OK, this plan is do-able

The first few weeks that I was home alone with two kids, I remember feeling like I didn’t have time to recover from childbirth, let alone take care of my general health.

That’s why I was happy to see this article, 7 Things to do This Week to Make You Healthy from Unison.ie (free registration recquired).

Six of the behaviours mentioned in the article are appropriate for new mothers and possible to fit into a crazy schedule. Here is the list:

1. Spend some time with your pet to lower stress levels. Even watching a goldfish swim around the bowl can help.

2. Add an onion to any meal to help guard against diabetes, infection and even cancer.

3. Floss to protect your teeth and gums. The old adage that women lose a tooth for every child need not come true if you make time to brush and floss.

4. Drink a cup of green tea to ward off cancer.

5.  Try prune juice to help your digestion, keep you regular and reduce the risk of a stroke.

6. Chew a piece of sugar-free gum to help clear out food trapped between your teeth and to reduce bacteria in your mouth.

I think if a new mother can manage two of these a day in the first six weeks postpartum, she deserves a gold star. Remember, if you take care of yourself, you take care of all your children.