Attention, Mothers! You Need to Quit this Bad Habit Already

Who do you turn to when you need a shoulder to cry on? Who helps you get your act together? Who is the glue keeping your family together? Who lives in a pineapple under the sea? Oops, scratch that last one, got carried away by childhood nostalgia. You know the answer to the others mother dearest, of course!

Whether it is our favourite food or answers to existential dilemmas, moms have a way of providing everything we seem to need. Sadly, we have attached so much glory to motherhood, that mothers across the globe keep pushing themselves to exhaustion. In all our gratefulness, we have forgotten to let them be.

Dear mothers, you have done all you could. About time you called it quits on your bad habit of caring for others while neglecting yourself. Starting this Mother's Day, it is time to take care of YOU! And what better place to start at, than your temple your body. Here is what you should know:

What is happening to my body?

Change is a function of time, and our bodies are a perfect reflection of that. For women, especially, these changes can bring along a host of discomforts. As mothers age, a myriad of health concerns pop up. Here are some you should watch out for:

1. Loss of calcium

After about 35 years of age, women's bones start to thin faster. This weakening of bone density happens as a result of hormonal changes, that build up to menopause. Make sure you up your calcium intake, as well as exercises that strengthen the bones. To be on the safer side, you should also get a bone density test done, at the age of around 50.

2. Decreased metabolism

With age, comes the wear and tear of the human body. Things start to slow down naturally, and it takes extra effort to maintain a sense of normalcy. Metabolism takes a hit at the hands of muscle loss and lack of activity. Thus, it becomes harder to lose weight. While weight gain in men stops at around 55, it goes on till 65 for women. Talk about male privilege!

3. Hormonal changes

The female body produces less and less estrogen and progesterone as it grows. This leads to the emergence of multiple concerns, such as irritability, hot flashes, decreased libido, depression, osteoporosis, etc. Hence, it's essential that you take care of your body while it is more responsive to care. Pay special attention to your mental health, so you are in the right headspace, come what may.

4. Compromised reproductive health

Childbirth, menopause and the like, take a toll on your body. They can mess with pelvic, reproductive and urinary health, giving rise to issues such as pelvic organ prolapse, when the pelvic organs slip out of place, and urinary incontinence, an inability to control urination. Sexual intercourse also tends to become more difficult. Health professionals recommend pelvic floor exercises like Kegels to help the situation.

5. Deteriorating hair and skin

It sucks, but it's true. Prized possessions, hair and skin, gradually become disinterested in maintaining a flawless front. While hair thins and greys, the skin becomes dull and wrinkle-y. Who can blame them after all? Hormones get the better of all of us, all the time. However, maintaining a healthy diet can help keep your hair, shining and skin, glowing.

How can I take care of myself?

Since the answer to most health problems starts with what goes inside the stomach, here is a tip for women of all ages. Do NOT ignore your nutrition requirements. Skipping meals or staying hungry due to lack of time or to lose weight are extremely unhealthy habits. They can have long term repercussions, thereby adding more pain to the already dreadful process of ageing. Here are a few healthy foods mums can include in their daily routine:

• Chai made sweeter
  Kickstart your day with a refreshing Green Tea Apple Cider Vinegar Shot. No more of that early morning shenanigan of mixing, chopping, grinding, and making DIY drinks. Just take a green tea health shot and you keep your metabolism in check and stay super active throughout the day.
• Fruits and nuts for the soul
  When you get hungry, reach out for the crunchy stuff. No, not packets of chips! We mean a colourful and convenient fruit or granola bar. You can also try pairing the two with generous helpings of yoghurt to create a lovely snack bowl. These foods don't just energise, but also help strengthen your body's overall functionality. A supermom needs her share of superhero grub to keep going!
• Rush hour with a dose of health
  Dropping off the kids to school or rushing to the office? We understand you are short on time. Our healthy, ready-to-drink Apple Cider Vinegar shots are packed with nutrients and flavour, perfect for moms, who are always on the go!

You see mamas, it isn't all that tough! Making small changes in your daily routine can make you healthier, even as you continue to be everyone else's support system. Years can come and go, but a mom's strength is forever. Don't you dare let something as trivial as age come in the way of your well-being!