Sometimes we feel guilty about getting our work outs in: you work late, dinner needs to be cooked, laundry needs to be done, and you want valuable family time, too. We rationalize that taking time for us, takes away time from our family and all those things that "need" to be done. However, by not taking care of yourself, you are putting your health at risk, and jeopardizing your ability, long term, to have the energy you need to keep up with a busy family.
Maybe it's that putting yourself first, sounds selfish; so think of it as putting yourself on equal footing to your family, job or activities. You become just as important as they are and warrant time in the schedule! And saying that you are important is one thing, but doing it is a whole other battle. So, here are some easy ways to start taking care of you.
1. Schedule "Your" Time
Find a time slot, once a day, 3 times a week, wherever you can start, and mark yourself on your calendar. It can be simply 15 minutes before everyone gets up, or 30 minutes after everyone goes to bed. You can find the time - just do it!
2. Enlist the Family
It is always easier to kill 2 birds with one stone, so why not exercise with your kids! Get them to join you on a bike ride, or get them to do an exercise tape with you, or walk the dog. You can also look for Running Strollers, gyms with daycare, and walking tracks to work the family in your Exercise Time. Everyone needs exercise - so everyone wins!
3. Identify Things that Drain Your Time
If you take time to look at what is keeping you busy, you may find that it's simply people or behaviors that are stealing your time away. Get rid of those distractions. It could be too much time surfing the web or watching TV. Often these time-robbers disguise themselves as needed activities, but look for the excess, change your habits and you will find more time for you!
4, Look for Fun
Having fun is as much a part of being healthy as exercise. Look for those friends or activities where you can just not think, unwind, and enjoy life. We spend a lot of time thinking about all the things we need to do, that we rarely relax. Enjoy a glass a wine, spend time with friends, schedule a pedicure... anything that can add a spark and rejuvenate!
A healthy you gives more of "you" to your family: And isn't that what we really want?
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Once you've found the time in your schedule... Read 5 Easy Ways to Jump Start Your Fitness!
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