Last week the U.S. Surgeon General, Vivek H. Murphy, M.D., M.B.A, issued an advisory calling attention to the importance of parental stress, mental health and well-being, stressors unique to parenting, and the relationship between parental mental health and child outcomes. Parents in today’s world are dealing with more stress than ever and Dr. Murphy wants the world to pay attention.
I’m so excited about this issue being brought to the forefront because if there is one thing I know for sure, parents (and especially moms) have a LOT on their plates.
But my biggest takeaway is summed up in one line for the 30-page advisory: CAREGIVERS NEED CARE, TOO.
It goes on to say that caring for yourself is a key part of how you care for your family and suggests:
- Activities that reduce stress including exercise, sleep, a balanced diet, mindfulness, meditation and things that bring joy.
- Reminding yourself that taking time to do these things is vital to your well-being, which then impacts your kids.
- Remembering that it’s impossible to get parenting right all the time, so be kind to yourself.
And you guys, these are all things we do here at Smile Sweat Shine. Whether it’s exercise at a class, joy through chatting with other moms, sleep and a balanced diet that we focus on in our SHINE small group accountability program, mindfulness through a walking challenge or book club, and so much more, it’s all here.
And Smile Sweat Shine will never stop reminding you about what the Surgeon General is now reminding you of: caregivers need care, too.
XOXOXOXOXO!
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