful to pick up the phone and call a friend. Another Mom, or friend who may be able to identify with what you’re going through, or could offer an objective view. We all have days when we just need to vent. However, it isn’t good to vent to our children and, sometimes, our spouses as well – they don’t always understand or make things worse by trying to “fix it.” Pick up the phone and call a friend. Tell her what’s going on and that you’re just venting. You’ll feel much better once you are done and your stress level will be lower too.

These 5 simple ways should help you, as a mom, escape Motherhood and all its stressors, at least for a little while. It’s important, as Moms, that we each take time to focus on ourselves, and de-stress to make us more relaxed as we face the day-to-day struggles and challenges that life with kids brings. Reach out, or look inward – find those simple ways to help you de-stress, and you will be a better Mom for it.

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Categories : Mom's Well-Being, Our Spirit
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Finding More Me Time

By admin · Comments (3)
Wednesday, March 14th, 2012

It’s important to have time for you. Moms are the ones who never seem to have enough time for the things they enjoy. Between taking care of husbands, children and the house, they barely have time to breath, let alone relax. What can you do to find a little more time for yourself? You might not be able to take a week’s vacation, but even a few minutes here and there can make a big difference.

Mothers’ Day Out

There are many childcare centers, some in churches, that provide a Mothers’ Day Out program. These programs do not require that your child be registered for daily care. You can use the program a day here and there as needed. The time could be used for shopping, doctor appointments, or even just going home and pampering yourself. The prices on these programs vary, but it could be worth it to just get an hour or two free.

Play Dates

Depending on the age of your children and their friends, you might be able to arrange play dates for your children. By trading off the play date location, both the friend’s mom and you get a break. If it works out well, and more families are willing, you could include another family or two, gaining more free time for all the moms involved.

Tea Time

Taking even a short break during the day can be enough to recharge your batteries. Find a way to keep the kids entertained for a few minutes. It just has to be long enough to sit down and have a cup of your favorite tea, coffee or hot chocolate. The kids could have a snack, or a small craft project (that’s easy to clean up you don’t want to cause extra work). Sit where you can still see the kids, and just relax. If the children are too small to be left alone, put them down for a nap, or wait until they are in bed for the evening.

Date with Dad

It’s important for the kids to spend some quality time with dad. Why not suggest he take them out for a mini-date, while you stay home and relax. Have dinner as a family, and then they can go for dessert at the local ice cream shop. Or go to a fast food place that has an indoor playground. They can get a treat, and the kids can play for a while, and you get some peace and quiet.

Mothers’ Helper

Sometimes it’s nice to just have another pair of eyes and hands around the house. Many young girls take babysitting courses, but still need experience taking care of young children. If you can hire a mother’s helper for an hour or two a week, not only do you get a break, but they also get the needed experience. It is very helpful, especially if you have young children and aren’t comfortable leaving them with a sitter yet. You can still be close by, but you don’t have to be in the same room. This also makes a better transition when you are ready to leave your children with a sitter.

There are always ways to find time for yourself. It’s a matter of using the resources around you and putting your sanity at the top of the list. When you take care of yourself you’re better equipped to take on the family and all that life entails.

Photo courtesy africa

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Positive Self Talk: Re-Program Your Mind

By Val · Comments (0)
Wednesday, June 8th, 2011

Affirmations are essentially positive statements that re-program your mind for the positive. This positive self-talk is easier to implement than you might think. The moment you have a self-defeating thought, counter the negative with a motivating statement. An example of a positive affirmation is: “I am worthy of great success,” or “I see myself in the winner’s circle.” What this does is replace negativity with thoughts that will help you move toward your goals instead of further away from them.

You may not be aware of the severity of the negative dialogue currently within your mind. However, once you begin with positive self-talk, you will suddenly realize that you are self-sabotaging the goals you set for yourself from the minute that you make them. This process can make you aware of exactly how much that inner conversation has been interfering with your life. You’ll start believing that you can now set goals and surpass them.

Through positive self-talk you will be able easily set long and short-term goals for yourself. And when you use affirmations, you’ll have those tools accessible to help you push yourself further than ever before. Learning to quiet negativity and re-program your mind with positive thoughts is a great move toward setting and attaining future goals with ease.

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Positive Self Talk: The Powers of Attitude

By Val · Comments (0)
Thursday, July 1st, 2010

Here’s a question. When you enter a party filled with friends, do they all fall silent as if something terrible had happened? Or does everybody there perk up as if waiting for something exciting to happen?

You know what? The answer to all these depends on your frame of mind.

Thoughts are very powerful. They affect your general attitude. The attitude you carry reflects on your appearance, too – unless, of course, you are a great actor. And it doesn’t end there. Your attitude can also affect people around you. The type of attitude you carry depends on you. It can be either positive or negative.

Positive thoughts have a filling effect. They are admittedly invigorating. Plus, the people around the person carrying positive thoughts are usually energized by this type of attitude. A positive attitude attracts people.

Negative thoughts on the other hand have a sapping effect on other people. Aside from making you look gloomy and sad, negative thoughts can turn a festive gathering into a funeral wake. A negative attitude repels them. People tend to shy away from those who carry a negative attitude.

We can also define attitude as the way of looking at the world. If you choose to focus on the negative things in the world, more or less you have a negative attitude brewing up. However, if you choose to focus on the positive things, you are more likely carry a positive attitude.

You have much to gain from a very positive attitude. For one, studies have shown that a positive attitude promotes better health. Those with this kind of attitude also have more friends. projecting a positive attitude also helps one to handle stress and problems better than those who have a negative attitude.

A positive attitude begins with a healthy self-image. If you love the way you are and are satisfied, confident, and self-assured, you also make others are around feel the same way.

A negative attitude, on the other hand, has, of course, an opposite effect. So, carrying a negative attitude has a twofold drawback. You feel bad about yourself, and you make others feel the same way.

If you want a healthier outlook in life, you need to think happy thoughts, and you have to hear positive things as well. So, what can you do? Well, for starters, you could see a funny movie, you could play with children, spend some time telling jokes with friends. All these activities fill you with positive stimuli, which in turn promotes positive attitude. Focus on the good things, the positive things in life.

This positive attitude you now carry can be of benefit to other people. Sometimes when other people feel down, the thing people mostly do is try to give them advice. But sometimes, all they need is somebody to sit by them, and listen to them. If you have a positive attitude you may be able to cheer them up without even having to say anything.

As always, if you are beset by troubles, even in your darkest hour, focus on the good things in life, you will always have hope. Problems become something you can overcome. Your positive attitude helps you see through the dark to that light at the end.

You do not have much to lose by adopting a healthy, positive attitude. Studies show that such an attitude actually slows aging, makes you healthier, helps you develop a better stress coping mechanism, and has a very positive effect on all the people you meet every day. So, what’s not to like about a positive attitude? Adopt one today.

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Categories : Mom's Well-Being, Our Spirit

To Help You Create Balance

By Val · Comments (0)
Wednesday, June 2nd, 2010

Moms in business – Join us (myself and my MomChats.com partner Val) this weekend, Saturday, June 5th, for our special preview call with our good friend Lisa Robbin Young! Learn from her personally about The Peace System, her simple process to create lasting, positive change, in minutes (this is NOT about affirmations!). During the call, you will learn:

* The critical connection between values and beliefs
* How what you believe about your clients/customers dictates your success
* Why changing your beliefs “overnight” will usually fail

We have a more detailed post, with more information including the call-in number at MomChats.com – Create Balance With The Peace System. Check out the details, and if this is for you, we hope you’ll join us Saturday at 1:30PM Eastern.

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Natural Homemade Beauty Recipes

By Val · Comments (0)
Thursday, April 22nd, 2010

Nature is the newest trend in skin and hair care. For years, we’ve been putting toxic chemicals into our bodies that build up and make us feel tired and sick, regardless of whether we eat them or if they seep though our pores. And people have caught on that natural is better.

Most stores now have a line of “natural” beauty products. Unfortunately, they often come with a big price tag attached too. Often times many of these products are not actually “natural” so it does pay to do your homework to ensure you are getting what you pay for.

Fortunately actually making beauty products yourself isn’t too difficult. So if you want beauty products that you know are natural and are also inexpensive, just make them yourself. Here a couple of quick and easy recipes you can make at yourself.

Face Mask
Eating good food helps give you the right nutrients you need to look good. You can get more of these vitamins and minerals by putting the good stuff right on the skin.

Combining a mashed carrot, mashed avocado, and a beaten egg with a half cup a few tablespoons of honey creates a great face mask that provides vitamins, and improves the tone and texture of your skin. Just stir well, apply, let sit for about 15 minutes, and then wash off with cool water.

After you’re washed and nourished your skin, you can use grated cucumber or diluted lemon juice as a toner to help tighten your skin and close up your pores to close your pores and keep your skin looking great.

Hair Conditioner
Many people pay a lot of money for a conditioner that actually makes your hair look and feel good. Here’s a great natural recipe to save you money and help your hair.

Just mix an egg yolk with a tablespoon of castor oil and apply to hair. Let sit for about ten minutes and rinse out. You can use this every so often as a conditioning treatment for healthy shiny hair. If you like being experimental, you can try mixing other kitchen items, herbs, and natural items with eggs for healthy, shiny hair.

Hand and Foot Cream
A quick face mask will help make you look great in not a lot of time, but hands and feet require extra care.

Use ½ cup of olive oil mixed with natural sea salt and massage into your hands and feet. Leave a few minutes to soak and then rinse off with warm water.

When it comes to natural beauty products, these recipes are just the start. You can find hundreds of different combinations in natural beauty books, magazines, and on the internet. Or you can go to your kitchen cabinet and make your own special creations.

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Positive Self Talk: Sticking to Your Goals

By Val · Comments (0)
Friday, February 26th, 2010

Do you feel like you are always talking yourself out of success? As soon as you start to set goals for yourself, do you suddenly have nagging thoughts about how you aren’t up to the task or how you simply aren’t qualified to carry it through?

If you have ever experienced either situation, you need to change the way you respond to your inner dialogue. Instead of obeying your negative commands, you can use positive self-talk to counter the negativity and overcome nearly all anxious thoughts.

Are you initially filled with excitement when you first set goals for yourself? Are these thoughts then followed by self-doubt and self-defeating thoughts that stop you in your tracks before you even get started?

It can be difficult to make the most of your life when you are constantly talking yourself out of being a success. It can be frustrating and discouraging to have these thoughts constantly plaguing you. Many of us, in fact, don’t even realize we have them! All we know is that we don’t have the confidence to stick to our plans and reach our goals.

But there’s another way!

Positive self-talk is an effective way to set goals and ensure that you stick to them, even if you have never been able to do this before. The way this works is that you decide what goal is important to you, and then you plan the logistics of how you are going to attain this goal. When self-doubt starts kicking in, you will respond with affirmations that prove your success without surrendering to the negative pressure. Since you’re reading this article, it’s clear that you’re no quitter and you’re certainly not a failure, so start believing in yourself!

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Health Benefits of Cauliflower

By Val · Comments (1)
Tuesday, February 23rd, 2010

Tasty Tuesday at MomsOnlineRetreat Whether you are looking to trim a few inches from your waist, or hoping to find some tasty recipes to introduce to your friends and family, you can find exactly what you are looking for in cauliflower. This vegetable has a great deal to offer on the nutrition front, and it surprises many people when they learn how tasty it can be while still being good for you. Getting to know the health benefits of cauliflower, and it’s versatility can be the best culinary decision you make all year. Take a look to see what this unassuming white vegetable can do for you.

Like other vegetables, cauliflower is a great source of fiber. This allows it to have a beneficial impact on colon health and colon cancer. There has even been research done lately that points to it, along with other vegetables like Brussels sprouts and cabbage, being helpful in the fight against breast cancer. You’ll also find that cauliflower is a rich source of the B vitamin, which is excellent when it comes to cell growth and replication, something that is essential for expecting mothers and people who are recovering from illness.

In addition to this, you’ll find that cauliflower contains allicin, a chemical that improves the health of your heart and reduces the chance of stroke. Another health benefit of cauliflower is it also contains selenium, which helps strengthen your immune system. Essentially, cauliflower offers a great way to maintain your health and to strengthen it at the same time.

When you are cooking with cauliflower, you’ll find that it doesn’t take much at all to make it palatable. Try cutting the florets down to one-inch pieces and tossing them with olive oil, salt and pepper. Then roast the in a cooking pan at 400 degrees for around 20 minutes and you’ll find that the cauliflower that comes out is quite soft, slightly sweet, and mildly caramelized. This basic recipe can be adjusted to your taste, and you’ll find that you can get lots of variations by using different spices and seasonings.

Another way to prepare cauliflower is to mash it, like potatoes. Start by steaming the cauliflowers and then mashing them, preferably using an immersion blender. You’ll find that by adding just a little bit of salt and butter to this dish, it be quite tasty. Though the taste is not much like potatoes, the texture is still pleasing. Sprinkle some shredded cheese, or butter-saute some breadcrumbs to put on top for added flavor and color.

Taking some time to learn about the health benefits of cauliflower, as well some great ways to prepare it, can give you another ‘tool’ to use, either when sneaking some nutrition into your picky-eaters diet, or adding to our own.

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Categories : Mom's Well-Being, Our Body

Top 10 Power Packed Foods

By Val · Comments (3)
Tuesday, January 5th, 2010

What is the secret to a long and healthy life? It is in the food that we eat. As you well know, all foods are not created equal. Choosing and eating the right foods may help increase your life expectancy as well as the quality of your life.

Here are ten of the top power packed foods designed to give you energy, vitality and all around good health!

1. Beans – If they give you gas, take precautions before you eat them. Soaking them first can help. Beans of all kinds (kidney, navy, lentils, chickpeas, Northern) are high in protein. This is plant protein so it contains very little fat, carbs and calories. If fiber is a problem in your diet, eating a healthy portion of beans each day can keep your digestive system healthy.

2. Oatmeal – Oatmeal is coming into popularity as a food that lowers blood cholesterol. You can make it yourself with rolled oats or eat the instant kind if you are in a hurry. Oatmeal is a filling grain that also provides much needed fiber to keep hunger at bay and your blood sugar constant.

3. Fruits – Fruits are filled with antioxidants such as Vitamin C and A. Antioxidants fight free radical damage in the body and reduce the risk of cancer. Berries such as blueberries and grapes have the highest amount of antioxidants. But choose an array of fruits in a wide variety of colors for maximum health. The antioxidants in fruit boost the immune system to fight the effects of aging in the body.

4. Allium foods – This class of foods includes garlic, onions, leeks and shallots. Garlic is known for lowering cholesterol. Allium vegetables healp guard the body against the risk of cancer and many other ailments. They also help lower blood pressure and prevent blood clots. Eating these power packed vegetables in their natural state especially garlic increases their health benefits.

5. Salmon – Eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids reduces the risk of heart disease and other conditions like atherosclerosis. Wild salmon is a fatty fish but it contains good fats that has been proven to improve health in children and adults. Salmon is rich in protein which is of great use after an exercise session to build muscle tissue.

6. Flax seed – Like salmon it contains omega-3 fatty acids. These seeds also contain omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids. You get a lot of power to fight high cholesterol, heart disease and diabetes with this seed. Ground flax seed can be added to fruit smoothies, sprinkled in yogurt, eaten with cereal or added to pancake mix to name a few.

7. Peppers – Peppers are colorful. They contain antioxidants like beta-carotene and Vitamin C. Peppers range from mild and sweet to so hot you’ll be calling the fire department. All peppers contain a substance called capsaicin. Capsaicin has the properties of an anti-inflammatory, a pain reliever, lowers cancer risk and heart disease. They are good in salads, salsa and all sorts of dishes.

8. Nuts and seeds – Nuts are high in fat but those fats are the good kind. Peanuts, almonds, Brazil nuts, walnuts and pistachios are all providers of good fats and protein. Crush them into a fine powder and use as a coating instead of higher carb bread crumbs. Nuts help to lower cholesterol. Eat them right out of the shell with no additives.

9. Açai – This berry has been in the news lately. It is rich in antioxidants and increases energy. You can get more done and look better while doing it. You can get Acai juice and supplements in your health food store.

10. Yogurt – The fat free variety is good for you. Yogurt contains calcium, Vitamin B, and protein. If you don’t drink milk, yogurt is an alternative to get your calcium in to build strong bones and teeth. Live yogurt also contains friendly bacteria to help promote a healthy digestive system.

Building a better healthier body begins with what you eat. Try these super foods to get started on the right foot.

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Your Resolution and Sticking with It

By Val · Comments (0)
Tuesday, December 29th, 2009

What’s Your Resolution and Sticking with It
Guest Post by Jen Malik

Man, if I had a dime for every resolution I made throughout the years. Or if I lost a pound for every resolution I’d ever made. Hehehe. Seriously, as I get older, choosing the right resolution and sticking with it, starts to get a bit easier. I’m never going to be a size 0 again and my chance at being a billionaire is likely over, so why not simply work toward a realistic happier, healthier life, right? That’s exactly what I plan to do for 2010.

If you’re making a resolution for the New Year, here are 10 tips for keeping it:

- Find a support system. This is crucial to any type of change in your life. Having someone who will keep you accountable and encourage you when you miss the mark is one way to stop you from quitting altogether. Rely on family, friends and coworkers to give you that swift kick when you need it.

- Use online tools. These are popping up everywhere, especially for weight loss resolutions. Many of the online tools are free to use. Sites like SparkPeople offer informative articles, message boards, meal planners, video resources and online food diaries to keep you going from day one.

- Write it down. Some people only verbalize their resolutions. The problem with that is you can forget what you said after the first week. It is scary but putting your resolutions on paper makes them real to you. It is a commitment that is needed if you want to succeed.

- Be specific. Writing down phrases like “Become more assertive” can mean anything. Where do you want to be more assertive and with whom? Instead, record something like “Go to my boss and ask for a raise this year.”

- Start with small steps. No one gets from A to Z in one step. Those who try are often disappointed. If this is a weight loss goal, begin with starting an exercise program. If you haven’t worked out in a while, this single piece of a larger goal will take some time to establish. Goals that involve cleaning up your entire home can begin with one room and then move onto to the others. Tackling a smaller step successfully fuels your drive to continue.

- See the big picture. This approach helps when you are feeling discouraged by disappointment. Don’t lose sight of your ultimate goal or resolution. It is still attainable even with a few setbacks. You’ll have more to rejoice about later.

- Visualize. See yourself completing your goal. In fact, see yourself completing each step of the journey. Thinking about skipping your workout session today? Visualize yourself in the class and, though tired, you make it through to the end with energy. The mind is a powerful tool that can help or hinder you. And hey, if you’re mind isn’t powerful enough, post pics of what you’d like right on your refrigerator. A trip to Hawaii? A slimmer you? Put it up and see it every day.

- Set a deadline. Open ended resolutions can go on forever. Give yourself a concrete time frame to keep from floundering in your goal.

- Resist comparing yourself with others. Someone else may have the same resolution. They also may seem to be getting farther in their goals than you. Resist the urge to compare yourself and end up discouraged. Each person is different and you don’t know what support system or other goal achieving tools they are using. Be happy for them and even ask how they are doing it so well.

- Abandon bad resolutions. There comes a time when some of your resolutions may have to meet the trash heap. It could have been a faulty resolution that wasn’t thought out well in the first place. It doesn’t mean failure. On the contrary, it could be just what you need to help you accomplish the ones that are manageable.

Overall, don’t beat yourself up. We all falter here and there. The important thing is to get back on track. So spill it…what’s your New Years Resolution?

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