Eat, Sleep, Breathe - Making Healthy Changes As a Busy Parent

As a parent of two young boys, I spent years wondering how on earth I'd ever get back to feeling like myself again.

I felt overwhelmed by everything I wanted to change and I did not know where I'd find the energy to manage it all on top of caring for my family. The only thing I felt I was good at actually changing was...diapers.

As a Holistic Nutritionist, I now know that I can take my basic needs and leverage them as opportunities to improve my health within the bounds of my tight schedule.

By taking baby steps & implementing subtle changes, this is how I gradually re-gained balance in my life even with a full plate (and how YOU can, too!)

I EAT: I make small tweaks to better support my daily routine

• I make sure to stay ahead of my hunger with balanced meals every day

• I put more emphasis on nutrient-dense snacks to help curb sugar cravings, especially in the afternoon

• I eat more fresh food (grabbing an apple takes no time... so not excuses here)

• I try my best to make foods for my family that I truly enjoy rather than catering to everyone else's needs

• I listen to my body and what it needs

• I focus on small changes, never big ones

I SLEEP: I focus on the quality of my sleep

• I know that screen time within the hour before bed can hinder my sleep and I notice a HUGE difference when I don't scroll through Instagram right before I fall asleep

• I leverage some sleep-supporting supplements as part of my evening routine

• I consider the timing of my evening meal and how digestion can impact sleep patterns

• Sometimes I go to bed before I'm feeling tired, just to rest

I BREATHE: I remind myself that the quality of my thoughts + the way I move my body are crucial

• I always feel better when I've been outside, taken deep breaths and MOVED (even just a walk)

• I focus on my breathing when I'm feeling stressed

• I practice gratitude as much as possible

• I use positive affirmations both when I'm struggling and when I'm feeling proud of my accomplishments

As you can see, these are all basic human needs and nothing extraordinary, but the resulting change has been monumental for my health.

When I give energy to these areas of my life - the ones I have to address regardless of what's happening around me - I'm amazed at how much better I feel.

I know how challenging self-care can be when you've got multiple balls in the air. I'm here to tell you that the journey doesn't need to be complicated and minor changes can be hugely impactful.

Take a look at your daily routine, the opportunity is there.

Ciara Morin, R.H.N.