Being a mom is no joke.
I’m sure you already know that!
If you’re anything like me, you know what you should be doing to take care of yourself, but doing that is actually easier said than done.
This is true for moms, no matter what our circumstances.
However, if you’re also a working mom, it seems that we fall lower and lower on the list of priorities.
Late last year I went to see my doctor about some neck and back pain. Basically, I needed to change the set up of my workstation (I spend A LOT of time in front of a computer). Though I didn’t come in looking for any other “advice,” she gently told me I’d gained some weight (duh- I know!), and that I needed to take better care of myself.
Don’t you just hate when you hear things like that? I do. Because I already know. I know I’m not doing a good enough job at taking care of myself, and I know I need to be healthier.
So, I made a couple of changes…
And though I started these changes last year, here are some things I’m changing in 2018:
- I’m going to the gym again. I’ve now set a routine for myself where I work for about an hour and a half after I do kindergarten drop off, and then I take my younger son to the gym. He loves is. The trade-off is that the house isn’t as clean or my errands get pushed back, but oh well. I need to make myself a priority.
- I’m making walking dates with friends. This is a great way to socialize and also get in a little extra activity. I’m not sure how well this will work out as it gets colder, but for now this has been a great option.
- I’m making some swaps- mostly in the beverage category. I tend to drink a lot of my calories. And, like many moms, I include caffeinated beverages in the line up. So, instead, I’m switching out my calorie-loaded caffeinated beverages for Alert Caffeine Gum.
I’m getting outside with the kids more. I do this every year- it gets cold (I’m in Northern California, so I really can’t complain), but it gets cold, and we stay in. I’m making a point that in the afternoons, we head outside (bundled up), and play. We walk on our greenbelt, ride scooters outside of our house, or even just do chalk in the driveway. Even if we’re not super active, this changes my mentality to care more about being active.
So far these ideas are working (Like I said, I started them at the end of last year), and now that I’m in a groove, I’m going to commit to them.
You might be curious about Alert Gum swap. Here’s a bit more info: Alert is a caffeinated chewing gum for adults (so smart, right?) that provides a boost when you need it. One piece of Alert provides 40mg of caffeine, which is about the same as half a cup of coffee or one 12oz soda. Imagine cutting out some of those calories with a piece of gum. I also like it because while I’m chewing, I can’t be snacking!
I’ve been chewing a piece in the morning, and one in the afternoon if (haha—when) I need a pick me up to get through the day. It’s been great to ditch the empty calories in a soda in the afternoon.
If you’re curious about Alert, check out this page—> https://ooh.li/6f8b1d9 to learn more about Alert, where to buy, and tips on responsible caffeine consumption.
The new year is a great time to start with some healthy habits, but you can start new habits at any time. Making even one small change can be a great way to kick-start some healthy habits. Let us know in the comments what you’re going to do to make this year a great one!
SaveSave