Emotional Benefits of Being a Working Mom

Several recent studies have demonstrated that working, especially part time, provides mental health benefits for women.

A study in the December 2011 issue of the Journal of Family Psychology examined several aspects of well being in mothers who worked part time compared to those who worked full time or not at all. The researchers found that there was little data about this particular category of working mothers (defined as working up to 32 hours per week), particularly through their children's middle childhood. However, up to 25 percent of all women work part time and most will eventually work at least part time.

They found that part-time employment has distinct positive associations with mothers' psychosocial well being and with how they perceive work-family conflicts, although the patterns vary by children's developmental periods and for particular aspects of family life. Part-time working mothers are more likely to report overall better health and fewer work-family conflicts, and less likely to report depressive symptoms. They were also more likely to be engaged in their children's schooling and provide learning experiences for their children.

A December 2011 issue of Time described a study of 1,600 working and stay-at-home moms that found employed women had better mental health status as long as they had realistic expectations of what they could reasonably accomplish and rejected the idea they could be a supermom. Not surprisingly, performing enjoyable work was a contributing factor to positive mental health status.

According to writer Sara Sutton Fell, working at least part time helps mothers develop patience with their kids and teach children that hard work-and working hard-are good. Children of working moms learn to respect women as equals, and retaining a professional career allows women to contribute financially to their kids' well being and future. Employers should recognize part-time work as both a legitimate career approach and a key ingredient to maintaining healthy family lives.

Thanks to the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA), the government recognizes the importance of facilitating working parents' ability to participate in early childrearing. The Act prohibits employer discrimination based on gender and reinforces the importance of mothers (and fathers) balancing demands of the workplace with needs of the family.

Sources:

Buehler, Cheryl and O'Brien, Marion. "Mothers' Part-Time Employment: Associations With Mother and Family Well-Being." Journal of Family Psychology 25 (6) (2011): 895-906. Web. http://www.apa.org/pubs/journals/releases/fam-25-6-895.pdf

Rochman, Bonnie. "Working Women Who Try to Be 'Supermom' May Be More Depressed." Time. Web. 23 August 2011.http://healthland.time.com/2011/08/23/working-women-who-subscribe-to-the-supermom-myth-are-more-likely-to-be-depressed/#ixzz1iy4XDP1h

Fell, Sara Sutton. "4 Benefits of Being a Working Mom." Flexjobs.com. Web. 14 July 2011.

http://www.flexjobs.com/blog/post/4-benefits-of-being-a-working-mom/

Poduval, Jayita and Poduval, Murali. "Working Mothers: How Much Working, How Much Mothers, And Where Is The Womanhood?" The Mens Sana Monographs 7 (1) (2009): 63 - 79. Web.

http://www.msmonographs.org/article.asp?issn=0973-1229;year=2009;volume=7;issue=1;spage=63;epage=79;aulast=Poduval

Keep Hydrated While Working Out: 7 How-To Tips

You've been told your whole life that you need your eight glasses of water a day, and while how much one needs to take in is still up for debate, the truth remains that for optimal functioning, the body needs a consistent intake of water.

For the average person, thirst should be your guide. If you're feeling like you could wet your whistle, do so. But make sure you reach for H20, and not an overly sugary, caffeinated beverage. This will only exacerbate your thirst. Keep in mind that fluids can be obtained not just from water but also foods that are high in water, like fruits and vegetables.

But what if you're an athlete or an avid exerciser? Does this mean you need to take in additional fluids? The long and short of it—yes.

The body loses about two to three quarts of water every day. If you're exercising, the loss can be much more.

1. Start your morning with a cup of H20. A six to eight hour stint without fluids can leave you groggy and tired. Kick your day off with a glass of water instead of coffee.

2. Hydrate all day long. The key to ensuring your hydration when you're exercising is by taking in fluids all day long. Continue your fluid intake throughout the day. This will keep your body running at the highest level.

3. Drink two or more hours before you exercise. This will allow time for your body to process the fluid.

4. Drink again a few minutes right before you begin your activity.

5. Drink periodically during your workout. If you've been hydrating properly throughout the day, taking "baby sips" should suffice. Long gulps of water can leave you feeling bloated and uncomfortable. If you're playing a sport, at halftime reach for an orange. They're delicious and packed with fluid.

6. Make sure you hydrate properly after you've finished. The biggest mistake an athlete can make is to neglect post-game refreshment. After a strenuous workout, your body loses a considerable amount of water and electrolytes. Replenish them with a low-sugar sports drink or good old H20.

7. Avoid too much water. Yes, when it comes to water, there can be too much of a good thing. Drinking too much water in a short period of time, gallons within hours, can result in hyponatremia, a dangerous condition sometimes seen in endurance athletes. Symptoms include headache, muscle weakness, convulsions, and even death. To reduce the risk of hyponatremia and water intoxication, limit fluid intake during times of heavy sweating between four and six cups of water per hour.