My Mom ran a “tight ship” when managing her family. Some of her lessons are ringing so true today as we are staying at home to stay healthy. I wish she were here to thank. Instead, I offer them to you as a pay it forward to many others, Thanks to Mom.
Here are my Mom’s strategies for a good life:
Wash Your Hands
I can picture the line and body bumping as we ran to the bathroom before dinner or a snack. They would look clean to us, despite the dark line of dirt under our finger nails. However, we were hungry and would follow directions by scrubbing with a nail brush as well as the Ivory soap.
Clean up Your Face
Did everyone have to wash their face before they ate? I think this was to make us look presentable whenever and wherever we ate. Good advice today as the easiest way to get sick is when the disease hits our face and airways. Now I understand, my Mom wanted us healthy as well as presentable.
Make Your Bed
I am not a fan of this one, but we were required to do it every day. When I lived in a dorm room I always made my bed as it was our only living space. As soon as I got my first apartment, I loved not having to make my bed! Felt like a protest against my Mom’s rules. Then, I came around partially because I lived in a studio and partly because of practical reasons. As long as my bed was made, I seldom wanted to crawl back in it after my shower instead of heading to work at 6 am. I merged the attitude and make your bed with buying a duvet. The perfect solution. Not military approved but surely works for me as a good compromise.
Go Outside
As kids she would send us outside. Yes, those were different days you may say. But I think without knowing the current research, she knew some Vitamin D and outdoor exercise was good for our health (and probably her mental health as well.)
Learn to Swim
Okay, nothing we can do with this one during the COVID-19 outbreak. Do not share swimming water with anyone! Skip Mom’s this bit of her advice today, but look forward to implementing this one in the summer.
Prioritize Sleep – Go to sleep.
Before a big high school exam she would tell me sleep is better than an extra hour of studying. My Mom had no scientific data to quote; Though, I did notice years later a study confirmed her sleep approach. Even in college I followed her advice. I headed to bed at a decent hour on the eve of exams. If I was really feeling short on the information, I would get up an hour early and with a refreshed brain, study up a bit. The approach seemed to work. I made it through college and grad school, too.
Be Kind
My Mom was always thinking of others, not just us, but the neighborhood and friends. She thought nothing of picking up the phone to check on an elderly neighbor or to touch base with an old friend. She knew reaching out was a kindness to others whether they lived alone or not. Maintaining connections takes effort.
Listen to Music
Music changes everything. My Mom loved to dance but really would do anything to music. As she cooked and cleaned, she listened to her favorite music. Music makes life a bit easier.
Everyone will have their good days and bad days through this pandemic. However, let’s keep moving to take care of ourselves, each other and the future.
Improve A Loved One’s Life Today compliments of Mom:
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Stay safe, Stay well, Stay Home.