How to Make Time for Working Out as a Busy Mom : We can all agree that being a mom is a full-time job that often leaves little room for personal time, let alone a dedicated workout regimen. You’ve got a lot on your plate.
Many mums wake up earlier than everyone else, get the kids ready for school, run the household, and often work outside the home. And this is the primary reason many moms don’t exercise — there’s no time. If this sounds familiar, you’re definitely not alone.
But if you’re still determined to take some time out of your busy schedule to work out, we have some good news for you.
Here’s how to maintain a consistent exercise routine as a busy mom without affecting your other responsibilities.
Prioritize your fitness
Can you wake up one day and decide not to cook or take the kids to school? You can’t because you’ve prioritized those tasks.
So why then should you also not prioritize your health?
The big problem here is not time but your mindset—you see working out as something you can do without. So, the first step to making time for working out is to make it a priority.
Incorporate workouts into your daily routine
They say if you can’t find time, create it.
If you’re struggling to find time out of your busy schedule, there are so many ways you can create time. And you don’t need 2 hours of workout, even 30 minutes is enough.
Wondering how to incorporate workouts into your daily routine as a busy mom? Here’s how;
Work out early in the morning
You’re probably used to waking up at 5 AM to start your daily chores. But what if you decide to wake up 30-60 minutes earlier and use this time to exercise? It’s one of the best ways to incorporate exercises into your daily routine.
Plus, working out in the morning helps you set up a positive tone for the day. Morning exercise boosts your metabolism and energy levels, helping you handle your tasks more efficiently.
Workout during your lunchtime breaks
If you have a one-hour lunch break, you can spare 15-30 minutes to work out.
A short run, a brisk walk, or a quick yoga session, can be refreshing and re-energizing, and set up your afternoon for greater productivity.
Evening workout sessions
Many busy moms feel tired at the end of the day because of the many responsibilities we bear. That’s understandable. However, your evening might be the best and only time you have to exercise.
You may do this before dinner or once everyone is in bed. However, dedicate some time to unwind with a workout. Most importantly, choose exercise or activities that help you relax, such as a light jog or yoga.
Workout with your kids
Are your kids hindering you from working out? If you feel so, then you’re looking at it from the wrong perspective.
Make exercise a family affair. So, the next time you want to work out, invite your kids to come out with you. You’ll be surprised at how much fun your exercises will be. Go for bike rides, hikes, or play sports together.
You can also try dancing, playing tag, or setting up obstacle courses in the backyard. This can be fun and physically engaging for both you and your children.
Working out with your children helps you (and your kids) stay active, sets a positive example for your children, and creates lasting memories.
Take advantage of downtime
No matter how busy you are, you’ll have downtime at some point throughout your day. These are perfect times to sneak in an exercise or two.
For instance, don’t just sit idle while waiting for the laundry or during your child’s nap. Instead, do quick workouts like;
- Squats
- Lunges
- Burpee
- Pushups
You can also combine exercises with other activities. For instance, watch your favorite show while on the treadmill or listen to an audiobook during a run.
Connect with other moms
A problem shared is a problem half solved, they say. So, if you’re finding it difficult to exercise due to your busy schedule, you might want to interact with other moms and find out how they’re coping.
Find time to connect with other moms in your community and share your challenges (they’ll also share theirs). And for sure, you’ll never come out of such an interaction without a single solution to your problem.
People manage their challenges differently and you might be surprised at how creative other moms are. Surrounding yourself with like-minded people not only helps you find solutions but also keeps you motivated and accountable for your fitness and wellness goals.
Find a kid-friendly gym
Some gyms have a dedicated play kids area where you can leave your kids and hit the gym.
The kids enjoy a safe and well-supervised environment and are entertained with games, activities, and crafts. Therefore, you can focus on your fitness knowing that your kids are in safe hands and close by.
Benefits of working out as a mom
Perhaps you’re finding it difficult to work out as a busy mom because you don’t understand the benefits. So, let’s highlight a few benefits of working out as a mom.
- Reduce stress: Stress is a big part of motherhood. Many moms try to manage stress on their own and one of the best ways to release stress is through regular exercise.
- Achieve better sleep: As a mom, you’re probably the last to sleep and the first to wake up. You hardly get enough sleep. While you might not get the quantity of sleep needed, you should focus on quality. Exercise and sleep have a bidirectional relationship.
- Boosts energy: Workouts help strengthen the circulation and heart muscles which enhance energy levels.
- Be a good role model: As a mom, you’re the first role model for your children. Your kids will always watch and emulate your every move. This means if you stick to an exercise routine, your kids will likely stick to theirs.
Conclusion
Balancing motherhood and fitness can be challenging, but with a little planning and creativity, it’s entirely possible to make time for working out.
As much as you would like to put your kids and everything else first, your health should never be second—make it a top priority. Remember, taking care of yourself is a crucial part of taking care of your family. Routine exercises will help you stay healthy and energized to meet the challenging demands of motherhood.
Author:
Purity Rita is a freelance writer and works closely with PepperMonkey Media Marketing Agency, helping them to create valuable content and build a commanding online presence. When not clicking away on her laptop, she loves baking goodies of all manner, traveling and reading good fiction.
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