5 Easy Wellness Tips For Midlife Moms🧘🏽

Plus: Spotify Barbie playlist + 10-min yoga video + a few (affiliate-free) helpful links

Mar 18, 2024

Hi fabulous readers! Navigating through the maze of midlife while juggling the role of the family's unofficial CEO can make our own health and wellness feel like a luxury we can't afford. But guess what? It's not only about finding time; it's about making small, manageable changes that can make a big difference. So, grab your metaphorical wellness toolkit because we're about to dive into some practical tips that are as doable as they are beneficial. Let me know which one is your favorite in the comments!

Tip 1: Something simple yet surprisingly tricky - staying hydrated

You know how we always remind our kids to drink water? Yeah, it turns out we’re pretty terrible at taking our advice. Carrying a water bottle around is a game changer, and no, three cups of coffee in the morning don’t count as hydration, unfortunately.

Flavor-Infused Water: Who said water has to be boring? Add slices of your favorite fruits or a dash of cucumber and mint to make it an exciting pick-me-up. Or you can use an AirUp water bottle - trick your nose, treat your tastebuds.
Set a Timer: There's an app for everything, including reminding you to drink water. I like to use my iPhone alarm app. Or go old-school with sticky notes on your desk or fridge.
Eat Your Water: Yep, that's a thing. Snack on water-rich foods like cucumbers, oranges, and watermelons. Hydration can be delicious! Here’s a 10-minute recipe for a Mediterranean Salad with cucumber, tomato and onion. YUM!

Tip 2: Movement That Doesn’t Feel Like a Chore

Next up, let's talk about moving our bodies. Now, I’m not suggesting you suddenly take up marathon running (unless that’s your thing, then go you!). But finding an activity that doesn’t make you wish for immediate teleportation to the couch is key. Whether it’s a brisk walk, a dance class, or just stretching during your Netflix binge, it counts. The goal? To move in ways that make you forget you’re actually doing it for your health.

Walking Meetings: Take your calls on the go. A good chat can turn a walk around the block into a productive business meeting. It’s my secret weapon with coworkers—solving problems and burning calories, all in stride!
Dance Like No One's Watching: Really, do it. Close the curtains, blast your favorite tunes, and dance in your living room. Currently in my rotation:

Yoga: Find a yoga style that suits your fitness level and schedule. Even 10 minutes in the morning can change your whole day. Tons of free yoga videos on YouTube, like this one:

Tip 3: Food - The Love/Hate Saga

Ah, food. It’s a love/hate relationship, isn’t it? On one hand, there’s the comfort of a family meal; on the other, there’s the mystery of how a plate of cookies disappears in seconds. Eating well doesn’t mean you have to give up everything you love. It’s about balance and making choices that make you feel good. Yes, even that extra slice of pizza on Friday nights. It’s all about moderation.

Meal Planning: You know those nights when you're so tempted to just grab fast food? Been there. But here's a little trick I've been trying: dedicating a bit of time each week to roughly plan out my meals. Just having a clue about what's on the menu can steer you towards healthier choices. There are apps like Plan to Eat to make this super easy.
Plate it Pretty: Make your meals Instagram-worthy. A beautifully arranged plate makes healthy eating more appealing. For inspiration, check out one of my favorite lifestyle bloggers Camille Styles. A little effort in presentation, and suddenly, eating healthy feels more like a treat and less like a chore. Trust me, it's worth the extra minute arranging those veggies on your plate.
Healthy Swaps: Love baking? Try swapping out some ingredients for healthier options, like using applesauce in place of oil or mashed bananas instead of sugar. Your baked goods still taste amazing, but with a healthier twist. It's like having your cake and eating it too, minus the guilt.

Tip 4: Sleep - The Elusive Dream

And then there’s sleep. Remember the days of uninterrupted sleep? Me neither. While we might not be able to control every aspect of our sleep, creating a calming bedtime routine can help. Yes, scrolling through our phones is tempting, but let’s try swapping it with a book or some calming music. Your brain will thank you.

Screen-Free Zone: Establish a rule for yourself: no screens at least one hour before bed. The blue light from devices can disrupt your sleep cycle so read a book or listen to soothing music instead. Bonus points: Use a blue light blocking book light like the one I got myself for Christmas (because you deserve it).
Relaxing Rituals: Craft a bedtime routine that tells your body relaxation time has arrived. Think a soothing bath, some light stretching, or sipping on herbal tea. My go-to? Dimming the lights, lighting a candle, and transforming my bathroom into a mini spa with a Zen playlist on Spotify. Finish with a decadent body butter like my favorite one from Josie Maran and you’re set for dreamland.
Comfortable Environment: Invest in making your sleeping environment as comfortable as possible. This might mean blackout curtains, a white noise machine, or a comfortable mattress and pillows. A conducive environment can significantly improve the quality of your sleep.

Tip 5: Finding Your Tribe

Lastly, surround yourself with people who get it. There’s nothing quite like the support of friends who understand the beauty and chaos of this stage of life. Whether it’s a venting session, a laugh-until-you-cry moment, or just a quiet coffee break, these connections are gold.

Join Interest Groups: Ever think about diving into a book club or maybe hitting the pavement with a walking group? How about geeking out with fellow garden enthusiasts? There’s something special about finding your tribe in interest groups. For example, I used to be a member of the Awesome Foundation in Hawaii and loved it!
Reach Out for Coffee or Walks: Don’t wait for someone else to make the first move. Take the plunge and text a friend or someone you’ve been meaning to catch up with. Suggest grabbing a coffee or taking a stroll through the park. It’s these simple moments, like sipping lattes or dodging squirrels on a path, that can really cement a friendship.
Utilize Social Media Wisely: It’s not just for stalking your high school crush or watching cat videos. Used right, it’s a goldmine for connecting with people who are riding the same life waves as you. There are groups and communities out there for everything under the sun—parenting, painting, paddle boarding, you name it. I find that Reddit and Facebook are best for this.

Wrapping Up

Remember: taking care of your health during the hectic midlife hustle isn't a luxury—it's a must. No need to flip your world upside down all at once. It's the little tweaks, added up over time, that really make the difference. With the toolbox of wellness tricks and the down-to-earth advice we've covered, you're ready to make changes that count. Give 'em a shot, and be sure to drop your fave tip in the comments! Your wellness journey matters just as much as any other gig on your plate—embrace it like a boss.