Exercise is Crucial to a

Well Rounded Self Care Routine

But my To-Do List is a mile long, and that doesn’t include running my kids here and there and everywhere!

How will I have time to Exercise?

I completely hear you. That is my life. Between work, kids, homework, the house, after school activities, occupational therapy I hardly even have time to spend with my husband.

How can I fit exercise into my day?

I workout at home. I don’t have to make time to get ready and drive to and from a gym. 5-6 days every week I workout in my basement or living room. I rock it out in 25-30 minutes, with the occasional longer workout up to 45 minutes if time permits it. My kids have been either still asleep, or occupied with other things. When my youngest was much littler I worked out during nap time, or right after he ate since he was generally happier with a full belly. He’d watch me, entertain himself with toys, watch some Little Einsteins, or eventually as he got older join me. It didn’t always go as planned, but I made the best of it.

Does it really benefit me that much?

Yes it is incredibly beneficial.

I have found that I’m happier after my workouts mentally and emotionally. So much so that they contributed to me beating an 18+ year battle with clinical depression. You can read more about that here.

I have more energy throughout the day. Where as I use to live on coffee. I didn’t even have the energy or stamina to run around with my kids. To the point that when my son asked me to play tag I would say, “Oh no, mom doesn’t run.”

I have more patience with the craziness that’s happening all around me everyday. Which I’m sure as a mom you can understand. You do your best to remain cool during the begging, pleading, and arguing. There are days it’s all you can do not to snap.

I am more relaxed after my workouts. Even with people and technology pulling me in every direction. You know what I mean with the constant social media notifications, text messages, emails, work, kids, husband, family and friends. If allowed it can all become overwhelming without a stress release.

I find that I’m more creative and clear minded when I’ve exercised. Meaning I can brainstorm to find solutions to problems more efficient and effectively which helps at home and with work.

Truly the list just goes on and on with benefits I’ve noticed from implementing exercise into my weekly self care routine. The science is there that says increasing your heart rate for just 10-15 minutes a day can help increase your endorphins and serotonin. The hormones that help you to feel happier. The exercise increases the oxygen in your blood flow that improves your energy levels to work throughout the day. It is a natural positive mood enhancer.

What Are Some Ways I Can Incorporate Exercise Into My Day?

• Find a program you can do at home. Get up and do it before the rest of your house wakes up. Do it during nap time. There are many programs out there. I began with one that was just 15 minutes a day, and have worked up to longer workouts.
• Take a walk around the block a couple times. Have your kids join you.
• Go for a bike ride with your kids.
• Do squats while you are folding laundry.
• While you’re cooking dinner do some incline push ups at the counter.
• If you have a bathroom upstairs or downstairs use the one that’s further away instead of the floor you’re on.
• Do lunges as you walk down your hallway.

In order for YOU to be the Best YOU that YOU Can Be. You need to take care of #1 First. Your family, friends and coworkers will appreciate it as they see the subtitle changes that will come with consistently working on implementing exercise into your self care routine.

[ninjavideo url=”https://www.youtube.com/embed/I6dSpzxlkyA?rel=0&showinfo=0″ frameborder=”0″ allowfullscreen”