Self-care is giving your kids the best of you, instead of what’s left of you.
Being a mom means we give a lot of ourselves to our children. As a mom of 4, I know how easy it is to get lost in my kids, my spouse, the house, work, and everything else in between. During this busy season of life, it’s hard to prioritize self-care. I truly believe taking care of yourself is highly important, but it often falls on the back-burner. That’s why I have to constantly remind myself, if my children don’t have a healthy mom, how can they live a healthy and happy life?
I think most moms would agree self-care is important, but time and time again we make excuses for taking the time for ourselves.
Too often we say things like:
“I need to workout, but I’m too tired.”
“I should take some time for myself, but I can’t. The dishes are sitting in the sink, laundry needs folded, dinner has to be made, and the kids will need help with their homework.”
I know the feeling all too well, and have said all of these things before. However, if we aren’t taking time to focus on our own wellbeing our own personal mental and physical health can quickly spiral downward.
If my words don’t resonate enough, here are some hard hitting facts.
A new study from the American Heart Association finds when family demands affect work performance or work demands undermine family obligations, the resulting stress may contribute to decreased heart health in women. Even with supportive spouses, many women swim in stress that could actually put women at higher risk than men for having a stroke or developing diabetes, heart disease and other chronic conditions.
In my family, heart disease is common. Both of my maternal grandparents passed away from complications to congenital heart failure. On my dad’s side, his father passed away from heart failure and many of my father’s relatives battle heart disease. My dad has his own heart complications as well. Needless to say, heart health is extremely important to me.
That’s why I am super excited to partner with The American Heart Association during their Go Red for Women Campaign.
This year, the Central Kentucky organization is focusing on creating safe streets and pathways to encourage physical activity. Another focus of the AHA is wiping out “food deserts” by ensuring everyone has access to healthy foods, especially the neighborhoods without grocery stores.
I remember reporting in Lexington in several of these neighborhoods that did not have easy access to healthy food options. McDonald’s is not a viable choice night after night. I know we are tired, I know that sometimes fruits and vegetables are not affordable or readily available, so I am excited to see how the efforts of the AHA reach those who need it most.
Next month, the Central Kentucky AHA is gearing up for their annual Go Red event. I’ve been to this event in the past and let me tell you, it is quite the experience! This year’s Go Red for Women event will be held on November 8th, from 8:30 am – 1 pm at the Lexington Center Heritage Hall (430 W. Vine Street in Lexington).
The Go Red Event is a spectacular day that brings mothers, sisters and friends together. The Experience is filled with breakouts that include a presentation on heart disease and the importance of sleep. Man! We all need more sleep. Another focus at the event will be how to manage stress through yoga. Yoga is such a great idea for busy moms and you don’t even have to go to a class! I do a lot of free YouTube yoga videos at home during nap times. Another breakout at this year’s event (and often a fan favorite) is a healthy cooking demo sponsored by KY Beef.
While nearly 80% of cardiac events can be prevented, cardiovascular diseases continue to be a woman’s greatest health threat, claiming the lives of 1 in 3 women. It’s time for a change. It’s time to be demanding when it comes to women’s heart health and ask others to do the same.
Join the American Heart Association (AHA), CHI Saint Joseph Health and Passport Health Plan for the Go Red for Women Experience on November 8th.
For more information, click here.
*This post is sponsored by the American Heart Association of Central Kentucky. All opinions are 100% my own.*
Photos from last year’s Central Kentucky AHA Go Red for Women Event (2018)
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