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7 Items that Should be In Every Mother’s Gym Bag

No matter what your age, you can always benefit from a good workout. For mothers, though, it’s especially important to make time for exercise. And there are some essential items that should be in every mother’s gym bag to ensure success. Not only does working out help keep you healthy and looking great, but it can also provide a much-needed break from the stresses of parenting.

In fact, studies have shown that regular exercise is one of the best ways to keep your mind sharp and healthy as you get older. And while it’s always important to consult with a doctor before starting any new fitness routine, there are some basic things that should be in every mother’s gym bag to make her workouts easier and more enjoyable.

7 Items That Should Be in Every Mother's Gym Bag — *This is a collaborative post and may contain affiliate and/or paid links which means that if you click on one of these links and buy a product, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost

Water and Sports Drinks

Water and sports drinks are two of the most important items to have in your gym bag. Not only do they help keep you hydrated, but they also provide essential nutrients that can help power your workout. If you’re planning on doing a particularly strenuous workout, it’s a good idea to drink a sports drink beforehand to give you an extra energy boost.

You can even bring coconut juice or Fit ‘n Right detox, which is a natural source of electrolytes while detoxifying your body. Electrolytes are minerals that help maintain the balance of fluids in your body, and they’re especially important when you’re working out hard.

Energy Bars and Snacks

Energy bars and snacks are an important part of any fitness routine, especially for mothers. They provide the energy you need to power through a tough workout, and they also help keep your metabolism going strong.

Plus, if you’re ever in a pinch and don’t have time to eat a full meal, an energy bar can be a great substitute. Just make sure you choose a bar that’s low in sugar and high in protein, so you can stay energized and healthy.

Phone Charger and Power Banks

One of the most important things to bring to the gym is a phone charger and/or power bank. Not only do these items keep your phone powered up, but they can also provide you with a much-needed boost of energy when you’re working out.

If you’re like most people, you probably use your phone for music, podcasts, or other forms of entertainment when you’re working out. So, it’s important to make sure your phone is always charged up so you can stay focused and motivated.

Towel and Body Wipes

A towel and somebody wipes are two essential items to have in your gym bag. Towels are great for drying off after a workout, and body wipes can help keep you clean and fresh.

Plus, they’re a great way to avoid that “post-workout funk” that so many people experience. If you can’t shower right after your workout, body wipes can be a great alternative.

Extra Set of Clothes

It’s always a good idea to bring an extra set of clothes with you to the gym, especially if you’re working out hard. That way, if you get sweaty or dirty, you can change into a fresh set of clothes and avoid getting uncomfortable.

Having a spare set of clothes also comes in handy if you accidentally spill water or sports drink on your clothes. So, make sure to pack a towel and an extra set of clothes in your gym bag!

Yoga Mat

Bringing your own yoga mat to the gym is a great way to make sure you have a comfortable and stable surface to practice on. Not only does it provide extra padding for your joints, but it also helps keep you from slipping and sliding around.

Plus, if you’re ever in a bind and can’t find a yoga mat at the gym, you can always use your towel as a substitute.

Resistance Band

Working out at home can be a great way to save time and money, and it’s even easier when you have a resistance band on hand. A resistance band is a great way to add extra resistance to your workouts, which can help you tone up and burn more calories.

They’re small and lightweight, so they’re perfect for bringing to the gym or taking on the go. So, make sure to add a resistance band to your list of essential gym gear!

Final Thoughts

So there you have it: the seven essential items that should be in every mother’s gym bag. By bringing these items with you to the gym, you’ll be able to work out more comfortably and confidently, which will help you get the most out of your session.

Tips for Moms: Best Ways to Boost Your Mental Health

Being a mom is one of the most challenging lifetime jobs there is. Moms are so busy taking care of everyone else that they sometimes, or more precisely very often, neglect themselves in every sense. However, neglecting your physical and mental health can have detrimental effects both on you and your loved ones. So, you need to find time and dedicate it to yourself. You’ve probably heard people saying that a happy mom equals a happy family. So, moms, brace yourselves as we’ve compiled a list of things for you to do to boost your mental health.

You can start with practicing thankfulness. We all have plenty of things to be thankful for. We just often overlook them and forget to appreciate them. Being thankful can really boost your mental health. As beauty and health come from the inside out, we should be mindful of our diet as well as physically active. Moreover, it’s essential that moms have some time for themselves. Also, opening up to somebody such as a family member or a close friend can help you relate and realize that other people also have similar issues or worries. And lastly, we can’t be at our full mental capacity if we don’t allow our bodies and mind to rehabilitate during sleep.

Practice thankfulness

To set a positive mindset, you should remind yourself from time to time about things you are thankful for. That can be your family, health, job or even some little things that mean a lot to you. However, it’s often way easier to focus on negative things rather than positive things around you. It’s not easy creating this kind of mindset. What helps is noting down three things you are grateful for each day. You can write them down in a journal perhaps. Writing them down creates a habit for you. By doing it regularly, eventually, you’ll be able to do it even without writing them down.

Pay attention to your diet

Our mental health can easily be jeopardized with the choice of food we take in on a daily basis. For instance, many people have reported feeling anxious, nervous or under stress when eating too much junk and sugary food. Similar feelings are evoked with too much caffeine. What we put in our bodies has a significant impact on our mental health. To boost your mental health, you should have a well-balanced diet. Such a diet is based on fresh, nutritious food including fruits and veggies, nuts and seeds, dairy products, fish and meat. What you should avoid is highly processed, sugary food and too many simple carbs.

By maintaining a healthy diet, you not only help yourself but your child as well. You teach your child good nutrition habits in that way, which is an essential thing for their overall health as well. When choosing a suitable early learning center, pay attention to their meal choice – it should be based on healthy food mostly for your child’s optimal development.

Get active

Getting physically active and engaged in some kind of sports activity can help you in terms of boosting your mental health. When we don’t feel our best psychologically, the easiest thing for us to do is stay in and watch TV. However, such behavior won’t aid your mental health. Instead, you should get a grip, get up and do something physically engaging. You can opt for jogging, taking a brisk walk, riding a bike, swimming or simply going to the local gym. You can even engage in some family time sports activities and play badminton or some other sport. It will help keep your spirits up.

Dedicate time for yourself

One thing that’s key and that many moms don’t have is time for themselves. As we already mentioned, moms have so many things on their minds that they very often, neglect themselves. There are simply too many things regarding their work, children as well as household and other obligations. If you realize that you are in this kind of situation, you should stop for a moment and make a different plan that involves some you-time. In this time for yourself, you can do whatever you enjoy doing. You can go to the hairdresser, practice yoga, take a long, soothing bath or simply do nothing. Don’t feel guilty whatever you do – you’ve earned it! This you-time can recharge your batteries in no time, making you happier and in a better mood.

Open up to a family member or a friend

It’s essential to have some kind of support, regardless of whether you have an issue or not. It helps us just to speak to someone we trust. It can be a spouse, family member or a close friend. By connecting with someone on such a level, we can learn a lot about ourselves. It also helps us calm our psyche down. And if you are struggling with some issues, it would be most beneficial for you to have someone who’s been through something similar to talk to. It should definitely be a person you can trust.

Get enough sleep

Quality sleep is the essence of good mental health. This is a basic human need and you shouldn’t allow yourself to be sleep deprived as it affects both your mental and physical health. You should have approximately around 8 hours of sound night sleep. Your bedroom should be quiet and dark, the bed and pillow comfortable and the bedding soft and clean. All of these things promote good sleep habits.

When being a mom, it’s important to take a break every once and a while and dedicate some quality time to yourself. It perhaps seems not so relevant, however, try practicing these things and you’ll see a boost in your mental health. After all, it’s true that moms are almost almighty, but they are still made of flesh and blood, just like everybody else.

Author Bio:

Jess Cooper is a part-time journalist and blogger based in Sydney, Australia. She is an energetic, creative highly motivated person with plenty of interests. The most prominent areas of interest include makeup and cosmetics, fashion, style, event organization and decoration, healthy food, fitness, learning languages as well as home improvement. Jess loves learning about new things and having the chance to combine those insights with her ideas and spread them to the world. She enjoys having a mindful and well-organized, healthy life, filled with all kinds of different activities and interwoven with close friendships.

16 Self-Care Ideas for Different Types of Moms

Mother’s Day might be behind us, but that doesn’t mean mom’s pampering stops! Self-care is so important regardless, but for moms, it’s vital for staying sane and continuing to juggle many responsibilities in the age of COVID-19.

For any self-care newbies, the concept might seem like a buzzword, but studies show its remarkable benefits for overall well-being and health. Self-care isn’t about slacking off or going to the spa, but the practice of taking action towards preserving one’s health.

This past year, moms have been forced to do the impossible– balance working from home, helping their kids with virtual learning, and keeping their homes running smoothly. Half of all moms have seen their workloads increase and to balance it all, put their own needs on the backburner.

If you’re a mom who deserves some time off or you know a mom who has been deprioritizing her own needs, the following 16 self-care ideas are for you. Let’s get started by listing different ideas for different kinds of moms!

16 Self Care Ideas for Different Types of Moms — *This is a guest post and all opinions are those of the author. This post may also contain affiliate and/or paid links. Rest assured that we only work with companies and individuals that we trust. While some of those companies and individuals may work in the medical field, this post is not intended to be a substitution for medical advice. Always speak to your doctor if you have concerns about your mental or physical health.

Self-Care Ideas for Stay-At-Home Moms

Stay-at-home moms have not received the breaks they need as kids no longer have sporting programs, extracurricular activities, or school a part of their schedule. Here are a few ideas for incorporating self-care as a stay-at-home mom.

Indulge in “me-time”

Stay-at-home moms might feel like prioritizing time for themselves in a house full of kids is “selfish” however, self-care is about replenishing your resources without depleting someone else’s. Creating a standard of wellness and personal development in your household will also encourage your kids to do the same!

Talk to someone who can relate

Discuss the highs and lows of motherhood with someone who can relate to you. Venting to another mom can grant you the perspective you need to feel like you have support when you need it.

Try journaling

Treat yourself to some private quiet time to write down your thoughts. Journaling can be very therapeutic and help them practice gratitude and self-awareness.

Meditate

Research shows that meditation can sharpen your mental awareness, prevent insomnia and even help you feel more present and attentive when caring for your kids.

Self-Care Tips for Stay-At-Home Moms — .

Self-Care Ideas for Moms Who Work

While the “rest is for the wicked” mindset, might prove successful in the workplace, breaks and relaxation time is needed for moms to balance work and family. Try the following self-care ideas geared at working moms.

Listen to a thought-provoking podcast

For busy moms who only have free time in the car or on the run, try listening to an inspirational podcast. Follow podcasters like Brené Brown or Oprah who converse with leaders in society to feel courageous during a chaotic climate.

Get creative

Doing an activity that is stimulating and creative can help moms connect with who they are on a deeper level and unleash their inner child.

Turn off your devices

Unplugging from technological devices allows your body to naturally shut down and relax for restful sleep.

Put it in your schedule

TEDx speaker and holistic nutritionist Rebecca Cafiero recommends blocking off time on her calendar for self-care. She says “If it isn’t scheduled, it isn’t real.”

How to NOT feel isolation while in self isolation — .

Self-Care Ideas for Essential Workers

Moms who are also essential workers have been called to perform at the same level while experiencing psychological pressures from the pandemic. Explore the following ideas for getting the rest you need.

Look to others for support

Many moms are not able to receive the support they need from friends and family due to social distancing guidelines. Instead, ask friends and families to help you in other ways like going grocery shopping for you, dropping off dinners or virtually teaching your kids.

Create boundaries

Creating boundaries is not an overnight process—and some people or family members are unaware that they’re constantly crossing them. Use it as an opportunity to instruct your coworkers or family on how you best communicate, when it’s appropriate to disrupt you (if ever), and what they can realistically expect from you.

Mentally check-out

Medical director Dr. Ben Crocker recommends “Intentionally creating ‘shutdown’ time in your schedule.” He says “This can be a healthy time alone, for meditation and quietude.”

Check-in with colleagues

Finding meaning in helping others can build a support system and create normalcy in a chaotic time. Check-in with colleagues to let them know you’ve got their back.

How to Prepare to Give Birth During Covid-19 — .

Self-Care Ideas for Moms-To-Be

As an expecting mom, it’s easy to become fixated on preparing for your baby’s arrival, but cultivating your well-being is crucial for a healthy pregnancy. Try some of the following ideas for moms-to-be!

Practice saying “no”

From friends offering unsolicited parenting advice to strangers asking to touch your belly, learning how to set boundaries can help you regain control of your pregnancy.

Get some exercise

As your pregnancy extends, there are many benefits to exercising for both mom and baby. Ask your doctor what a safe exercise session looks like for you based on your health.

Eat healthy foods

Food is medicine, and when expecting it’s important to make sure you are eating healthy and nutrient-rich food. Indulge in foods with protein, vitamins, and fiber such as salmon, sweet potatoes, dark leafy greens, and whole grains.

Explore clean beauty

Many personal care products contain harsh chemicals that can be harmful to you and your baby’s health. Read up on clean beauty picks for pregnant women and indulge in pampering yourself with fun and safe products.

Mother’s Day may happen once a year, but self-care for moms should be practiced every day. Find little ways to incorporate these ideas into your routine to stay happy and healthy all year long.

Author Bio

Stacy Walden is a writer from sunny San Diego. She enjoys covering topics around productivity and wellness in the workplace. When she’s not writing she likes spending time with her family and friends and traveling to new places abroad.