Health and wellness is a broad category, and I’m here to change your thinking about it today. Many of us working mums are strung out going from one meeting to the next, only to come home to a chaotic household with hungry (and extremely lovable) little monsters waiting to be fed from the depths of the kitchen pantry.
Many mums ask me “How are you able to juggle getting fit & a social life in addition to full time work”?
It all begins with in our minds, how we perceive health.
I’m here to change your mind about health.
Post pandemic health needs evolve to include the historically recognised elements of human existence, this isn’t just a great diet, or frequent movement, but that of community. The social elements of health need to be recognised, as an unhappy mind creates a physically sick body. In fact, a lifestyle with no social balance can often bring people into deep physical destruction, through neglect, and adrenaline release from stress. So we need to rethink health so that it includes social aspects in our health goals.
Doing this we eliminate the false dichotomy that social gatherings are opposed to our health as human beings. I want to inspire you to look at your social life as an essential element of your health.
The Canadian Mental Health Association states “The social determinants of health impact both chronic physical conditions and mental health.”
Cortisol and its function.
Cortisol is a hormone that is released and produced by the adrenal gland. This glucocorticoid steroid hormone regulates the body’s stress response including your use of proteins, carbohydrates (your metabolism), suppresses inflammation, regulates blood pressure, regulates blood sugar, and also helps control your body’s sleep and waking cycle.
High stress situations for extended periods can cause the adrenal glands to produce cortisol at levels which the human body was only designed to operate at short periods of time.
These over-released hormones can cause serious health problems in women, with scientific studies in the last decade clarifying the direct link between breast cancer & the stress hormone cortisol.
The forbidden experiment.
In the US in 1944 a psychological experiment was conducted on 40 newborn babies. They were split into two groups of twenty and housed in a separate facility. The children were not kept with their parents, and were fed, bathed and changed by caregivers which had been instructed not to look at the babies, or touch them any more than was necessary, never communicating with them. All the physical needs however were attended to very carefully, and the environment was kept sterile to prevent harm from illness.
The experiment however was halted after four months, and by this time at least half of the babies had died. No direct physiological cause of death, the bodies were healthy, so why did they die?
Aside from the horrific nature of this experiment, the conclusion of the study showed that the social element, the need for love and affection of those close to you, and the forming of social groups, is not just nice, but is actually foundational to human health.
Where do we go from here?
Now that we have established a link between your health as a mum and professional working woman, and the need for connection and love, let’s look at a few strategies that you can use to plan both social activity and physical activity.
Some strategies.
1. Recognize the Problem of Self-Sabotage.
It’s important to acknowledge the truth and take steps to address it. Once we’ve recognized our patterns of self-sabotage, we can start to make conscious decisions to change our habits and create healthier patterns.
2. Plan Ahead.
Before we head out for a night on the town, we can plan what we’re going to eat and drink. We can also plan for the morning after, so that we’re set for a healthy breakfast and can avoid the temptation of grabbing an unhealthy snack.
3. Look for Alternatives.
It’s also important to remember that we don’t have to drink alcohol to have a good time. There are plenty of other ways to socialise and have fun, such as going for a walk in the park or playing a game at home. We can also look for events that don’t involve alcohol, such as art classes or yoga sessions.
4. Find Support.
It can be helpful to find support from other working mums in our area. We can join a working mums network or find a local support group to talk through our struggles and successes. Having a support system can make us feel less alone, and it also gives us a chance to get tips and advice from others who are in the same boat as us.
5. Make Conscious Decisions.
We can make sure we’re being mindful of our health by making conscious decisions to create healthier patterns and habits.
6. Be Kind to Yourself.
It’s important to remember to be kind to ourselves. We don’t have to be perfect all the time, and it’s okay to indulge in a treat every now and again.
7. Take Care of Your Mind and Body.
We can enjoy a social life without destroying our health goals, but we need to recognize our patterns of self-sabotage and work towards making healthier decisions. By being mindful of our health, we can make sure that we’re taking care of our minds and bodies.
If you are looking for positive changes in your life and family, as well as professional career you’re always welcome to book a call on my site and get in contact with me directly.
Simone Lord
Simone Lord is a keynote speaker, women’s health specialist, lifestyle coach, mentor, and family finance advisor.
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