Taking time for you...
So, you're a Snatch It Girl among all the other dynamic hats that you wear? Being a Mom may be the most important role you will play, but it certainly isn't the only one. One of the biggest struggles I often hear about is the "Mommy Guilt Factor". As mothers we often don't take the time to care for ourselves because we are so busy caring for everyone else. Let's face it, motherhood is not for the faint of heart and between the endless appointments, tantrums, never-ending messes, homework, all in addition to juggling a career; often it is nearly impossible to make it all work.
Exercise is the most underutilized anti-depressant, it is therapy for us mentally, physically and spiritually. So why is it that we tend to drop the one thing that may actually be therapeutic to us on multiple levels? One simple little word, "Guilt", the dreaded "Mommy Guilt Factor" plays a huge role for a lot of us. We feel guilty that we are not available during that 1-2 hour window in which we are solely concentrating on our own needs.
Why do we feel so bad when most men never struggle with simply "checking out" to do something for themselves? I think we all know the answer- as women we have been taught that to be selfless, we must concentrate on everyone else's needs, a side effect of this is ignoring our own needs. And so we think that focusing on our own needs is both self-indulgent and downright selfish.
When you look at the big picture, it's easy to see that this type of mentality is both counterproductive and backwards. There's a reason that they tell you to "place the mask on yourself first, before assisting others". In order to truly be of service to others, we must be of service to ourselves and if you're a "Queen of Iron" it means making time to go to the gym to throw some heavy things around. So how do you get past the Mommy Guilt Factor? Here are a couple suggestions to help you get your grind on:
Bottom line-"ain't nobody happy if Mama's not happy!" So carve out time to take care of you, your body and family will thank you for it.
Exercise is the most underutilized anti-depressant, it is therapy for us mentally, physically and spiritually. So why is it that we tend to drop the one thing that may actually be therapeutic to us on multiple levels? One simple little word, "Guilt", the dreaded "Mommy Guilt Factor" plays a huge role for a lot of us. We feel guilty that we are not available during that 1-2 hour window in which we are solely concentrating on our own needs.
Why do we feel so bad when most men never struggle with simply "checking out" to do something for themselves? I think we all know the answer- as women we have been taught that to be selfless, we must concentrate on everyone else's needs, a side effect of this is ignoring our own needs. And so we think that focusing on our own needs is both self-indulgent and downright selfish.
When you look at the big picture, it's easy to see that this type of mentality is both counterproductive and backwards. There's a reason that they tell you to "place the mask on yourself first, before assisting others". In order to truly be of service to others, we must be of service to ourselves and if you're a "Queen of Iron" it means making time to go to the gym to throw some heavy things around. So how do you get past the Mommy Guilt Factor? Here are a couple suggestions to help you get your grind on:
- Set a schedule- often it's easy to just let life get in the way of you taking that extra time to get your workout in. You truly have to audit your schedule. If you have a set routine for working out, it's not just something you do short-term, it becomes a lifestyle change. The time is NOW.
- Get a Gym Wife -having a workout partner is a double bonus. Not only do you have someone who will keep you accountable, but you also get one of the best cheerleaders. Gym Wives will listen, encourage, and call you out if you are slacking.
- Join a gym with a great daycare-if you have young kids or are a Mom that can't get a workout in when your kids are in school, there are lots of great facilities that offer daycare at a very affordable price. Many places even offer kids camps so your little ones get to exercise too. Knowing that your kids are well taken care of while you grind away is worth every penny. Plus when you provide the example that exercise and eating right is important, you will be amazed at how much you inspire your kids to make their own healthy choices!
- Have a workout plan -having workout routines with defined sets and reps that you can download onto your media device makes a huge difference. Workouts can be obtained online for a fraction of a price of getting an actual trainer.
- Set goals -know what motivates you and plan around that. Baby steps will often keep you focused and help push you past any plateaus.
- Use nature as your gym -on the weekends plan things that get you and your family moving, going on hikes or swimming at the beach are great ways to get everyone involved.
Bottom line-"ain't nobody happy if Mama's not happy!" So carve out time to take care of you, your body and family will thank you for it.