Mother’s Day and Every Day Health Tips

There is one day a year where many cultures celebrate mothers. But really, if you are a mom the reality is that every day is Mother’s Day, and it is not something that comes and goes with one date change.

Mother’s Day is a cherished tradition, which for most mothers, is rooted in love and gratitude. Moms are most often the emotional anchors of their families, managing the invisible load of caregiving, scheduling, emotional regulation, and so much more.

What can a ‘mother’ do throughout all of these ages and stages on a regular or daily basis to stay healthy themselves, meet their own needs and goals and also be available as a nurturing, supportive parent and grandparent?

Each mother out there has children of different ages and with that the direct responsibility and demands change depending on the age of your children, and yes, even adult children. If you have younger children the responsibilities seem endless with sleepless nights, feeding demands, and all the challenges the younger years bring to parents. The middle years preteens and teens bring a new set of stresses and demands and a much greater need for awareness as to what the children are being exposed to on so many levels at school and social media. Then the kids leave home to travel or for school and this brings another huge adjustment, but the responsibility never ends, it just changes. And let’s not forget the grandparents who are still mothers of adult children and many are involved in their grandchildren’s lives.

Did any of us realize that when we became mothers that this was a full-time, life-time position that comes with, different stressors, deep love, joy and often pain. It is all part of the job description. To all mothers out there – it is the most important position in your life and the lives of your children, and your family.

As parents I am sure we have all heard ‘children learn by what we do, not by what we say”. I find that true individually as well. I can set various goals for myself, but unless I actually do it, it means nothing - all talk and no action. During my many years in practice I would suggest to busy moms, that they consider making an appointment with themselves, and NOT to cancel the appointment. I am sure we all hesitate to break appointments with friends but would find it easier to cancel something we had planned doing for ourselves. Remember if you are not taking care of you, who will?

If the mother is not feeling healthy mentally, emotionally or physically it is difficult or impossible to provide for your family.  It is not selfish to take time for yourself. It is necessary. Keep your appointment with yourself- whether it is for a coffee or drinks with a friend, a long walk, quiet contemplation, etc. – whatever activity provides you with a break and time for yourself away from regular responsibilities. Taking time out of a busy week ‘for me time’ can help reduce stress and help to maintain more balance in your life.

Stress is a common concern for most busy moms and parents in general today. 

Modern moms are doing more than ever. Whether they’re juggling full-time careers, navigating school schedules, or managing household dynamics, they are constantly on. Add to that the emotional bandwidth it takes to nurture growing children, support aging parents, and maintain relationships; it’s no wonder so many moms feel mentally and physically depleted.

Chronic stress doesn’t just wear you down emotionally. It impacts your nervous system, disrupts your sleep, shortens your patience, and makes it harder to show up as your best self.

The stressors will vary from person to person but it seems to be ever present for most people, even teens and young adults. If you have had a stressful day, try not to carry it home. Children are like sponges and feel the stressful energy from their parents. Take time to walk or listen to relaxing music on the way home, anything to help destress.

When your stress response is constantly activated, your body diverts energy away from digestion, immunity, emotional regulation, and sleep. Over time, this leads to burnout, irritability, and even health issues.

There are different supplements that have proven to be effective in buffering stress and soothing the nervous system including: L-theanine for stress nd anxiety; GABA for mental stress; Ashwagandha and Siberian ginseng to help support the adrenal glands, the main stress adaptive organs. When you are experiencing added stress, these supplements can help maintain balance and restore energy, both physical and mental.

These and other natural supplements also help to:

• Reduce stress naturally by calming the autonomic nervous system
• Improve sleep quality for deeper, more restorative rest
• Boost emotional resilience in the face of daily demands
• Sharpen mental clarity and focus
• Replenish energy without caffeine, sugar, or stimulants

When it comes to physical well-being, the basic foundations for health remain the same no matter what the age and stage of life we are at. Food is the foundation for our overall health. Following a program such as the Mediterranean diet for yourself and your family provides an excellent foundation for good health. Basic supplements including Vitamin D, Omega-3 fatty acids, a multivitamin and mineral can help to fill in most deficiencies in the diet. Try to find time to exercise at least 3 times a week. It doesn’t have to be a lot, even 20-30 minutes brisk walk is beneficial. Adequate sleep and time for relaxation is also very important.

The effects of ongoing stress are well known—and we know one thing for certain: You can’t pour from an empty cup.

Please talk to the knowledgeable staff at The Vitamin Shop for further information on natural supplements that are more specific to your individual concerns.