5 Ways to Show Support During Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Breast Cancer Awareness Month has been celebrated every October since 1985. The goal of Breast Cancer Awareness Month is to teach women about breast cancer and promote early detection methods.

If you are an American woman living in the United States, you likely know someone who has been affected by breast cancer.

This is because 1 in 8 women in the U.S. is at risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer.

According to the National Breast Cancer Coalition:

• In 2020 there were 684,996 deaths from breast cancer globally.

• Excluding basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in the U.S.

• Every thirteen minutes, a woman dies from breast cancer.

• As of 2019, there were an estimated 3.8 million individuals living with a history of breast cancer in the United States.

Even if you haven’t been affected by breast cancer, these numbers show that breast cancer is a real concern for many women, and all the more reason we should support Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Wear Pink

October and Breast Cancer Awareness Month are synonymous with the color pink.

According to Cancer.org, “During Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October and throughout the year—people wear pink ribbons to honor survivors, remember those lost to the disease, and to support the progress we are making together to defeat breast cancer.”

The simple act of wearing a pink ribbon shows your support. You may even want to have a “wear pink” day to show support in the office or the classroom.

Get a Mammogram

Possibly one of the best ways to honor Breast Cancer Awareness Month is to take care of your own boobs.

If you are 40 years old, it is time to start your annual breast cancer screenings.

If you are under 40 years old and have a risk of breast cancer due to family history, your doctor may want you to begin annual screenings.

Don’t worry! Mammograms are not as scary as you think they are!

Participate in an Event

There are tons of Breast Cancer Awareness events, such as fundraising walks.

By participating in these events, you raise money for cancer research and show your support for those who have suffered from breast cancer.

Plus, many of these events give you a firsthand opportunity to meet breast cancer survivors and hear their powerful stories.

Donate to a Chemo Ward

In addition to donating financially to a research group you trust, consider donating physical items to a local chemo ward.

They are often in need of blankets, scarves, hats, and pillows for patients.

Create a Fundraiser

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is also an opportunity to make your own fundraiser. Facebook makes it easy to donate to a charity you support and encourage your followers to participate.

In addition, you can create your own fundraisers, such as a pink lemonade stand or a pink fashion show for the ladies in the neighborhood.

What are you doing to raise awareness? What are you doing to take action for yourself?

12 Tips to Help You Go to Sleep Faster

If you are like many moms, going to sleep isn’t always easy. As tired as we are, we lay in bed tossing and turning before we fall asleep. And we need all the sleep we can get! Sleep is important for our overall physical and mental health. So, if you struggle with falling asleep, implement these 12 tips to help you go to sleep faster.

1. Make Your Bedroom Relaxing

Your bedroom should be designed to be a place of rest. You should feel soothed as soon as you enter it. Opt for soft colors and subtle patterns rather than anything bold or flashy. And, keep it clean. A cluttered and messy bedroom will only increase your anxiety, making it more difficult to fall asleep.

2. Wind Down

Every evening before you head to bed, do something relaxing. Take time to wind down. Whether you choose to take a nice bath, read a book, or listen to quiet music, do something that makes you feel a bit sleepier.

3. Disconnect and Say No to Blue Light

If you are anything like the rest of America, then the last thing you look at before you go to bed is your phone. This is the exact wrong thing to do if you want to go to sleep faster! Not only will the scrolling keep you alert, but our cell phones use blue light which messes with our body’s natural sleep rhythms.

My advice – Put your phone in a different room out of reach, such as your master bathroom. Not only will this prevent you from looking at it before you go to bed and as soon as you wake up, but it will also force you to get up to turn off your phone alarm in the morning.

4. Invest in Quality Bedding

Yes, those high thread count sheets are worth it. So is the fancy mattress topper and the expensive pillow.

5. Follow a Sleep Schedule

Teach yourself to fall asleep faster by going to bed around the same time every night and waking up around the same time.

6. Avoid Caffeine in the Afternoon

Most of us need a morning jolt of caffeine, but if we drink it throughout the day (such as stopping at Target for a mid-day latte), we will feel it when we try to go to bed. Experts recommend avoiding caffeine after lunch.

7. Dim the Lights

A little before your regular bedtime start to dim the lights. For example, close the curtains and switch from full lights to dimmer lamps.

8. Block Out the Noise

If you are not already using a white noise app or machine, now is the time to start. These things are amazing with blocking out noise so you can sleep soundly.

9. Keep a Notepad on the Nightstand

One reason many moms have trouble going to sleep is that we have so much on our minds. Our brains are so full of stuff all the time! A fix for this issue is to keep a notepad on your nightstand where you can jot down your thoughts before you go to bed (such as tomorrow’s to-do list).

10. Lower the Temperature

According to Healthline, “If your room is too warm, you might have a hard time falling asleep. Setting your thermostat to a cool temperature between 60–67°F (15.6–19.4°C) could help.”

11. Take Melatonin

The supplement melatonin can help regulate your sleep. Healthline explains, “Doses of 0.5–5 mg taken 2 hours before your desired bedtime, which is usually around 8 to 9 p.m. for most individuals, might improve sleep quality.”

12. Watch What You Eat and Drink

Be careful about what you eat and drink before bed. For example, if you eat something heavy before trying to go to sleep, you’ll struggle. Likewise, if you eat something like chocolate, which has caffeine, you’ll struggle. Also, some people think drinking alcohol will help them sleep. This is false. It may make them fall asleep faster, but they will wake up throughout the night.

How to Use Sunday to Get a Jump Start on the Week

Before Sunday Funday became a thing and everyone was brunching, Sundays were known as the day of rest. Unfortunately, in our busy society, we have a hard time slowing down and resting- even on Sunday. When you work five days a week, you try to cram as much as possible into your weekends. But, if you push yourself too much on the weekend, you are already starting the next week exhausted. Instead, use Sunday to get a jump start on the week.

Really Relax

As much as possible, try to make Sunday a day of rest. I understand that this isn’t always possible – especially for working moms. So, here’s what I do. I try to incorporate a little relaxation time in each Sunday. This may look like a nice, long bath or some time hiking outdoors. Do something that relaxes you, body and spirit.

Reconnect

Use Sunday to reconnect with the ones you love. Do something fun with your family or meet up with your girlfriends for brunch. If you can’t find to go and do, then set aside time to call a long-distance relative. By reconnecting on Sunday, we don’t have feelings of guilt for not spending enough time with others throughout the week.

Review the Week Ahead

Spend time on Sunday reviewing your week ahead. Pull your calendar out and clearly mark all your important dates and appointments. When reviewing your calendar, think about how your schedule will be different this week and what things you need will need to do differently (such as dinner). Then, call a family meeting to discuss the week’s plan, such as who is responsible for which meal and school pickup. Divvy up tasks fairly.

Do Some Meal Prep

I know meal prep feels like such a chore to some people, but it is so worth it! If you do an hour of meal prep on Sunday, you will feel less stressed throughout the week. Plus, you will eat healthier! You won’t have to rush around to find something to cook or eat fast food. You’ll have ingredients ready to go.

Tidy Up

I don’t think you should use your Sunday Funday to do any deep cleaning (unless you are the type of person who really enjoys cleaning). However, I do think it is wise to spend just a few minutes on Sunday to tidy up your focal points, such as clearing the counters or desk of clutter. There is something so nice about starting your week to a clean-looking house.

Plan Out Your Outfits

Did you know that Mark Zuckerberg has a very limited wardrobe? He wears an identical grey shirt all the time because it saves him from having to choose clothes every day, which means he can be even more productive. Now, as a fashion lover, I am not about to tell you to do the same thing. Ha! However, I do see the wisdom in pre-selecting your clothing for the week. You can save so much time, stress, and brain space by having your clothes picked out ahead of time

Go to Bed Early

Lastly, get your week off to a great start by going to bed on time on Sunday. This will help you wake up feeling refreshed and ready to go on Monday. If going to sleep is a struggle for you, try to prepare yourself for bed ahead of time. For example, dim the lights, put on cozy clothes, turn down the noise, and do something calming (such as reading).

What do your Sundays look like?

How to Prepare Kids for New School Rules

In less than two weeks, my girls will be back to school following a hybrid model. It’s nerve-wracking, to say the least. I realized that if I am feeling this anxiety about what this new school year will look like, then I am sure my girls are also worried. Especially when you consider all the new school rules. Here is what I am doing to ease their fears and prepare my kids for new school rules due to COVID.

Wear Masks Now

I wrote a blog recently about how to prepare your kids for wearing masks to school. My main tip was to start wearing masks now. I cannot emphasize this enough. Don’t leave mask enforcement up to the teachers. See my blog Preparing Your Child to Wear a Mask at School for tips.

Demonstrate Social Distancing

Let’s be honest. Social distancing is hard – even for adults. When kids get to see their friends in the classroom after being apart since March, it is going to be extremely hard to practice social distancing. Take time to demonstrate what social distancing with friends looks like, such as not hugging, sharing, or whispering. (it’s pretty sad to actually write those examples though.)

Teach Healthy Habits

Talk to your kids about the importance of healthy habits, like washing their hands and sneezing or coughing into their arms. Go ahead and purchase mini hand sanitizers they can keep in their bookbags and cubbies. We’ve also started having our girls sanitize their hands every time they enter a vehicle after being in a public space and plan to stress this rule when it comes to school.

Talk to Them About What to Expect

You absolutely must talk to your kids about what to expect. If they show up to the school to see plexiglass dividers around desks and no toys lying around, they will be heartbroken. Instead, spend time talking about the differences they should expect and do so in a positive way. A psychologist from Boston Children’s Hospital suggests talking about things like: “What will the classroom look like? What will lunch and recess be like? What extracurricular activities or clubs will your child have or not have? How will they access extra supports, like tutoring or counseling? Walking through the specifics can give your kids something concrete to hold onto.”

Start Screening for Symptoms

Most schools are implementing some sort of screening for students. Whether you will be responsible for taking temperatures or your child’s school, it is a good idea to start screening for symptoms now. If kids are used to doing it at home, then they will be more prepared and unafraid at school.

Explain the Risks

It’s also important to explain the risks of COVID-19 to kids in a language they can understand. They need to know why these new school rules are in place so they will be more inclined to follow them.

Keep Your Opinions to Yourself

Lastly, keep your opinions to yourself. It’s not going to be perfect. And there will be plenty of times when things do not go according to plan. But, keep your frustrations and opinions to yourself and avoiding spewing your feelings to your child. This will only make kids feel more anxious about school.

What other tips do you have for the upcoming school year? Let me know in the comments!

10 Tips for Exercising on the Reg

With gyms still under many restrictions, it is easy to let your healthy exercise regiment slide. Even without a pandemic, we’ve all been there. Sometimes it is hard to find the time and the motivation to do our workouts. But regular exercise is so important for our overall well-being! Today, I’m sharing 10 of my favorite tips for exercising on the reg. No more excuses!

1. Allow Someone to Hold You Accountable

Accountability is so important when it comes to exercise. Simply telling your partner that you plan to exercise in the morning is a great way to make yourself actually get up and moving when the alarm rings. If you think your spouse will not be the best accountability partner, there are apps you can use. Check out Bare Minerals 6 Fitness Apps to Keep You Accountable & Motivated.

2. Work Out with a Friend

Not only is working out with a friend fun, but it is also a great way to build stamina. You will strive to match your friend step for step or move for move. If you are social distancing, Peloton allows you to work out with friends.

3. Use an App for Reminders

Don’t forget to exercise by setting phone reminders. You can take it to the next level by downloading the app Workout Plan, which allows you to create a fitness schedule and sends you reminders.

4. Do What You Love

My favorite tip for exercising on the reg is to do what you love. It really is that simple. If you love going on morning runs, taking dance classes, or going to CycleBar, you are much more likely to do it. It won’t feel like a chore you dread – it will be something you look forward to doing.

5. Create a Playlist

Good music makes you want to move. Trust me – it’s scientific. According to Science Daily, “A new study has shown that listening to high-tempo music increases the benefits of exercise for physical fitness and reduces the perceived effort involved.”

6. Reward Yourself

After working out consistently, treat yourself to something nice. Now, I don’t mean heading to Starbucks to get a giant sugar-calorie-filled iced coffee. I mean, treat yourself to a manicure or a new pair of yoga pants.

7. Track Your Progress

It’s important to track your progress because it helps you discover what works and what doesn’t. There are tons of workout tracking apps available. Check out Lifewire’s 10 Best Workout Log Apps of 2020 for iOS and Android.

8. Follow Encouraging Fitness Accounts

When it comes to who you follow on social media, you want to stick with those people who encourage you. Of course, there are some accounts that are unhealthy to follow, but I love Women’s Health list of the 33 Best Fitness Instagram Accounts To Follow For Major Motivation.

9. Cheer Yourself On

Be your own cheerleader. When you start to get tired, cheer yourself on. Remind yourself that you are strong and capable. It may feel weird at first, but positive self-talk has been proven to change our mindsets.

10. Fit in Quick Fitness

One of the main reasons I miss a workout is because I don’t have enough time. But now I have learned to fit in quick fitness whenever and wherever I can. For example, HIIT workouts are all the rage right now. These are high-intensity interval training exercises that are around 20 minutes. Do a quick search on YouTube and you will find tons!

Share your best tips for keeping up with workouts in the comments!

Skincare for COVID Mask Woes

No matter your stance on wearing a mask during the COVID-19 pandemic, you are going to have to wear one. Whether it is required where you live or by your employees, mask wearing is the new norm.

I am all about doing what I can to protect others, and mask wearing is one way to do so. However, many mask wearers are discovering that their masks are causing a lot of skin problems. There is even a new term called mask-ne, which refers to acne adults are getting from wearing masks.

CNN explains, “June 20 is the official first day of summer, and summer means increased temperatures and humidity, which could affect both our comfort while wearing a mask and the health of our skin.” Face masks can cause skin irritation from where they rest on your face and cause friction or chaffing. Additionally, face masks can trap all the things, like oil and dirt, that cause acne, eczema, and rosacea.

That’s why it is so important to have a healthy skincare regiment. Your skin needs protection, too.

Choose the Right Kind of Mask

The first thing you should do to protect your skin when wearing a face mask is to choose the right kind of mask. Now that the mask shortage is over and you can find masks practically anywhere, you want to invest in masks that are good for your skin.

Dr. Harold Lancer of Lancer Skincare explains to CNN, “If you’re making your own mask, use simple 100% cotton fabric to construct it. The more synthetic a material is, the more heat retention occurs on the skin that is covered by the mask. This will likely lead to irritation, so make sure to avoid those.” This also applies to the masks you purchase. And don’t forget to wash your face mask!

Heal Irritated Skin

If you are in a situation where you are required to wear a face mask for an extended period, you may be dealing with skin irritation or redness. If this is happening to you, then you should apply a skin healing ointment (such as Aquaphor) to the irritated skin. These types of ointments also work as a barrier to protect the skin from the rubbing face mask.

Maintain Your Skin Care Routine

It is critical that you maintain your skincare routine while wearing a face mask. Each morning and evening, you should wash your face with a gentle facial cleanser. Another part of your routine should include using facial moisturizer. In addition to mask woes, you are also dealing with the heat of the summer. Your skin needs to be moisturized.

Skip Makeup Under the Mask

If you stopped wearing makeup over the quarantine, you might be itching to “put on your face.” But you may want to hold off for a while if you are wearing a face mask. Dermatologists do not recommend wearing makeup under a face mask because it will create even more skin issues. If you absolutely must wear makeup under your face mask, then keep it minimal.

Skincare by Loreal explains, “Higher temperatures, wearing more makeup and wearing a mask can be a recipe for clogged pores and irritation. Avoiding heavy, comedogenic products is a good idea in the summer, but even more so when wearing a mask.”

Protect Your Lips

Lastly, don’t forget to protect your lips under the mask. While it is pointless (and messy) to wear lipstick under a face mask, you should wear a moisturizing lip product, such as petroleum jelly or beeswax, to prevent chapped or dry lips.

Work from Home Struggles & Successes

Earlier this week, I asked about work from home struggles on successes on my Instagram account. Not surprisingly, I found we share many of the same struggles and successes. Working from home (especially if you are also homeschooling your kids) is hard work! There have been good days and bad days. Now that we’ve been at it for over a month, we’re beginning to see what we are doing well…and what we are doing not so well. Let’s take a look.

We are eating too much.

By far, the comment that showed up the most for work at home struggles was that we are eating too much. Many of us depleted our quarantine snacks within the first week. Why? It’s easy, and we are bored.

But we are snuggling more.

While eating more is not the best habit to embrace during this season, we are also spending our extra time at home snuggling our kids more. We are spending far more time with our families than before and surprising ourselves with how much we enjoy the extra snuggle time.

We aren’t getting dressed up.

As a whole, we are also struggling with getting dressed. Many of us have slipped into a nice routine of wearing pajamas to work. And for those who feel fancy, they are wearing yoga pants on bottom and dress shirts on top. We are wearing far less makeup (if any), and we aren’t doing our hair.

But we are getting more sleep.

A major perk of not spending as long on our appearance also means we are getting more sleep. We no longer feel the need to wake up extra early to shower and do the whole makeup and hair routine. We can roll out of bed and start our day. That may be hard to give up when the return to normal begins!

We are struggling with new routines.

At the same time, we are struggling with new routines. Many of us are creatures of habit – even in the office. And home does not work like the office, so there is a steep adjustment. Plus, those of us who are trying to work from home and homeschool our kids at the same time are struggling. It is a whole new routine – and it doesn’t work every day.

But we are still working out.

One routine we aren’t neglecting is our need to work out. While the gyms are closed, we are still finding ways to stay active and healthy. Whether we are working out in our backyards with the whole family or alone in front of a screen, we are doing what we can to work off all the extra calories we have been consuming.

We have too many distractions.

We are also finding many ways to distract ourselves and keep us from doing everything but work. Whether it is our kids or simply all of our own stuff, we are distracted and lacking focus.

But we are getting stuff done.

Yet, with all of the distractions, we are getting stuff done! Some of us are getting things done because of the distractions. Our dirty baseboards are distracted, so we’ve cleaned them! Our kids are distracting us, so we give them attention.

At the end of the day, whether we did a little or a lot, we can rest easier knowing we survived another day working from home during the COVID-19 lockdown.

Are You Getting Enough Protein? Here’s Why It Matters (+ A Giveaway!)

As a busy working mom, I am not ashamed to admit I need all the extra help I can get. Fortunately, I have discovered that I can get a huge amount of help from boosting the amount of protein I get each day. If you need more proof, read on!

How Much Protein You Need Each Day?

According to Healthline, “The DRI (Dietary Reference Intake) is 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight, or 0.36 grams per pound. This amounts to:

• 56 grams per day for the average sedentary man.

• 46 grams per day for the average sedentary woman.

Though this meager amount may be enough to prevent downright deficiency, studies show that it’s far from sufficient to ensure optimal health and body composition.”

This is just one of the reasons I love Premier Protein! Just one 11.5 oz bottle packs 30 grams of protein, meaning I almost reach the required minimum with just one drink!

Protein Reduces Hunger Cravings

You can hear you need protein all day long, but if you don’t know why you won’t feel the need to add more protein to your diet. But DIET is the keyword here. Did you know by increasing your protein intake you decrease your hunger cravings? Protein is filling; therefore, it reduces your appetite. Healthline reports, “In one study, increasing protein intake from 15% to 30% of calories made overweight women eat 441 fewer calories each day without intentionally restricting anything.”

Protein is the Muscle’s Building Blocks

Plus, protein is excellent for post-workout recovery. In the same report, Healthline explains, “eating adequate amounts of protein helps you maintain your muscle mass and promotes muscle growth when you do strength training.” This is why I also have Premier Protein with me when I go for a hike or to the gym.

Protein Gives You Longer-Lasting Energy

But, as a busy working mom, what I really need is energy – another thing you can get from increasing your protein intake. CNN explains, “Not consuming enough protein during the day can be a primary reason for fatigue. Protein-based foods provide the body with fuel to repair and build tissues. Protein takes longer than carbohydrates to break down in the body, providing a longer-lasting energy source.”

Premier Protein Makes It Super Easy to Get What You Need

This is why I have come to rely on Premier Protein shakes and bars. Premier Protein makes it super easy and convenient to get enough protein in my diet. Their protein shakes come in 11.5 oz bottles with closed lids so you can toss them in your bag and take them with you anywhere you go. This makes it much easier than mixing your own protein shake at home and transporting it - and no cleaning! Plus, they offer delicious flavors like Pumpkin Spice and Cookies and Cream, so I enjoy drinking them.

GIVEAWAY – Win a 4-Pack of Café Latte

Mixing a Protein Shake with added caffeine is a wonderful idea, like a delicious coffee with protein, to get my day going! Premier Protein just released their new product with added caffeine (equivalent to 1 cup of coffee) with the same 30g protein, 160 calories, 1g sugar, and 24 Vitamins and Minerals that gives my daily routine that extra spark. We're also giving away one 4-pack of Café Latte for you to enjoy too!

Hop over to my Instagram to get all the giveaway details! Hurry – it ends October 31st.

Real Ways to Observe Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month (also dubbed Pinktober). Breast Cancer Awareness Month is “an annual international health campaign organized by major breast cancer charities every October to increase awareness of the disease and to raise funds for research into its cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure.”

The older I get and the older my followers become, the more likely it is that we will know someone who will be affected by breast cancer. That’s why I feel it is important to talk about breast cancer. Some of you reading this may have had a friend or family member diagnosed with breast cancer, or you may have been yourself.

Understand the Risks

According to CNN, “The American Cancer Society estimates that there will be 271,270 new cases of breast cancer in 2019, 99% of which will be diagnosed in women.” Outside of skin cancer, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women. The CDC reports that “more than 40,000 women die from the disease.”

Additionally, “most breast cancers are found in women who are 50 years old or older, but breast cancer also affects younger women. About 10% of all new cases of breast cancer in the United States are found in women younger than 45 years of age.”

While it is impossible to predict your risk by 100%, you may find it worthwhile to use a Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool.

Know the Signs and Symptoms

It is also wise for women to know the signs and symptoms of breast cancer. According to CNN Health, “Many women are taught to look for new lumps or masses in their breast tissue but it's important to be aware of other abnormalities. Skin swelling or redness, change in breast shape, nipple discharge (other than breast milk), pain in or on the breast, and skin flaking or dimpling can be other possible warning signs of breast cancer.”

Donate Money

One of the best ways to observe Breast Cancer Awareness Month is to donate to a reputable organization, such as the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc, where your donations go towards raising awareness of the disease and providing mammograms for women who can not afford them.

Wear a Pink Ribbon

Obviously, wearing a pink ribbon or a pink t-shirt will not cure the disease, but it will inspire hope for those battling the disease and their loved ones fighting alongside them.

Share Your Breast Cancer Story

If you or one of your loved ones has had breast cancer, tell your story on your social media outlets. Often, people fall into the trap of believing breast cancer will never happen to them because it hasn’t happened to anyone they know. By bringing awareness, you may inspire another woman to look for symptoms or schedule a mammogram.

Purchase Products That Give Back

Again, buying a pink breast cancer awareness product will not cure the disease, but many of the products being sold during October do give a significant portion of the sales directly to breast cancer organizations, which are providing funds for research. I love People’s Breast Cancer Awareness Products That Are Giving Back in a Major Way article.

Schedule a Mammogram

Last but certainly not least, if you are 40 or older, you need to schedule a mammogram. Here are the age recommendations from the American Cancer Society:

• Women ages 40 to 44 should have the choice to start annual breast cancer screening with mammograms (x-rays of the breast) if they wish to do so.

• Women age 45 to 54 should get mammograms every year.

According to Susan G. Komen, “Mammography is the most effective breast cancer screening tool today for most women.”

Have Mom Brain? Here’s What I am Doing to Improve My Focus and Memory

I don’t have to tell you that being a working mom is challenging. But I may be able to tell you something to make you feel a little bit better. If you are feeling forgetful and distracted, you are not alone. And you are not going crazy. Moms everywhere forget to sign field trip forms, can’t seem to focus for long periods of time, and struggle to learn their child’s playmates names. If this sounds familiar, science has your back. There is a real reason why you feel this way. And, there is a way to feel better.

Yes, Mom Brain is Real

There is a long-held belief in something called “pregnancy brain.” This occurs when a typically smart woman suddenly has difficulty remembering things, like where she put her car keys, when she is pregnant. There is scientific evidence that proves momnesia is real! As one doctor explains to WebMD, “It’s 100% normal to have memory lapses or be forgetful when you’re busy, stressed, or short on sleep.” That describes every working mom I know!

The article continues, “Women accumulate up to 700 hours of sleep debt in the first year after having a baby, and that causes the brain not to be at its best for things other than caring for the baby.” See? You have a very good reason for being forgetful!

Tips for Improving Your Overall Brain Health

While it has been proven that mom brain does exist, that doesn’t mean women should just sit back and let their brainpower weaken. Instead, we need to take extra efforts to keep our brains sharp, so we can be the best moms, employees, and friends possible. Here are some proven ways to strengthen your brain:

• Exercise – Exercise has been proven to strengthen cognitive abilities, so make a point to exercise regularly.

• Sleep – It seems impossible with kids and a busy work schedule, but you must make sleep a priority. As Schiff Vitamins explains, “While you sleep, your brain is hard at work restoring information and memories and preparing you for another day.”

• Eat Healthy – The way you eat also affects your cognitive abilities. Therefore, it is important to eat healthily.

• Work Your Brain – There is a reason why senior citizens do crossword puzzles and play sudoku – it’s to work their brains and keep them sharp! Likewise, moms should find ways to exercise their games. For example, look for games and activities that will help you improve your focus, learning, memory, concentration, and accuracy.

I also like the tips from Dennis Kravetz on the HuffPost article 10 Ways to Boost Your Cognitive Fitness and Longevity because they include fun ways to boost your brain activity such as going to museums, which is easy for those of us calling NYC home to do.

What are you doing to help you deal with mom brain? Let me know in the comments!