The world of a working mom is a hectic one. You are constantly juggling work, home life, and taking care of your children. It can be challenging to find time to take care of yourself.
Most working moms are not getting the recommended amount of physical activity each week, which can lead to health problems. However, it is vital to stay physically active to stay healthy and happy. Here are some tips to help you stay physically active as a working mom:
Get up early and move
Getting up early can be a real struggle for some people, but once you get into the habit, it becomes much more manageable. Dedicate some time each morning to getting your body moving. This can be anything from going for a walk or jogging around the block to doing a quick at-home workout. You can also add yoga or stretching to your morning routine to help you improve your focus and mindfulness.
In addition, morning workouts are a great way to start your day and can give you the energy you need to power through your day. Compared to late-night workouts, morning workouts are more likely to be consistent and help you avoid the temptation to stay up late and skip your workout altogether.
Have fun with your children
Spending time with your children is essential, but it can also be an opportunity for physical activity. Instead of sitting on the sidelines while your children play, join in on the fun. Go for a bike ride together, play tag, or go for a swim at the local pool.
If you want to do something more unique with your kids, you can buy a building and construction toy set. This is an excellent opportunity to teach your kids how to build a toy as you accomplish your goal to be physically active.
Take advantage of your lunch break.
While at work, use your lunch break to get in some physical activity. If you have a long lunch break, consider going for a walk or jogging outside. If you have a shorter lunch break, you can do some quick bodyweight exercises in your office or cubicle.
These exercises are designed to be done quickly and without any equipment. They are a great way to get your heart rate up and break a sweat without leaving the office.
Join a sports league
Joining a local sports league is a great way to engage in physical activity and meet new people. If you have always wanted to join a soccer team or play flag football, now is your chance.
This is also an excellent opportunity to get your kids involved in physical activity. Many youth sports leagues are looking for volunteers to coach their teams. This is a great way to give back to your community and help your children be physically active.
Find an activity you enjoy
Some physical activities will bore you at some point. This is perfectly normal, and there is no need to force yourself to do something you do not enjoy. The key is to find an activity that you like and will look forward to doing. This can be anything from playing tennis to going for a nature hike.
A fun and enjoyable activity will motivate you to stay active and make it more likely that you will stick with it in the long run. So whenever you feel like a workout rut, try something new and see what works for you.
Make time for yourself.
You may be a mom, but that does not mean you should forget about taking care of yourself. In fact, it is even more critical for you to take care of yourself to be the best mom possible. Dedicate some time each week to doing something for yourself, whether going for a massage or taking a yoga class.
Making time for yourself also means taking steps to care for your mental health. These activities could take any form, like getting a mani-pedi, reading a book, or talking to a therapist. The goal is to improve your physical and mental health without forgetting your role as a mother.
Get a babysitter
There will be days when you’ll need more time for your workouts. These days, it is perfectly fine to hire a babysitter or ask a family member to watch your children while you go to the gym or run.
It is important to remember that you cannot do everything on your own. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness but rather a sign of strength. So if you need extra time to stay physically active, do not hesitate to ask for help.
Final thoughts
Staying physically active as a working mom can be challenging, but it is possible. Following the tips above, you can find ways to fit physical activity into your busy schedule. With some effort and planning, you can successfully stay active.
