Can we all agree that the overwhelming slew of parenting trends has got to go?

With more frequency than I should probably admit, I find it hard to do anything but sit on the couch eating Pull ‘n’ Peel and watching the Office after bedtime—and I only have one kid. I can’t be adding the full-time job of keeping up with society’s guilt-inducing crazes on my licorice-filled plate. No room, people. No room.

BUT. This recent trend is one I’m 100% on board with, and you better be, too. Because it could save your life.

I’m talking SELF. CARE. Sounds weird, right? Like, what even is that?

JK. I know you know.

But I’m betting you don’t put it into practice as much as you should (and deserve to!).

Recent studies show that moms with 5 or more children have a significantly higher risk of heart failure, stroke, and heart attacks than those raising smaller families.

Not that that should scare you out of your current family plan, but it is critical to make time to take care of your heart, even if all you're used to is taking care of theirs. And while a weekly massage and pedicure sound incredible—albeit pretty foreign for the busy mama—what really matters is getting a good amount of quality exercise. Like 30 minutes, 4-5 times a week.

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It may sound like a big commitment, but listen up ladies: this isn’t about vanity or getting back your rockin’ pre-baby bod. It’s not about selfishly running away from the tantrum-throwing toddler or tight-lipped teen. It’s about being around for that same little girl when she’s 40 and in desperate need of advice and a hug from her mama.

Now that’s a part of life I don’t want to miss. And I’m willing to bet my entire bag of Pull ‘n’ Peel you don’t either.