Energy for Moms How to Stock the Parental Energy Vending Machine Tips from
Jon Gordon, author of Become An Energy Addict
1. Put Your Energy First So many Moms think that to be a great Mom you have to take care of every one else first and yourself last. But you actually must put your energy first so you have the energy to give. We learned from the recent black outs and power crises that if you don’t have energy, then nothing else works. And as a Mom, if you don’t have energy you can’t share it. So if you are always giving your energy away and never stocking up, eventually you will burn out and the people you love most will suffer. Think of yourself as an energy vending machine. When your family comes to you with their quarters, make sure you are stocked up and ready to dispense energy.
2. Plan Your Energy Foundation The most common complaint I hear from Moms I coach is that they have no time to take care of themselves. They don’t have time to work out. No time to eat right. No time to take a break. I tell them that their situation is a priority issue, not a time issue. They have to make time to create an energy foundation. They have to plan. They have to schedule 2 or 3 rituals a day that will become their energy foundation. These rituals will serve as a solid foundation when the winds of life seek to uproot them. To create an energy foundation, identify 3 habits that in-
crease your energy. You might say eat breakfast, exercise, and meditation or yoga, power nap and energizing afternoon snack. Then make appointments with yourself in a daily planner or calendar. Make these appointments as important as a Doctor’s visit. Your energy is that important. Select the best time of day to fit your energy boost into your schedule. Be realistic. Schedule your energy appointments, take action and watch how your energy soars.
36 Triad
3. Recharge Your Batteries Make one day each week your recharge day. Do something special for yourself. You can do this during the week and have a family member or sitter watch your children or you can take a day on the weekend and have your husband watch the kids. You expend energy all week, giving, giving, giving and it is imperative to rejuvenate, refocus and recharge your batteries. You’ll be a better Mom when you learn to practice self-care.
4. Give Your Kids a “Red Light” When You Need to
Breathe Play red light, green light with your children. When you get stressed or your children are going nuts, stop and say “Red light.” This means to calm down. Start breathing and have your children breathe too. Learning to calm down is a great skill for children to learn as well. It sounds easy but amazingly, breathing is something that we all forget to do. Breathing will help you focus your energy and feel more in control instead of feeling scattered and powerless. Take 5 to 10 energizing breaths and breathe in energy and breathe out today’s worries. Then it’s the time for the yellow light. Here, you think about
being calmer as you reengage. Then you go to green light as you and the children reengage.
5. Keep It Simple Exercise Sure you know it’s good for you but unfortunately many Moms don’t make the time. Either there is too much on the “to do” list or the baby was up all night or it’s not a priority. Regardless of the reason, it is essential for Moms to exercise. It will reduce your stress. Increase your Energy. Make you feel more alive. Empower you. Help you deal with life’s daily challenges and make you a better Mom. Exercise doesn’t have to be compli- cated so, let’s make it simple. You have several choices to make exercise a daily ritual. If
your children are infants you can walk them in a baby jogger. If your children are of various ages you can work out at a gym that has child care. You can work out while they are in school. You can bring in a sitter for an hour while you exercise and increase your happy hormones. You can exercise in the evening when your husband comes home. If you are a single mother and your children are older you can walk together after dinner. You can ride a bike with a child’s seat or pull several children in a cart. The key is to do something every day and keep it simple. Remember you don’t need expensive equipment or a gym membership. All you need is 30 minutes, a pair of shoes and a place to walk.
6. Use the Power of Thank You It’s physiologically impossible to be stressed, anxious or fearful and thankful at the same time. So whenever you find
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48
