My posts usually contain affiliate links.  If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may get a commission at no extra cost to you.

What if you could get a quick and easy workout with little to no fuss? Most moms cringe at the thought of exercise or the working out because it sounds like another chore. And, who needs another thing added to her to-do list?  But, working out as a busy mom can be easier than you think. 

Check out these 5 simple tips to squeeze in a quick and easy workout and get the exercise you need as a busy mom:

1 – Keep it Simple

Working out as a busy mom might seem impossible, if you’re thinking about an hour-long gym session.  But, you don’t need a gym to get a good workout.  Your exercise routine can be as simple or as complicated as you make it. 

Given all the things you have to do, I’m betting you’d rather keep it simple. You can get a quick workout by adding simple things to what you already do in your daily routine.

As a busy mom, you’re already taking a lot of steps.  Why not track them? Get a good step tracker (this one is my fav – $29), set a goal for the day, and work toward the goal. My goal was to get 10,000 steps per day.

But, now that I’m ramping up my workout, I’ve increased it to 11,500 steps per day.  Start where you feel comfortable and increase as you progress with your exercise routine.

I keep my tracker on most of the day because it reminds me to stay moving.  At work, if I’ve been sitting for too long, it will tell me to move my body.  So, I get up from my desk and move around.  I’ve got to get my steps!

Add to Your Daily Routine

Another way to squeeze in a quick and easy workout is adding activities during your daily routine.  If you take a 20-30 minute daily walk, stop every five minutes and add 10 jumping jacks.  You can also alternate jogging and walking every five minutes with jumping jacks in between. 

If your baby is in a stroller, this is something you can incorporate easily into your routine.  With older kids, have them do it with you.  It’s never too early to encourage being fit and active. 

Finally, you can exercise while you’re cooking.  I rarely fry food because I don’t have time and it’s not that healthy.  So, most of the time, my food is going into the oven.  Well, while it’s baking for 20-30 minutes, instead of folding clothes, use that time to get a quick workout. 

Find a free 20-30 minute HIIT workout online and get moving!  Two that I’ve been doing lately are STRONG by Zumba and Jeannette Jenkins, POPSUGAR fitness. 

They are both a combination of cardio and muscle conditioning put to music with modifications. The workout is doable at various fitness levels.  Or, pop in a fitness DVD, like Shaun T  – available for less than $3!!!

2 – Start Early

Calm down! I can hear you screaming at me – How much earlier can I start my day? I’m running off fumes as it is!  I absolutely get it, because I usually have to be at work at 7:00 a.m.  That includes getting myself ready, plus my two kids.  However, I’m currently working from home (like many of you) and I have a little more flexibility with my time.

You don’t have to start your workout first thing in the morning. But, the earlier you do it, the more likely you are to stay consistent.  You can apply the same principle to healthy eating.  Most experts suggest you eat a healthy breakfast in the morning; it can keep you from making poor choices throughout the day. 

Beginning with a green shake with protein (5 easy green shake recipes) or oatmeal, you’re more likely to stay satiated. It makes it easier to say no to the cookies at lunch.  When you start with glazed donuts, it’s easier to say yes to more “bad” food the rest of the day.

Your workout is the same.  If you can squeeze in a quick and easy workout before you begin your regular workday, not only will you have more energy, but you’ll feel mighty accomplished from the very start.  It feels great to know you’ve done something good for yourself before you begin to meet the demands of your family and the rest of the world.   

Eat a Frog

Mark Twain famously said that if you eat a live frog first thing in the morning, you can go through the rest of the day knowing nothing will likely be worse than that.

If working out is your frog, down it first thing in the morning like you would a green shake!  By the end of the day, you’re tired and more likely to find a reason not to exercise. 

At the end of the day, you’re winding down and trying to get everyone else prepared for dinner or bed.  It’s too easy to neglect yourself or feel like you don’t have the time or energy for exercise.

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3 – Be Prepared (and flexible)

All that sounds good, but if you’re not prepared to do a quick workout, you’ll probably ditch it before you get started. 

Every time I try to workout at home, my toddler wants me to hold him, my kid has a homework question, and my dog gets in the way. 

Sometimes, one video workout that should take 25 minutes actually takes 50 minutes between all of the pausing to answer questions and get someone juice. 

I didn’t promise it would look pretty, but it is doable!

Sleep in your workout gear.  You’ll have a jump start by already being dressed.  It may sound drastic, but it works. 

If you sleep in your workout clothes, you can’t make any excuse about having to find them or having to change clothes.  It not only saves time in the morning, but it’s a great motivator and reminder to make my workout a priority.  

FYI – it always helps to have cute workout gear.  Don’t workout in old, tattered clothes.  When I feel cute, I’m more motivated and get a better workout.  Also, I see my progress when I wear fitted workout gear. 

You should also have a plan for what you want to do. Are you focusing on cardio? Strength training? Legs? Arms? 

Are you someone who likes to dance or needs variety in your workout?  Whatever your preference, set it up the night before so you can literally, roll out of bed, brush your teeth, and get your workout on!

Plan Ahead

I actually plan my workout the night before, so I know what I’m doing when I get up.  If I’m going to do a HIIT workout online, I search for it the night before so I know exactly what to go to in the morning. 

With a DVD, I put it in the night before so it’s all ready to go.  As a busy, working mom, time is a precious commodity. 

I prefer not to eat prior to my workout.  However, I will drink half of my green protein shake prior to exercising and the other half after I’m finished. 

To help save time in the morning, I prepare my shakes in advance and blend one the night before, so it’s grab-n-go in the morning.  Every minute you can save by being prepared helps to ensure you actually squeeze in a quick workout.

If you’re a working mom, like me, once you begin working outside of the home again and it’s safe to go to your local gym, it might help to even keep extra workout gear in the car. 

I keep a gym bag in my trunk, and it is has everything I need to workout at the gym, including a padlock. While I definitely didn’t have time to go every day, I would try to make it at least once a week. 

On rare occasions, I would get to go before work (that’s when hubby could take the kiddos to school).  But, most of my gym days were on the weekend or a 30-minute session between work and picking up my kids. 

Keeping your gym bag in the car is another way to ensure you’re always ready if the opportunity arises.

4 – Use What You Have

You don’t need a sophisticated fitness center to get a good workout and stay in shape.  If you already have fitness equipment, like an elliptical or treadmill, by all means – use it!  But, it’s not necessary to have gym equipment to exercise.

If you have stairs in your home or apartment complex, you can make running up and down the stairs a part of your workout routine.  Climbing the stairs for 10-15 minutes a day is a great way to incorporate extra cardio into your daily routine.

You can also use the stairs for muscle conditioning and strength training.  There are many videos online that demonstrate how to use your body weight for conditioning.  You can also use your body weight by doing classic pushups and planks to help strengthen your core.

Back to Basics

When is the last time you jumped rope?  If your kids have a jump rope, you can use it as a form of exercise.  Did you know that an average-size person can burn 10 or more calories in a minute just by jumping rope?

As I stated earlier, it can be tough to squeeze in a workout with my toddler running around.  So, I just incorporate him into the workout.  While Shaun T is using free weights in his video, I’m using my son!

When you pick your toddler up and down, you may be lifting an average of 25 pounds.  When my son is reaching for me to pick him up in the middle of my workout, I don’t abandon my routine.  Instead, I incorporate him into my squats. It’s fun for him and easy for me!

If you like to dance, try to find a dancing workout video online. Dancing is great cardio and a fun way to get in a quick and easy workout.

5 – Monitor Expectations

One of the fastest ways to abandon your workout is by setting unrealistic expectations.  As a busy mom, do yourself a favor and resist the urge to compare yourself with anyone else. Hopefully, you’ve decided to exercise because you understand the physical and mental health benefits.

If your goal is to make exercise a part of your lifestyle, you need to set realistic goals that match your lifestyle.  As working mom with a full-time job, a separate business, a husband, an elementary age child, a toddler, and a dog – I have to be creative and find time for exercise. 

My workout schedule will not look like anyone else’s. Our lifestyles and daily schedules are different. Although I’d like to do 45 minutes every few days, I don’t have that kind of time available. 

Rather than trying to force something that is unrealistic, I set realistic goals I can meet.  I can get 25-30 minutes every other day (how to find time for exercise) and usually a 45-minute session on the weekend.

Be Honest With Yourself

Also, don’t expect to lose all your baby weight or some astronomical number of pounds in a few weeks. If you’re trying to make exercise part of your lifestyle, do it little by little.  If you start by adding gradual exercises to your daily routine, you’re more likely to sustain it.

My baby will be two in May (yay!) and I still haven’t lost all the baby weight!   I don’t look at other moms and expect to look like them because we are not the same.  I have had two c-sections and had my youngest child at age 40! 

While I was in great shape prior to each pregnancy, the struggle to get back to my pre-pregnancy body is real!

You only have a limited amount of energy.  And, that energy has to be distributed among your job, your family, managing your home, and your personal self-care.

So, don’t set yourself up for disappointment by trying to do a triathlon type workout if you haven’t been doing that all along.  Start by doing what you can do and stick to running your own race.

Using these 5 simple tips, you can get a quick and easy workout as a busy mom without feeling overwhelmed or frustrated.  Do something good for yourself and continue to live your best life in balance!

Disclaimer: You should consult your physician or another health care professional before starting any fitness routine or making changes in your diet. Any health, fitness, or nutritional information offered is designed for educational purposes only.  Do not rely on this information as a substitute or replacement for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. While exercising, if you experience faintness, dizziness, pain, or shortness of breath, you should stop exercising immediately and seek professional medical assistance.

The post How to Get A Quick and Easy Workout: 5 Tips for Busy Moms appeared first on .

My posts usually contain affiliate links.  If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may get a commission at no extra cost to you.

You can stay fit as a busy mom if you understand why it’s important. Making fitness a priority doesn’t mean you have to go to the gym every day. And, you might be surprised by all the quick benefits you get from taking care of yourself, working out, and eating well. Here are 6 positive reasons to stay fit as a busy mom:

Reduce Stress

As a working mom, you probably have a lot of different people pulling on you throughout the day. Trying to maintain a healthy work-life balance is not easy. Because I have to coordinate my work calendar with my family schedule and my personal calendar, my mind is always running. To keep my stress level at a minimum, I make exercising a priority. Although I don’t have a lot of time to spend at the gym, I make time for exercise throughout the week.

There are a variety of ways you can stay fit as a busy mom and make small adjustments to your schedule. I enjoy distance running, but I don’t have a lot of time for it. So, I usually plan for it on the weekend. Throughout the week, I often use the time in between leaving work and picking up my kids to get a quick workout. While it may only be 30 minutes, it’s definitely worth it. Once I start sweating, I forget about the demands of my job. I’m usually so focused on the workout, it gives my mind a chance to relax.

Attending to your mental and emotional health is also a part of staying fit. Because I enjoy writing, I like to journal my thoughts. It helps me to purge my worries, confront my fears, and identify my goals. It’s also a great way for me to have a real conversation with myself because there are just some things you will write on paper that you might not ever say aloud. Journaling can also help you gain clarity and put issues in perspective. As a busy mom, it’s necessary to pay attention to how well you are managing your stress and try different ways to reduce it.

Manage Your Mood

Whether it’s a brisk walk, a run on the treadmill, or some strength-training (lifting weights), exercising can help shift your mood in a positive way. When you exercise, you release hormones called endorphins that give you a feeling of euphoria or a “feel good high.” For me, it’s like an overwhelming sense of peace and clarity.

For every busy mom, patience is a virtue because we’re always pressed for time. There’s always something that needs to be done and someone looking for you to do it. The pressure of momming can feel overwhelming if you don’t have a system in place to manage it.

You can learn to manage your mood by scheduling workout sessions that help you to burn off negative energy. It’s one of the reasons I choose to workout between the time I leave work and pick up my kids. I don’t want to carry the stress of my job home or become frustrated with my family because I’m in a bad mood. Making time to exercise before I get to my kids helps me to release whatever might have been bothering me before I get to them.

You can also manage your mood with quiet time. Some people use meditation and breathing exercises. Simply sitting in silence for a few minutes can work wonders for you. During my lunch break, I will often set my timer for 15 minutes, close my eyes, and just enjoy the quiet. Without fail, I feel much more calm and relaxed. It’s a great way to keep a positive mindset and stay in a place of peace.

Lose Weight

I don’t know where you are on your postpartum journey. But, what mom wouldn’t like to lose a few pounds? If you make exercise part of your regular routine, you can definitely lose weight. But, you also need to eat well.

For most busy moms, grocery shopping and making dinner are time consuming. When life gets busy, it’s easy to order takeout or opt for the less healthy, easier food option. However, if you want to stay fit as a busy mom, it’s important to think about your food choices and monitor what you eat. I’m not a fan of diets because I believe in sustainability. I know I’m not going to give up sweets or carbs forever. So, I try to eat what I want in moderation. I believe in the 80/20 rule. 80% of the time, I try to eat healthy and get as many veggies and greens in as possible. The other 20% of the time, I eat what I want. But, because I eat healthy most of the time, I usually don’t want a lot of junk for too long.

You’re not being vain because you want to look good in your clothes. If you look and feel good as a mom, it’s a win for everyone. Losing weight is not about being skinny. When it it comes to being fit, losing weight is about being healthy and living your best life.

Stay Healthy

Exercising and eating well will ultimately lead to better health. As a mom, you gain weight during pregnancy. After you have the baby, you’re busy trying to adjust to your new phase of life. It can be a challenge to find time for exercise or eating healthy.

However, you can start by making small adjustments to your daily routine. As a working mom, I’m usually running out of the house in the morning. So, I don’t have time to make a gourmet breakfast. Instead, I prep my green shakes on the weekend and all I have to do is blend the night before. All you need is your blender, a Ninja, or a Nutri-Bullet. Two other easy to make, grab and go breakfast meals are egg muffins and overnight oatmeal. I also take my lunch to work. It’s usually dinner leftovers which I pack the night before. By taking the time to prep my food choices, I always have something healthy to eat. Then, in the morning, I just grab and go.

To stay fit as a busy mom, I also make sure I keep moving. While cardio is good for your heart, strength-training is good for your muscles. By exercising regularly, you decrease your chance of getting diabetes, high blood pressure, and other illnesses. You can walk five miles each day by just walking 10,000 steps! It’s not hard to do by the time you work all day and run around taking care of your family. My goal is to get 11, 500 steps daily, but I usually average around 15,000 steps. Some days, I even get up to 22,000!

You should set a daily goal for the number of steps you want to reach each day. If you see you can do more, increase your goal. I strongly encourage you to invest in a fitness tracker because I wear mine every day, all day. It even reminds me to move my body when I’ve been stationary for too long. The key is to be proactive and make your health a priority the same as you would for your family.

Lead By Example

Remember when parents said – “Do as I say, not as I do!” Those days are long gone. Kids today are too smart to follow that logic. They will call you out for not following your own rules – within reason. You don’t need a curfew and you’re certainly old enough to enjoy a glass of wine. But, shouldn’t you eat your vegetables, too?

Undoubtedly, you spend most of your time making sure your family’s needs are met. You go out of your way to ensure they eat well, stay active and involved, and get enough rest to be productive the next day. Shouldn’t the same apply to you?

You need to stay fit as a busy mom to set the tone for your household. If you’re making positive food choices, it will only trickle down to your kids. I can get my kids to eat almost anything because they always want what I’m eating. My kids love green shakes and I rarely have trouble getting them to eat vegetables because it’s the norm. No one complains when I suggest an evening walk because we stay active as a family.

When your kids see you making time for exercise, you’re sending the message that taking care of your health is important – because it is! You are creating a blueprint for your kids when you set the example regarding the importance of staying fit.

Make Yourself a Priority

As a working mom, finding a healthy work-life balance is a never-ending process. There’s always a ton of tasks on the to-do list and never enough hours to complete it. By day’s end, I’m usually exhausted! However, I’ve learned that if I don’t make myself a priority – no one else is going to do it. It doesn’t mean my family doesn’t love me. It just means I have to be intentional about my self-care.

When you’re a busy mom, you have to put your needs on the to-do list and make sure you get to them. If you want to exercise more regularly, look at your daily routine and find time to do it. You might have to postpone something you had planned for your kids. They will survive!

If you’re like me, you probably look for opportunities to make your kid smile. Whether it’s a playdate on Friday at McDonald’s, enrolling him in soccer, or giving Cub Scouts a try, I make great sacrifices to make sure my kids are happy, well-rounded, and exposed to great opportunities. Likewise, I have to do the same for myself.

Going to the spa, meeting up with my girlfriends, or having a night out with my man is essential to my mental well-being and fitness. Sometimes you need a break from being mommy and need to be reminded you were a woman before you became a mom. She’s still in there and you shouldn’t neglect her. Taking some time to relax, laugh, and connect with people important to you is great for your health and overall fitness.

Staying physically fit and emotionally healthy is just as important for you as it is for your family. If you don’t take care of yourself, you won’t be able to take care of anyone else. It’s an absolute sacrifice and something will have to wait – dishes, laundry, meals, playdates, or quality time with hubby. But, you’re worth it and your family will be better for it. As a busy mom, don’t get so busy that you forget to make your self-care a priority. It’s okay to be self-centered, Mom!

Disclaimer: You should consult your physician or another health care professional before starting any fitness routine or making changes in your diet. I am not a doctor or medical expert.  I am simply sharing my personal experience and knowledge as a mom.  Any health, fitness, or nutritional information offered is designed for educational purposes only.  Do not rely on this information as a substitute or replacement for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. While exercising, if you experience faintness, dizziness, pain, or shortness of breath, you should stop exercising immediately and seek professional medical assistance.

The post Stay Fit As a Busy Mom: 6 Positive Reasons to Do It appeared first on .

My posts usually contain affiliate links.  If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may get a commission at no extra cost to you.

How can you be good to yourself as a working mom? You’re busy working, trying to get to appointments on time, and figuring out the week’s dinner schedule. 

Who has time to think about being good to yourself? Well – you do if you follow these 7 simple self-care tips:

Exercise

I know I say it a lot, but, finding time to exercise is a great way to be good to yourself.  As a busy mom, you need to stay healthy.  Also, you need a ton of energy.  

By exercising, you’re not only doing something good for your physical health, but you can also reap mental health benefits. Furthermore, when you exercise, you release endorphins a.k.a. feel good hormones. 

Those endorphins can help you relieve stress and change your mood. Additionally, it’s a great way to help you maintain healthy work-life balance.

For most busy moms, the biggest obstacles to working out are time and motivation. The idea of exercise can sound like another chore added on to an already crowded list.

Who needs that? What you really want is to make exercise part of your lifestyle.

To make exercise part of your lifestyle, you simply need to make small adjustments to your daily routine. Also, be flexible and have a good attitude.

My exercise routine isn’t always pretty. For instance, sometimes I have to stop and attend to my toddler in the middle of it – but I always go back! And, since I’m currently working from home, I need it more than ever.

If you need help finding time for exercise, check out 10 ways to make time for exercise. Likewise, if you need a little motivation, here are 5 tips to get a quick and easy workout.

Eat Healthy

Much like exercising, eating healthy is a great way to be good to yourself and to your body.  As a working mom, I know the challenge of preparing healthy meals and snacks. 

To help you stay on track, prep your meals for the week on a Saturday and Sunday to avoid choosing unhealthy alternatives when the week gets busy.  Throughout the week, I drink green shakes using the Nutri-Bullet. 

I usually prep the green shakes at the start of the week. Then, I blend them the night before. All I have to do is grab and go in the morning. 

As a busy mom, you might be tempted to skip breakfast and settle for a cup of coffee to get you started. But, I would encourage you to start your day with a quick and healthy meal.

Just like breakfast is important to give your kids a great start – the same goes for you!

For a quick option, you can make egg muffins or frittatas, oatmeal, breakfast sandwiches, or a breakfast burrito. These are all healthy and quick breakfast ideas you can prep ahead.

Likewise, I eat leftovers for lunch or healthy options I prep at the start of the week. To stay on track, plan your meals ahead of time and prep in advance.

Watch the sugar! It just weighs you down and makes you feel sluggish…while packing on extra pounds.

You can be good to yourself now by making simple changes like swapping sodas and juice for water at meals. Want to get fancy? Add some fruit and lemon juice to your water.

Stress Less

As a mom, there is always something to worry about. However, a great way to be good to yourself is to reduce stress. 

Stop worrying about things that are out of your control.  Many of us are facing a lot of uncertainty. While there’s plenty to be worried about, it won’t do you any good!

When I catch myself thinking about the possibility of losing income, job security, or my kids being impacted negatively by what’s going on in the world, I refocus my thoughts on the positive. 

I speak positive words over my children out loud.  I also pray for them and trust God to protect them. 

Do whatever you need to do to reduce stress and anxiety because it can lead to physical health issues. Check out these simple tips to reduce stress as a busy mom. 

Sometimes you need a shift in balance to help you stress less. First, start prioritizing what’s really important in your life – including yourself! Other times, you simply need to shift your perspective and monitor your thoughts.

Be good to yourself by remembering what really matters – include yourself on the list.  Whether it’s your job, money, or family issues, don’t let stress get the best of you.

Set Personal Goals

One great way to be good to yourself is to set personal goals.  You were a woman with dreams and desires before you became a mom.  Don’t forget that!   

You should always have something you are working toward.  Whether it’s moving forward in your career, developing a skill, or starting a new hobby, having goals for personal growth is an important part of being good to yourself. 

One of the ways I enjoy keeping track of my goals is by creating a vision board. It allows me to categorize the things I want to accomplish. By hanging it on the wall, it serves as a visual reminder of what I’m working toward.

As a busy mom, it’s so easy to put the needs of your family and everyone else in front of your own. But, trust me! It’s great to know you’re doing something to help improve yourself.

Wouldn’t you tell your kids to set high goals and run after them? The same applies for you!

Create a vision board of your personal goals and hang it in a place that’s visible to remind you to be good to yourself.  If you’re not into vision boards, write down you goals and hang them somewhere visible (i.e. the refrigerator, bathroom mirror, bedroom wall).

Need help getting started? Check out my FREE 3-Step Goal Action Plan to help you begin moving tow

Reward Yourself

I believe in the 80/20 rule.  80% of the time, I try to eat healthy, exercise, and budget wisely.  It doesn’t always work, but I try! 

The other 20%, I reward myself with what I like.  So, if I want the brownie, I’m gonna have the brownie!  Life is to short to constantly deny yourself of the simple things that you enjoy. 

As a mom, I know you love to make your kids happy.  So, be good to yourself and reward yourself with something that makes you happy. 

The things that make you happiest don’t always cost money. Having some quiet time to myself is essential. While it’s not always easy to get, I try to get time to myself each.

For most moms, mommy guilt is a real thing. Refuse to participate!

When you consider all you do for your family, why should you feel guilty about needing some down time?

Yet, as moms, we believe we can keep going like the Energizer bunny. We actually feel wrong for wanting time or taking time for ourselves.

I’m sure you look for ways to put a smile on your kid’s face. Getting him that toy he wanted? Surprising her with ice cream?

How many times have you planned something special for your hubby? Cooked his favorite meal? Wore a sexy outfit?

Reward yourself by asking for the things you want and need – time to yourself, a day without chores, a day off from cooking, or whatever makes you happy. And, don’t feel guilty about it.

Life is too short not to buy the shoes that give you life – at least every now and then!

Say “No”

If you’re a people pleaser, saying “No” may be the best way to be good to yourself.  As a mom, you try to do it all and you can – just not at the same time and certainly, not well. 

So, you have to prioritize what must be done and what you want to do. That often means having to put your needs and the needs of your family before others.

As a working mom, it can be a challenge to balance it all. You want to do well at work, but you also want things to run smoothly at home. At some point, the two worlds collide. And, you have to make some tough decisions.

Shortly after having my first son, I accepted a new position with new responsibilities. I had to travel more often and often worked later than I really wanted.

However, with my second child, I was older and wiser! I began letting go of non-essential responsibilities at work as soon as I found out I was pregnant. In some instances, it cost me money, but it was well worth it.

I also began stepping down from various community committees and organizations. My life was changing and what worked for one season was not going to work in this new season of life.

I even took more time off to stay at home with my second son. And, while some people were not happy with my decisions, I knew I was doing what was best for me and my family.

Someone is going to be unhappy because you just can’t please everyone.  Saying “No” should not make you feel guilty. 

It should make you feel empowered. 

You don’t have to try to accommodate everyone in every situation. If you want to be good to yourself, remember there is only so much time in the day and only so much of you to go around.

Forgive Everyone for Everything

Practicing forgiveness is the ultimate way to be good to yourself.  Remember, forgiveness is for you and not about the people who have wronged you. 

When you forgive people, it’s not saying what they did was okay. Instead, it’s giving yourself permission to move on and take your power back because holding on to resentment gives people power over you. 

If you need help with forgiveness, there’s an excellent book, Forgiveness: 21 Days to Forgive Everyone for Everything, to help you get started.

As a working mom, you might feel guilty for leaving your kids to go to work, working late hours, or having to travel for work.  Or, maybe you feel guilty for not having a lot of patience. 

With the global pandemic, we all have been challenged in different ways. While working from home (teaching distance learning), I’ve had to help my second grader with his online assignments, and take care of my toddler.

It has not always been pretty!

Be good to yourself and forgive yourself for not being a perfect parent.  There isn’t one! 

We are all imperfect.  We will make mistakes. We will disappoint one another. 

If you can remember that, you would be doing something good for yourself.

When you take the time to be good to yourself, you are investing in something very valuable – you!  By taking the time to practice these important self-care tips, you can continue to live your best life in balance.

Disclaimer: You should consult your physician or another health care professional before starting any fitness routine or making changes in your diet. Any health, fitness, or nutritional information offered is designed for educational purposes only.  Do not rely on this information as a substitute or replacement for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. While exercising, if you experience faintness, dizziness, pain, or shortness of breath, you should stop exercising immediately and seek professional medical assistance.

The post How to Be Good to Yourself: 7 Self-Care Tips for Working Moms appeared first on .

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As a busy mom, having a date night at home is easier than you think and more important than you realize.  Kids come into our lives and take over, if you let them.  Planning a date night at home is a great way to reconnect with your spouse and make yourself a priority.  Here are 8 easy tips to help you get started:

1 – Keep it light.  If you’re having a date night at home, the kids are probably at home, too.  Or, you don’t have the time, energy, or money to go out.  Either way, always keep the purpose of date night front and center.  You want to connect with your spouse. This is not the time to discuss your relationship issues.  Silence your phone and agree not to discuss bills, kids, or anything that could lead to a disagreement. And, don’t forget the wine!

2 – Late night dinner. Or, breakfast in bed. You choose based on your preference and the age of your kids. If I know we’re going to have a date night at home, I try to wear out my son with an early play date and keep him active throughout the day.  When it’s time for bed, I usually have no problem getting him to go down.  If you’re an early riser, the breakfast in bed might work for you.  To save time, order takeout or have it delivered.  And, don’t forget the wine!

3 – Watch your favorite show or movie.  Even though my hubby and I have different interests in movies and television, we usually connect on a few.  Every season, we have one or two shows we get into as a couple.  One of my favorite ways to have date night at home is watching our shows.  It’s a great way for us to bond when we are running low on time and energy.  It takes very little planning. We get to spend some time alone. And, we both look forward to it. If you’re into reading, you can also read a book together and discuss it as a couple. And, don’t forget the wine!

4 – Cook a meal together.  Since my husband works at night, we don’t always get a chance to eat dinner as a family. I’m usually trying to finish dinner and get the kids settled before he leaves.  So, when we can share a meal together, it’s nice. But, a date night where we cook a meal together is even nicer.  If you’re the one who cooks in your family, it will be fun to see your hubby try to make his way around the kitchen.  If your husband is the one who cooks, accept the challenge.  To make your date night at home more interesting, choose a meal neither of you have ever made.  You can always try Blue Apron or Hello Fresh. Or, you can get competitive and have a bake off.  Whatever you do, have fun with it.  And, don’t forget the wine!

5 – Play a game.  If the two of you are competitive, this is a great idea for date night at home.  Pull out the chess board, checker board, UNO cards, Scrabble, or Connect Four and get to it!  Playing a game together allows you to focus on each other because you’re trying to win.  So, for a moment, you get to be someone other than mommy.  When my husband and I play video games, we get very competitive and play to win.  You can even spice it up a little to make it more interesting.  Whoever wins gets a personal day, a week not doing the dishes, a foot massage, or whatever makes you smile. And, don’t forget the wine!

6 – Make a vision board.  I admit, this might not be my husband’s favorite date night at home, but we do have fun with it.  Maybe twice a year, we do vision boards.  The goal is to map out our goals by creating a collage.  We take the magazines lying around the house and cut out pictures and words that match our vision.  Then, we hang them in our room as a reminder of what we’re working toward. Making vision boards will allow the two of you to discuss your personal goals, family goals, and even monetary goals in a creative way. It’s a great way to bond and communicate while having fun. Just don’t forget the wine!

7 – Hang out with another couple.  If you have friends with kids, a double play date is an awesome date night at home.  The kids love it because they get to stay up late and run around.  And, you and your friends get to catch up and have some adult time.  You can even rotate houses. We’re also lucky to have amazing friends who don’t have kids but are willing to come to us because we have an infant and six-year old.  They bring pizza. We talk and laugh.  And, of course, there’s always wine!

8 – Have sex. I may be stating the obvious date night at home.  But, when you have kids, things change.  With one kid it can be tricky to find a time and place for sex.  With more than one kid, you almost have to be a creative genius. But, it’s possible!  The key may be perfect timing, creativity, flexibility, and an open mind.  With two kids, there’s always the possibility of one trying to crawl into our bed or waking up at just the wrong time. If you’re in the same situation, you may have to look for windows of opportunity.  And, as soon as the kids fall asleep, get to it.  Adjust your expectations from marathon thinking to more of a sprint.  And, don’t forget the wine!

You may not have time or energy for a night out.  But, you can have an amazing date night at home with a little creativity and planning.  Use these 8 tips and your favorite bottle of wine to help you plan your next date night at home and continue to live your best life in balance!

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