Mom builds in 'me time' for physical, mental health

Sherry Habib hits the gym for two hours a day, six days a week. She is a 45-year-old single mother and works full time as a surgical coordinator.

After a long, hard day of tending to everyone else's needs, Habib says she looks forward to some stress relief.

"I can just completely clear my mind and just breathe, and then I feel like I'm so much better when I leave," she said.

Many mothers get so caught up in the daily tasks of work and family life that they often neglect themselves.

Doctors urge women to take time for their health by getting enough sleep, eating a proper diet, managing stress and getting plenty of exercise.

Habib not only carved out some much needed "me time," she took control of her health and well-being as well.

"My confidence level is higher because I feel healthier," she said. "I'm happier with the way I look and the way I feel."

Her Mother's Day gift to herself was to enter a body-building competition. She didn't come away with a trophy. What Habib won was inner strength.

"I can do whatever I want, if I can do this," she said.

Her advice to other women is to "set a goal and just take one step towards it. Even if the goal is to take a 30-minute walk, just go, take the walk, be outside, be alone, do something for yourself."