December Movin’ Mama: Stacey


We’re thrilled to close out a great year featuring Stacey O’Connell as our December Movin’ Mama, who resides in Boxborough, MA with her 3 children (Ages 8, 4, 3). As a Stay-At-Home-Mom, she works hard to keep the balance that us Mama’s are always striving for–caring for a family household and tending to our own needs as individuals. Running, Reading, Politics, and Cooking are just a few extracurriculars that Stacey enjoys. We asked her how she’s Living Well today, amidst the holiday craziness, and here’s what she shared…

How do you typically start and end your day?

I wake up early so that I can have my coffee in peace before the kids wake up. Three mornings a week, I’ll go for a run.

What has your most effective workout been since you’ve had children?

I’ve enjoyed running for years and it’s the most convenient workout. I live in the woods and love running in the morning when it’s quiet. It’s almost meditative some days.

Finish this sentence: Being a Mom has made me…

More joyful!

What is your biggest wellness challenge as a Mom today?

Managing stress and maintaining a healthy weight. It’s challenging to eat healthfully when there are leftovers on your kids’ plates. I try to eat healthy foods so I can fill up on those things and not eat too much junk.

Can you share a few of your own best practices for a balanced diet?

I’ve been vegetarian for over 20 years but that alone doesn’t make a person healthy. (French fries are vegetarian!) But I do like to cook and have used Cooking Light as my bible since forever. They even have a meal planning tool that is very user friendly. Also, I try to have a few veggies and salad at dinner so that my kids get exposed to them.

Anyone special you’d like to thank for helping you through parenthood?

My husband has always encouraged my efforts to work out. He’s also a meat and potatoes kind of guy but likes my vegetarian cooking!

How will you personally manage the stress that often comes with holiday madness?

The past few years, I’ve tried meditating and it really helps. It only takes 10 or 15 minutes most days and the benefits are amazing. It can be hard to carve out the time, but I try to remind myself that I can spare 10 minutes to calm myself.

It really helps me manage stress and be a better, less reactive parent and partner. There are lots of free apps for your phone, and I like the guided meditations so I’m not just listening to my breath.


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