by Ma. Teresa Baniaga

Created on: January 18, 2009

Parents work hard to raise their children and provide for their family. They deserve to be cared for, too because there are people depending on them to be well and healthy.

Particularly for single parents, the need to be healthy and strong at all times is even greater because there is no one else to help them. If you are a single parent, it is of utmost importance to prioritize your health and well-being for your sake and that of your children.

Taking care of yourself benefits the entire family. When you are healthy and happy, you are well able to care for them and to work for a living for your family's needs. So, do not think that you are being selfish when you give yourself a little TLC (tender loving care). You are simply making yourself more able to be there for them.

Taking care of yourself is also a form of modeling proper behavior. Your children will see in you how to take care of themselves when they become adult. They will value their health more and develop healthier lifestyle. They will learn to look after themselves in ways that they saw you do.

There are no hard and fast rules about how to take care of yourself. Indeed, it is as simple as enforcing on yourself the same rules you made for your children. I am talking about eating healthy, getting enough sleep, or, yes, even taking a bath regularly.

Before you dismiss this article as too simplistic for your taste, think about this: Why are you having all these rules about bedtime, nutrition and hygiene? Are they not for the welfare of your children? If so, would they not be as beneficial to you, as well?

In the area of nourishment, always include yourself in your mind as you plan the day's meals. When you buy vitamins or food supplements for your children, do not forget to include your own adult vitamins, too. The point is, no one else will think about doing these for you.

Aside from this, put sleep and rest high in your priority list. Stick to an early bedtime so that your children will follow suit. Getting ample sleep and rest keeps you fit and prepares your for another grueling day ahead.

Other tips on how to take care of yourself are the following:

Be wary of stress. One thing that parents experience on a daily basis is stress. This is one silent killer you should be careful of. Always be on the look out for signs and symptoms that tell you to slow down. Set aside time to spend on your own and with your children to relax and to bond with one another. Enjoying your children while they are still young gives you the opportunity to refocus your priorities and make you thankful for what you've got. Then, you are ready to face the world again.

Pursuing a hobby is also very good for you. A hobby de-stresses and opens a lot of opportunities to widen your social circle. Who knows, your soul mate is just waiting for you in that Ballroom Dancing Club in your town?

Diseases attendant to maturing individuals should also be a major consideration. For example, review your family's medical history and watch out for any recurring medical problems. Diabetes, cancer, hypertension are all red flags. If you have them in your family, better to start altering your lifestyle to prevent them from striking you.

Speaking of lifestyle, there are various ways to improve yours. Are there vices you need to give up? Are you pushing too hard on the job and not getting enough rest and recreation? What about that treadmill gathering dust in the basement, are having plans on using it regularly?

Maybe, it is high time for you to stop, consider your life and think of taking care of yourself. Do it for your sake and for your children.

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