How to avoid illnesses as a parent

We’ve all been ill, it’s awful, however nothing can truly prepare you for being ill when you have a child to look after. When it happens, it’s like torture. You’re unable to go to bed as you would like to, you have to entertain a toddler, or feed a baby, there is literally no time to rest. It’s really not fair. I’ve been on the receiving end of being ill far too many times, and still having my daughter to look after. It was really awful around the time of her starting nursery when she picked up every illness that was possible, and passed it onto me. So here’s my fool proof guide of how to avoid illnesses as a parent.

Sleep

This is easier said than done when you have a screaming baby who’s waking in the night, or an early rising toddler. But sleep can work wonders for your body and mind. If you can try to go to bed at the same time every night, and if that is at 9pm because your baby wakes during the night, then so be it. Without enough sleep your body is more prone to pick up illnesses and getting that “run-down” feeling.

De-stress

Again like sleep this is a tough one especially if you’re at work and have a full household to run. If you can spend one to two evenings doing something to relax, such as yoga, pilates, swimming or even reading a book. Stress can cause migraines, so where possible take some time for yourself during the week. I’ve been on the receiving end of those pesky headaches far too many times, and they are much better to avoid than have.

Eat well

If you’re a busy parent I know how hard it can be to find the time in the evenings to eat well. It’s all too easy to order a takeaway or pick up a ready meal from the supermarket on your way home. However if you’re not eating well your body will not be getting the nutrients it needs to build a strong immune system. To combat this cycle of ordering takeaways, instead meal plan. At the start of each week or just before you do your food shop, plan out all your family meals. This means that you have what you need in the fridge to make your dinner, giving you little opportunity to order that takeaway. Think about the money you’ll save as well.

Vitamins

I know that some people have mixed feelings on taking vitamin supplements. I’m very much in favour of them as they pretty bought me back to life after getting all the illnesses possible when my daughter first started going to nursery (I think that I was keeping Holland and Barratt in business). Mainly I made sure that I was getting enough Vitamin C each day day to fight the common cold, and keep my immune system strong.

Exercise

Exercise is so important to keep the body fit and healthy, but also to clear the mind, which in turn helps to de-stress. If you can at least once a week make sure you’re either going to the gym, for a swim, or just a run around the park. By doing exercise your endorphins will increase, making you feel happier and clearer, and overall helping you to de-stress.

So those are my top tips for avoiding illnesses as a parent. They sound easy, and they are. It just takes a few small lifestyle tweaks to start to feel better if you’re suffering from that always run down feeling.

What are your top tips for staying healthy when you have children to look after?

Claire x

N.B This is a sponsored post.