Mother is a combination of all superlatives for her child — the best, the smartest, the most beautiful. A warrior who can vanquish all that is bad. A tower of strength providing shelter from all storms in life. For this superwoman to protect her children always, she must be healthy. But how many mothers prioritise their own health?
In a survey on health for working mothers, we found that three in four mothers neglect their health. Our experts offer some tips for these superwomen to manage their health better.
Why Mothers Must Prioritise Their Health
- Every individual, including a mother, deserves the best of health.
- Children need their mothers most during their growth years.
- A mother is the best role model for her children — they pattern their lives and habits on her.
- When a mother neglects health checkups, she not only stays in the dark about treatable conditions, but also passes on this ignorance to her children.
Why Working Mothers Neglect Their Health
Balancing Career and Motherhood
Many mothers cut corners on their health in the pursuit of a rising career, active family life, and social commitments. “We work as hard as our male counterparts and then go home to do the chores there. Where is the time for health?”
Sacrifice as a Default
Many working mothers are filled with guilt for not spending enough time with their children — and compensate by deprioritising themselves. While times have changed, this trend hasn’t.
Fear of What They Might Find
One of the most common reasons to skip health checkups is fear. Many women keep postponing vital health checks, forgetting that early detection saves lives — and protects their families.
Expert Health Tips for Working Mothers
Build and Nurture Your Support System
Identify your support system and invest in it — a partner who shares chores, a willing family member, or reliable household help. Delegate so you have time for yourself.
Watch What You Eat
Substitute loose crackers or processed snacks with a whole apple or unpeeled orange. Use apps to journal your food intake. Small, consistent choices add up to big health gains.
Start Your Day Early
Early mornings — before anyone demands your time — are golden. A few minutes of exercise, pranayama, and meditation can set a powerful tone for the day.
Keep Moving
Take a one-minute eye break every 30 minutes at the screen. Move around the office once an hour. Two 10-minute stair-climbing breaks a day can make a significant difference to your fitness.
Beat Stress Proactively
High stress leads to hypertension, depression, and anxiety. Build a comfort group of like-minded friends. Practise meditation, “me-time,” and positive affirmations to manage stress before it manages you.
Get Regular Health Checks
Regular health checks are the key to preventing or early-detecting conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Don’t skip that Pap smear. Don’t postpone that mammogram.
🧬 Plan Your Health — and Your Family’s
Genomepatri by MapmyGenome helps working mothers understand their genetic predispositions to conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer — and build a personalised health plan with the support of certified genetic counsellors.
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Questions? Reach us at info@mapmygenome.in or call 1800 102 4595.
