It’s strikes me odd that still in this day and age we are separating the two issues of parenting and parent well being. We just don’t understand it, I think. Every time I speak about fitness and wellbeing people tend to separate the two issues and keep it far from parenting. It’s not separate at all. Parenting, raising strong children, and a mom’s mental and physical well being is more connected than we think. And in 21st century, we more than capable of combining all of these topics to lead a better life. Trust me, and I will show you how!
Here is a simple mantra I want to repeat all throughout this article. I want you to memorise it too. This is the core of our talk today.
Put yourself first. You’re wellbeing matters.
Wellbeing
This is perhaps the first concept that we all tend to confuse and probably not know enough about. Wellbeing is just what it sounds like. Being well as a person. Physically well. Mentally Well. Emotionally Well.
Nevertheless, wellbeing of a person is more about their mental wellbeing. But you better not ignore the physical wellbeing part of it. The body and mind are connected. If your body is not well, your mind and emotions won’t feel good at all. You have to think of wellbeing as a whole, instead of just mental satisfaction.
If it doesn’t make sense to you as a mom, then answer me this: how will raise future leaders if you yourself not yet ready handle it? Are you mentally strong enough to be proactive and emotionally intelligent?
Paying attention to our wellbeing can help us to get more out of life and cope better with life’s challenges. Positive wellbeing also has benefits to society as a whole, including greater social cohesion, increased productivity, lower rates of illness and reduced crime. Once you put YOUR wellbeing first then your are apt to impart life lessons to your kids.
Put yourself first. You’re wellbeing matters.
If that doesn’t ignite your engine, then get this :
Data suggests that both parents’ and youths’ attitudes are moderately predictive of subsequent health care behaviours, especially in the cases of asthma, diabetes, seizures and sexual risk avoidance (1). So your attitude towards a situation can either lead to or deter from asthma, diabetes, seizures and sexual risks.
Still think you’re well being is not important?
Children’s ability to understand safety rules and health behaviors increases with age (2) . Over time they acquire the capacity to conceptualize and understand the longer term consequences of their behaviors on their health (3). As a mother, if your understanding of health and safety is poor, then how will you impart those life lessons?
Connection Between Mental and Physical Health
Mental and physical health is fundamentally linked. There are multiple associations between mental health and chronic physical conditions that significantly impact people’s quality of life, and generate consequences to society. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines: health as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. The WHO states that “there is no health without mental health.”
The answer lies in your gut.
Your gut is your second brain. There’s an entire ecosystem of bacteria and a vast neural network operating in our guts. This ecosystem is our second brain, and comprises some 100 million neurons, more than the spinal cord. What you eat, and how your body processes the food controls how you feel and what you think. Eat good and feel great. Eat crappy food and you won’t be at the best of your thinking.
The enteric nervous system is a mesh-like network of neurons that lines the entire digestive track. It causes the sensation of nervous butterflies or a pit in your stomach that are innate parts of our psychological stress responses. Up to 90 percent of the cells involved in these responses carry information to the brain rather than receiving messages from it, making your gut as influential to your mood as your head is (4). This is called the Gut-Brain Axis and is explained is this super easy diagram.
Take care of your gut. take care of what and how you eat. Take care of your physical body and your mental capabilities will soar. Here is another simple diagram to drive home this important message.
Put yourself first. You’re wellbeing matters.
Take care of yourself physically and you will be more capable of looking after your children.
What About Being The Best Role Model For Your Children?
What is the best role model for your child? YOU.
You being at your best mentally and physically is your best bet that your kids will follow you and not a celebrity.
Be at your best physically, mentally and emotionally.
Your kids should look up to you first, not some one else.
When it come’s to parenting, you becoming a role model is a journey too. You have to practice daily to become the best version of yourself. So when it comes to parenting, every question can be answered by your wellbeing at the core of the solution.
Look in the mirror, are you a role model for yourself? Are you your own biggest inspiration? If you’re not then don’t worry. It is never too late to start becoming your own inspo.
Put yourself first. You’re wellbeing matters.
Don’t Make A Separation.
It could possibly be one of the biggest mistake we are making. When ever addressing the wellbeing of a child we have to look closely into the wellbeing of the parents. Especially you sister. A mothers wellbeing defines how the environment around her will be.
For those of my sisters who have the opportunity to organise groups of women, I call on you to prioritise the wellbeing of those sisters around you. You have been given a responsibility. A responsibility to make those women around you stronger physically, mentally and emotionally.
This is something I always say, a women is the foundation of society. She raises future leaders. Her health & wellbeing is everyones business.
Do you agree? Share with me your thoughts on Instagram. I would love to hear from you!
Marina Farook 