How I Make Time For My Health & Wellbeing
Do you want to make time for your health, fitness and wellbeing but don’t know where to start? Or maybe you have good intentions of prioritising yourself but then the hours whizz by and another day has passed without fitting it in?
Life as a busy mum makes it hard for us to fit ANYTHING in for ourselves! Especially when we see it as optional rather than essential.
This was where I was not so long ago. I knew I wanted and needed to work on my own health and well-being but it somehow fell to the bottom of the list everyday. I continued to tell myself that I would start next week but without a plan, it never happened.
So the weeks passed by and before I knew it, I was feeling low. Low energy, low mood and all around low vibes. I knew why! I had totally neglected myself and my needs because I was constantly giving to everyone else without topping up my own levels.
Serve yourself first!! I heard this quote and knew it was true.
Being a mum is busy, it is demanding and it is draining of your energy at times too. But if YOU don’t make a choice to focus on your health and wellbeing it won’t happen.
This is the key - you have to WANT to make time for your wellbeing. Really want it.
And when you decide that you do then here are some tips for you to make time for your health and wellbeing that work for me:
1. Put it in your calendar
My days are so busy that if I don’t make a plan to do something, to write it in my calendar or on my to do list then it simply won’t get done.
I’ll either forget about it or I’ll subconsciously think it’s not important as it isn’t in my diary.
So plot it in!!
I spend half an hour on a Sunday planning my workouts for the weeks. I mix it up in terms of what I do and what time so it fits in with my week.
2.Make it non negotiable
This is internal work. You have to change your mindset on your approach to your health and wellbeing.
Make it non-negotiable. It’s not a choice, it something you know you have to do.
If you see it this way then you are less likely to make excuses for why you can’t do it. Reframing your mindset is so important.
A quote I heard that helped me was “I GET to work out” rather than “I HAVE to work out”. Can you feel the difference?
3.Cut out the distractions
If you’re working out at home then chances are there will be distractions.
So speak to your partner, kids, anyone who is around and let them know that this is your time and you’ll be focusing on your fitness class, or your breath work or whatever it is you are doing.
Once it becomes normal that this is your time then everyone will respect it.
4.Remember how you feel afterwards
We all know how great we feel after a good workout or meditation, but we very easily forget that feeling after it’s worn off.
Journal on it and jot down how good you feel and re-read it when you need a boost of motivation.
Once it becomes a habit and a way of life then you won’t be able to go without.
5.Find a workout or plan that works for you.
Be honest with yourself on what you can commit to.
Don’t sign up for 3 in-person classes if you struggle for childcare or don’t want to miss bedtime. Maybe on demand is better for you if this is the case.
Or if you have support at home and find you can get out a couple of evenings a week, or fit it around work then great!
The important thing is finding what works for you - something that is motivating and convenient so you’re more likely to stick with it.
Just remember that you will never regret making time for your health, fitness and well-being! So commit to it today and let me know how you get on!
Jen x
