Moms… I am talking to you, myself included… It’s been talked about over and over again that we generally tend to put ourselves on the back burner to make sure that everyone and everything are taken care of. Whether you are a stay at home ambassador who takes care of the kids, house, laundry (and really the list never ends) – or the mom who also works outside of the home and manages to do the best she can with the time she has at home… you area ll rock stars!
Now how many times have we been so focused on everyone else that we don’t take our own health seriously?
The kids need to eat, but you know they wont finish their dinner so you just eat whatever is left on their plate. (I have
eaten the crust from a PB&J because I felt I really had no time to feed myself)
The kids need bathing – while you wonder how many more days you can go before the oil on your hair can be tamed by dry shampoo…
Your kids need clean underwear – while you wonder if “going commando” is acceptable at your stage of life (STOP JUDGING ME – YOU HAVE BEEN THERE)…
I am this mom… it happens… but I have a small secret to share with you – about something that has worked for me… and it is not a wrap, pill, powder… miracle OTC anything… it’s taking time for myself…
I set my alarm for 3:45 AM… now before all of you click away and un-follow my blog and write me off as a crazy person (which I totally am) hear me out. I set my alarm for that early and I drag myself to the garage in the Texas heat – because honestly that is the coolest time of the day… and I work out. I lift weights, I sweat, I breathe and I focus on the movements I am making. It’s my ME time…
Why so early? Well you see – my Hubs gets up and goes to work at about 5:25 AM… then I have to get my little up by 6:15 to get her dressed and to “summer camp/preschool” by 6:30 – so I can then make the 45 – 1 hour commute to work. Before all of this happens I am working out and getting myself focused for the day. I take that time for myself to get myself right because I am a BEAR in the morning… I joke that I need an hour before I am ready to speak to anyone in the morning… well me working out that early gives me that chance – so I am in a much better mood when I do need to interact with people.
It has made a huge difference. Now working out does not have to mean that you are slinging weights around at 4 AM (and if you are slinging – talk to me – lets make sure you are not hurting yourself)… it could be Yoga – I have a friend Natalie who is a Yogi and is an amazing resource if you would like her info! It could be a stationary bike, a treadmill, or simply taking a brisk walk… something to get moving. It could be when your kids take a nap, or even after they go to sleep… just a little 25-30 min YOU TIME.
Now before you tell me “But Meggs, that is when the laundry needs to get done, or the kitchen needs to get cleaned or …. fill in the blank – let me just tell you that when you take the 25-30 min to take care of yourself – you are better apt to take care of those who need you. Trust me… I speak from experience.
Now if you are not sure what to do in the 25-30 min of you time… reach out to me. I would be happy to help you get started. I can draw up a personalized plan for you to get you active and feeling great…