Whether you are chasing a toddler around your house, shuffling your school-aged children from school to after-school activities and sports practices and games, or taking care of your grandchildren, the roles every mother plays at any given time leave little to no time for themselves.
This is a guest post written by Tiffany.
I’ll be the first to tell you that between chasing my little one around (now 15 months), working 4-6 hours every day from home, keeping my house somewhat organized and clean, and maintaining my relationship with Jim, it’s hard! However, I do make time for fitness and I’m here to tell you – it’s possible!
Check out these additional mom resources, also written by Tiffany!
- 5 Tips for Busy Moms to Squeeze in Exercise
- How to Occupy Children During Runs
- 7 Tips for Choosing the Right Jogging Stroller
Top 5 Tips for Busy Moms to Squeeze in Exercise
1. Take a deep breath and smile, you are not Superwoman.
Yep, that’s right. You need to breathe. And smile. When you start to get overwhelmed and aren’t sure how you are going to get anything done, let alone actually workout and spend some time on yourself, take a deep breath and smile. You will figure it out sooner and more efficiently if you are calm and less worked up.
2. Schedule your workout and fitness time and get into a routine.
Even if your schedule changes day to day, sit down for 2-3 minutes in the morning (maybe while your children are eating breakfast) and schedule your day. If you have an idea of what your day really “looks like” on paper, it’s easier to find opportunities for fitting in some “you” time. We have a lot of free at-home fitness resources to choose (try this at-home full body workout or quick heart pounding interval workout). We even offer a Busy Body 4-Week Workout Plan!
RELATED: 5 Reasons Why You Need a Fitness Plan
3. Utilize breaks in your schedule to your advantage.
I was once told by a mom that she ran while her daughter was at gymnastics practice. I’ve held on to that because I’ve been there – I’ve taken my niece to ballet class only to sit there and watch through the miniature window. Why?!? They weren’t doing anything overly special that day and it wasn’t like I could see much anyway. Who needs to sit when you could go outside for 30-45 minutes and get your workout on?
4. Get help if it’s available.
Before I had Bryce, I would workout with one of my friends that has two children. We would purposely drive to a facility 30 minutes away to workout so she could drop her children off with her mom for an hour and a half while we worked out. Some days, her and her neighbor would swap off watching the children. If you have this option – use it! If your gym has a daycare facility (like mine), you really eliminate some excuses.
5. Leave the “Mommy-Guilt” behind.
Don’t let the “Mommy-Guilt” get you! This one might be the hardest for me, especially if I feel like Bryce hasn’t gotten “enough” attention from me for the day, but it’s important that you take care of you. After all, if you don’t feel good, you won’t be able to give your best to your little ones. Check that guilt at the door and go get your sweat on!
What’s your best tip for the busy mom that still wants her time to exercise and keep fitness a priority in their life?
Good luck ladies! You can do this!
Tiffany