I have so many clients who are overweight because they do not prioritize themselves. They prioritize their family and their jobs, but their personal health is out the door. We need to start to prioritize our own health in order to truly care for and manage the health of our children and loved ones. Time for you IS NOT selfish – Time for you IS MANDATORY!

First off the bat, do you have “Me Time?” Me time is time for you to do the things that are important for your body and mind. Examples of mind/body health: exercise, cooking meals from scratch, or daily meditation. We should have some “Me Time” every day whether it’s for only 15 minutes or more. Yes, I did say daily.

Here are some simple ideas to incorporate a daily routine of “Me Time” so that you maintain your mental and physical health.

#1. Meditate daily for 5-15 minutes by performing some simple breathing techniques.

#2. Take time at the end of the day to reflect on what you accomplished and state 3 positive things that happened.

#3. Schedule exercise into your calendar so that you make sure it gets done and you remember your own mental health and physical relief. This exercise can also include taking your children on a hike or activity so you spend time with them while being active yourself.

#4. Take time to go grocery shop weekly so that you have the food supplies for both you and your family. Prioritizing your eating healthily will also result in your family having healthy food available, too.

#5. Cook at least 2 meals a week at home. You can even have the children help out in the kitchen so that it’s a family effort to cook and prepare the food. When kids help cook in the kitchen, they tend to eat the food they made, too, which can reduce some “picky” eating habits.

These simple steps can assist you with making sure that your physical (food and exercise) and mental health are met so that you remain grounded and happier. It’s time for you starting….NOW!

By Sarah Koszyk, MA, RDN