- my iParenting
- quick clicks
- grandparents today articles
- grandparents today q&a
- community & groups
- research baby names
- prepare a birth plan
- content channels
- ip channel rss feeds
- read birth stories
- read parenting stories
- recommended books
- e-newsletters
- safety recalls
- ip diaries
- ip store
- mom of the month
- dad of the month
- editor's letter
- letters to the editor
From Our Sponsors
- e-newsletters
- Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters
- award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
Inner Peace Is an Onion
Peel Back the Layers to Find the Mind-Body Connection By Jenn Director Knudsen
"I am a busy mom of three boys who are all active in various sports throughout the year," says Kathy Dekramer, a full-time flight attendant, yoga teacher and trainer. "I have found that doing yoga has been my saving grace."
Dekramer tries to practice yoga four times a week, before her household wakes up in the morning. Failing that, she'll default to at least a 15-minutes meditation session every day, after her sons have left for school.
"It has really helped my mind and body," Dekramer says of her yoga practice, which includes meditation and deep breathing. "It helps me stay focused and grounded even in the chaos."
"Finding time to exercise is an important and necessary aspect to a mom who is healthy in mind-body-spirit," says Amy Hendel, a registered physician assistant with a lifestyle coaching practice in Encino, Calif., and the host of HealthZone, a medical talk show.
Hendel, mother of a son and a daughter, says she opts for one-on-one boxing sessions to "destress, pound out my frustrations and reach a wearying but wonderful fatigue ... for my mind-body connection."
Hendel recommends getting out for a massage, manicure-pedicure, a knitting class or to any other place women tend to gather to foster friendships and even a support network.
"I think the most important rule in achieving mind-body balance, especially for a new mom, is to set some time aside for yourself," says DeAndrea."I call this quiet time. ... It is very difficult to assist others unless you take the time to fill your own tank."
This was the philosophy Frost took to heart 30 years ago when she had four daughters under 5 years of age and "I couldn't even find time to go to the bathroom alone,"she says."The mere thought of meditation was laughable!"