One of the most common New Year resolutions is related to health and fitness. As mothers, it may be challenging to start and even more challenging to stick with our health and fitness goals. We’re all busy, regardless of whether we’re stay-at-home or working moms. There’s a long list of reasons as to why we do not put ourselves at the top of our priority list…right there with our children and spouses where we belong.
Have you heard the saying, “You can’t pour from an empty cup”? Think of yourself as the cup that pours until there’s nothing else to pour. Not taking care of ourselves can cause us to feel mentally, emotionally, and physically drained. Not only does it affect us directly but those around us too.
What can we do to achieve our health, fitness, and overall wellness goals this new year? It all comes down to how bad you want to feel GOOD! I was sick and tired of making a promise to myself and not keeping it. I felt like a failure for starting each year, week, and day strong to only fall off track midway. I knew what I needed to do differently.
The hard part? Going for it…but nonetheless, I did and you can too. Here is how you can do the same.
Find Your WHY
The best way to spark motivation is to find your WHY. Why do you want to eat better? Lose weight? Tone up? Create healthy habits? Everyone has a different reason as to why they want to achieve their goals. Once you know who or what your WHY is then it will be easier to start and keep going. Whenever you feel like giving up it is your WHY that will pull you back in and give you a push to stay on track.
Get Up Early
There’s no schedule like a mother’s schedule. Am I right? We are booked from top to bottom and left to right. I’ve found that waking up before my children allows me the time and space to focus and put forth the effort to achieve my goals. Choosing to wake up early versus sleeping in for as long as you can isn’t easy but the progress you’ll make overtime by taking advantage of your head start will be well worth it.
Prepare Yourself
Small and consistent habits as simple as setting aside our work-out clothes the night before, for example; allows us to jump start a smooth morning the next day. By being prepared we save time and avoid making excuses to not work on our goals. Sure, some days I just wing it but staying on top of whatever I can in advance helps me stay focused and on track.
Involve Your Children
Often times, without even realizing it, we use our children as an excuse to not do something for ourselves. Whether it’s working out at a gym or even at home, taking the time to treat yourself to something that will help you rest and relax, or simply doing an activity you enjoy…if they can be a part of it then include them. Find a video to exercise to and have your little ones burn off some energy while having fun!
Regardless of what your short-term or long-term goals are, you can do it! Don’t wait for Monday, the first of a new month, or even a new year to go after whatever it is that makes you happy. Start and stay consistent. Push yourself through the journey. You’ll be proud that you did!
