I'm A Busy Working Mom With 5 Kids. Here's How I Fit Wellness Into My Life

I have five kids between the ages of 10 and 20, so I’ve been juggling work and kids for a long time. My life is both busy and fulfilling. As the founder of ESME.com (Empowering Solo Moms Everywhere), I'm inspired every day, but it also requires a lot of energy to make sure it's the best it can be. I also live on a farm, where we grow organic apples, grapes, berries, and garlic, so there’s always something that needs attention. Not to mention, the farm is home to 350,000 bees, 50 chickens, three big dogs, and two cats.

It can get a little wild trying to make sure that everything runs smoothly and that everyone’s needs are met! But I’ve discovered that lack of sleep, little exercise, poor food choices, and unhealthy habits zap my energy and make the balancing act nearly impossible.

I play tennis, spin, and do Pilates. All are scheduled for certain days and times of the week, to make sure I actually attend. For example, my family and coworkers know that Mondays between 4 and 5 p.m. I’m in a Pilates class, so I won’t be available.

I love lists! For example, I always stick to a grocery list to save time and decrease the chance of impulse shopping, which leads to unhealthy choices.

Every morning, my kids and I spend half an hour in the car together. We talk about their teachers, friends and who got in trouble at school. Sometimes the topics turn serious, and I so appreciate this daily ritual.

I keep fresh, easy-to-grab (and already cut-up) vegetables and nuts around for snacking. It helps maintain my energy, making me less likely to eat ravenously later.

Don’t waste your time worrying and being annoyed by situations you can’t change, such as a judgmental mother-in-law or encroaching crow's feet. Let that stuff go.

I recommend carving out daily moments that are screen-free, kid-free, and phone-free. I’m talking moments here. I'll find a space to sit and breathe for just two minutes. Taking in oxygen through deep, focused breaths is relaxing and invigorating.

If you have 5 or 10 minutes, even better: lie down and become aware of your breath moving down into your stomach and then exhaling until it’s all gone.

Create opportunities to see, smell, and listen to nature. Some of my most creative ideas are summoned on short walks in the woods. It feels good to move and appreciate the beauty around you.

Restaurant food, and particularly fast food, usually doesn’t contribute to our health. So I’ve organized my home so that I can make homecooked meals while still helping my kids with their homework.

They usually have after-school activities and then pour into the house famished. Our house is small and open, so instead of a standard living room, I’ve set up workstations for each kid where they can access a small collection of nuts, fruit, and vegetables while they do their homework. This is to avoid the pathetic, glazed stare into the refrigerator waiting for the perfect snack to miraculously appear. While I chop vegetables, spice, and marinate, I field questions about ratios and the Magna Carta.

Weekends are reserved for more elaborate preparation, takeout, or a well-deserved restaurant meal. But during the week, I sauté, broil, and stir-fry for quick and healthy results.

I hope that some of these tips work for you and that you're inspired to make wellness a priority in your life!