How Busy Moms Can Knock Out the Flu

Diary of a First Time Mom is teaming up with Kmart to knock out the flu and knock out your to-do list.cAlthough we received some form of compensation, all opinions remain our own.

Every New Year’s, I make a resolution to take better care of myself. To join a gym, or rather go to the gym, instead of paying for a membership like it’s a charitable donation. To make doctor’s appointments–not when something goes horribly wrong but to get a physical or routine check ups. To book a spa appointment when I’m not celebrating my birthday or taking a vacation. And every year, I fall short of my expectations. Here we are in October, and I have yet to do any of the above. I want to change, one day I will. But until then, I must find creative ways to take care of myself while taking care of everything else on my to-do list–my daughter, my business and my consignment store minus price tags for neighbors in need. Yep, eliminating poverty and loving all my neighbors are also on my list.
Although my little girl thinks I’m pretty wonderful, I’m not wonder woman. So, I try not to stretch beyond my capacity by combining things on my to-do list. Recently, I ran my errands, bought school snacks and got a flu shot at one place–Kmart.

I’m able to knock out the flu and knock out my shopping at the same time. No appointment is needed, and no copayment is required, if it’s covered in your health insurance plan. Otherwise, you can expect to pay $27.99.

This week was the perfect time to get a flu shot. Influenza cases increase in October and peaks between December and February, according to the CDC.

That’s a hectic time for mommies–there’s Halloween costume searches and candy purchases. Then, we switch from carving pumpkins to carving turkeys for Thanksgiving Day feasts. And don’t forget, our favorite holiday of the year–Christmas! It seems each year, the preparations start earlier than before! Once we saw Santa at the mall in October! So, the best way for our family to prepare for the busy season and prevent the seasonal flu is to get vaccinated.

Then, I can free up time for self-care. If you’re like me and self-care occurs at home, try this!

Take a Bubble Bath

I often dedicate 75 percent of the morning routine to getting my daughter ready for school. Then I take a speedy shower. Try putting the kids to bed, running a hot bath and pouring in bubbles. Set the scene and light a candle or diffuse oils into the atmosphere. Lavender, rose or bergamot are great calming scents.

Read a Book

When I first became a mom, I started a book club during my maternity leave. Once I went back to work, the only books I read were the Bible and illustrated children’s stories. I recently dusted off a romance novel and read a few pages before bedtime. If this is a stretch, try an audio book!

Take a Nature Hike

Explore nature, even if it’s right in your backyard. We went on a scavenger hunt with friends–for free–a county park for a fall festival. The next week, we mapped out our own adventure at home.

Stock up on Meds

Once, when my daughter was a baby, I had to head to the pharmacy in the middle of the night in the middle of winter. Now, I take better care of our family by stocking up on things like ginger ale, Saltine crackers and antacids. The Kmart Pharmacy team can help you select over the counter health care items as part of their “Care Beyond the Counter” approach. A pharmacist even called to checked in on me the next day, to ensure I felt OK after getting a flu shot!

Hey DFTM Fam–How do you juggle work, family and self-care? Did you get a flu shot yet?