Life as a parent is non-stop. While your kids may seem to have endless stores of energy to burn off as they charge to their next adventure, you might find your reserves feeling sapped with little end to the day in sight.
Maintaining a healthy body and mind is important at all ages, of course, but those with dependents need to keep their systems particularly in check.
If you are unwell, is someone available to look after your little ones? If you fall into long-term illness, will it affect your job? Can you afford to open yourself up to medical negligence issues with constant trips to the hospital or the doctors?
If those questions raise a concern, don’t worry – you’re not alone.
The desire to provide the absolute best for your children is clear, a YouGov poll has revealed that nearly 70% of parents worry about how they are raising their kids.
However, there is no need for concern. There are so many different ways that you can keep yourself fit long-term, as well as be sure that your kids are getting the best start in life. Here are five top tips.
Make mealtimes a team effort
You can get your kids involved in the preparation of meals. It might be washing vegetables, or peeling them if they’re old enough.
Healthy eating need not be boring, try to make colourful plates, maybe even turn them into pieces of art – clown-face salad anyone?
Sneak your exercise in where possible
Exercising without knowing that you’re doping it can often be the most effective way to keep in shape.
Know your body, and your kids’
Eating healthily is obviously key, but make sure to keep yourself properly hydrated too. The body needs fluids for brain function and to aid most bodily processes. Keep the system well-oiled and it shouldn’t let you, or your kids, down.
Keep it fun!
Stick the radio and have a dance with your kids, hold a sports day in the garden or down at the park, or just go on a bear hunt through some local woods.
Being physically active encourages the body’s release of endorphins, which the NHS calls “your body’s feel-good chemicals”. This can be crucial to keep your mind as sharp as your body.
Ask the experts
You don’t need to go through this all by yourself. Talk to your GP, who will be able to provide diet plans and exercise plans that fit around your busy life.
If the thought of a trip to the doctors fills you with dread, why not reach out to other parents?
Mumsnet, Baby Centre and Mush are just three of the many platforms out there full of people going through the same experiences as you, or who have done already. You’re never alone.
