Five Tips for Busy Moms

As moms, we have so much to juggle, that finding balance amidst the chaos can be a challenge. Here are some tips towards a healthier and more balanced YOU in 2014!

As you set new goals for the coming year, a parenting expert offers some great advice:

1. Schedule "Me" time. Whether you're a mom for the first time or have multiple kids, you know adding a new person to your routine changes everything. The baby's schedule takes over your household. Making time for yourself can be challenging, but it can be done! And if you're a mom of school-aged kids, you know how much time is spent driving kids to activities and appointments. Make time each week for some down time where you can recharge and revitalize yourself. Take a class on that hobby you enjoy, or indulge in a bubble bath and a good book. Nurturing your soul is as vital to motherhood as caring for your new baby. Ask Grandma or a good friend to babysit so you find moments to truly relax.

2. Eat Healthy. Eating right takes a conscious effort and time to plan. As a mom, a clean diet and proper nutrition are keys to success. If you are breastfeeding you need to fuel your body with healthy foods to keep your stamina and health at optimum levels. If you have a picky toddler, you can model good eating habits by packaging ziplocs of raw fruits and veggies as 'fast food' that you can grab and go with your busy schedule. The less you handle foods in the cooking process the more vitamin-rich they are. Grill and broil meats when possible and keep lots of greens and nuts on hand for a quick pick-me-up. Remember, carbs will make you feel lethargic so keep those to a minimum. And of course, drink plenty of water!

3. Date Night: New dads may feel a tinge of jealousy over all of the time you spend caring for your baby. As your family expands and the kids grow older, make reigniting the romance in your marriage a top priority. Even if you can't rendezvous with your partner as often as you used to, it is important to schedule time for the two of you to bond. Making your partner feel important and needed in your life will help him adjust to your new family dynamic, and increase his attraction for you.

4. Learn to Say "No'. It is so much simpler to say 'yes' to every opportunity that comes calling. However, learning to say 'no' is an essential skill you will want to acquire. Besides your daily routine of taking care of the kids and the house, your days will also be filled with dentist appointments, play dates, activities, volunteering at the school and, for many moms, a full-or part-time job. There are all kinds of worthy causes to say 'yes' to, but it is important to be selective about activities you choose to commit to. Friends and family will understand if you have to occasionally say 'no' to keep your sanity in check.

5. Exercise. When you're sleep-deprived, the last thing you want to attempt is a good workout. However, exercise is an excellent way to release endorphins and increase your energy. Taking the kids for a walk around the block, bike-riding, or wrestling with them on the floor can be a great way  for you and the kids to get your blood pumping, boost your heart rate, and spend quality time together. Include other moms in your neighborhood and get some socializing in at the same time. Having kids can make it tough to squeeze in a full workout, but even 10 - 15 minutes of activity three times a week can benefit your physical and emotional well being. Not only will you be burning off stress and increasing your energy level, but you'll be maintaining your fitness at the same time!

Jen Joas, Wellness In Parenting Expert and mom, offers these words of wisdom for busy, hard-working moms. She is the founder of UrbanHalo, fun and flirty headbands that are as practical as they are stylish for on-the-go and trendy moms. Jen is well-rounded on all subjects when it comes to mind and body health. She educates from a mother's perspective on topics like marital bonds, 'me-time', balancing activities in a healthy way, and making time for work and play, exercise, proper rest. To keep up-to-date on news and upcoming UrbanHalo products, visit her website and like her on Facebook!