Mommy guilt is real!  As a working mom, you know the guilt that comes with leaving your baby to return to work.  Even if you find the perfect daycare or leave the baby with a trusted relative, you are bound to question your decision.

Although it’s real, you can avoid mommy guilt by being aware of your thoughts.  This time around, I was determined to avoid the “guilt trap.” I hope these 5 strategies will help you do the same:

1 – Be rational.  One of the most common forms of mommy guilt is to feel guilty about missing your baby’s firsts.  If you’re worried about missing important milestones, ask the person caring for your child to record it for you.  Or, celebrate the first time you see it. I mean, it is the first time for you. If you’re sentimental, the first time you experience your child rolling over, walking, or talking is what matters most.  But, let’s face it!  We can’t be with our kids all day every day.  You could run to the store and miss out on a first step or first word.  If you wouldn’t feel guilty about it then, you shouldn’t feel guilty about working to help support your family.

2 – Trust yourself.  As you get ready to go back to work, mommy guilt may have you questioning yourself – Am I a bad mother? What if he doesn’t remember me?  Will our bond change? The answer it NO!  While I had no desire to be a stay-at-home mom, going back to work was not easy for me.  I even felt guilty for not wanting to be a stay-at-home mom. I wasn’t concerned about my child’s safety.  I just didn’t want to miss watching him grow.

Kick mommy guilt to the curb and know you have done your due diligence before you hand your child over to a caretaker, whether it’s a daycare or a relative.  When I went back to work, I had a list of instructions and reminders.  And, my great-aunt and grandmother were babysitting my child at my home! No, they were not going to do everything the way I would do it.  But, I knew they would take great care of my child.  Trust those mommy instincts!

3 – Ignore criticism.  The worst form of mommy guilt comes from other people.  If someone tries to make you feel guilty for not living up to their standard of “momming,” cut the conversation short.  You don’t need to feel guilty for failing to meet someone else’s expectations of being a mom.

There were people who told me I needed to stay at home at least a year, if possible.  Well, it wasn’t possible!  We are a two-income family and hadn’t planned to be out of work for a year.  And, those same people were not offering to pay our bills.  Plus, I didn’t want to stay home for that long.  No matter what you do, someone will find fault.  So, do what’s best for you and your family without feeling guilty about it.

4 – Give yourself credit.  If you listen to the mommy guilt voices, you’ll believe you’re doing it all wrong.  Not true! You fed and clothed someone else before you fed and clothed yourself.  You prepped bottles and packed a diaper bag before even attempting to get yourself ready for work.  And, if your kids are school age, you will spend a substantial amount of time assisting with homework at the end of your work day. Mom, you’re a Rockstar!  The fact that you’re able to work two jobs makes you amazing and worthy of credit. So, don’t feel guilty for doing it.

5 – Be thankful.  A great way to silence the mommy guilt is to focus on the positives.  I am thankful I was able to initially leave my son with family and later find a trustworthy daycare.  Knowing your child is in a safe environment will allow you to focus on your job and do it well.  Be thankful for the opportunity to work on your personal or professional goals.  Having a space outside of being “mommy” will help you remember yourself as an individual with dreams and life goals. Don’t feel guilty for having the courage to run after your life goals while raising a kid.  Be thankful.

6 – Keep it real.  Most mommy guilt centers around unrealistic expectations.  Be honest about what you want your life to look like and embrace the possibilities of what is yet to come.  Don’t shy away from a leadership position, accepting a promotion, or taking an out of town trip if it’s really what you want to do. Just be honest with yourself, your partner, and your job about what you will need.

I felt mommy guilt for having to go out of town with my job when my son was only seven months old.  I was so worried he would miss me or wonder where I was.  But, he was just fine!  As a six-year-old, he doesn’t even remember the times I’ve had to leave town for work.  I also took a new position when he was nine months.  Before I took the position, I was honest with my employer and my husband about my expectations and my need for proper work-life balance.

7 – Be Empowered.  There’s a familiar saying – Happy wife. Happy life.  The same can be said for moms.  Whether the work you do is your passion or simply a job, feeling guilty about it certainly won’t make you a better mom.  Be empowered knowing you are working to help your family financially and setting a great example of a strong work ethic for your kids. You don’t have to delay your professional goals until your children reach adulthood.  You just need to find a balance which works for you and your family. Just remember, mommy guilt has no place in the equation.

As a working mom, the mommy guilt can be overwhelming if you entertain it.  So, don’t!  Only you know what’s best for you and your family.  So, leave the guilt behind and continue to live your best life in balance!

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How do you stay balanced as a busy mom?  There usually aren’t enough hours in the day and rarely enough of you to go around. 

There’s no one way to staying balanced as a busy mom. But, you can take simple steps to achieve a healthy work-life balance.

1 – Prioritize

 As a working mom, you can confuse what must be done with what you want to get done.  To help me stay balanced, I make a list of the top three things I must do for the day. 

Then, I tackle the one I’m least looking forward to completing.  This strategy for prioritizing is outlined in Brian Tracy’s book, Eat That Frog!  If you want to stay balanced, you must be realistic about what you can do and prioritize your day.

If you’re currently working from home (like me!), having a healthy work-life balance is more important than ever. Sometimes, the things that seem urgent really aren’t.

For example, I have two laundry baskets of clean clothes waiting to be folded. But, I also have more important tasks on my list that need to be done before folding those clothes.

I will eventually get to the laundry baskets, but it won’t be today! By prioritizing your tasks, you save yourself undue stress by focusing on what’s most important.

2 – Be Grateful

Having an attitude of gratitude is a great way to stay balanced as a busy mom.  It’s tough to manage work deadlines, homework assignments, doctor appointments, soccer practice, and the grocery list.

Additionally, when you’re going through difficult times, you take on added pressure. Whether you’re out of work or facing a lot of uncertainty, it would do you good to focus on the positives in your life.

When you’re a busy mom, it’s easy to focus on what you need to do and what hasn’t been done.  If you’re not careful, you can wind up complaining and feeling negative. 

Sometimes, you need to take a moment to stop and be grateful. 

Remembering what you have and the important people in your life is a great way to stay balanced.  You can start by making a list of all the positives in your life.  When you’re feeling negative, take out the list to help shift your perspective.

3 – Smile

If you want to stay balanced, don’t underestimate the power of a smile. It costs nothing and it can be an instant mood changer.

I try to smile as much as possible because it makes me feel better and often leads to laughter.  And, laughter is just good for the soul.  When I wake up, I know I’m winning because someone else didn’t wake up that morning. 

If you watch the news, you’re bound to find a ton of reasons to complain, think the worst, or even feel down. So, limit your content!

I try to focus on the positive and not to sweat the small stuff.  I don’t worry about the things I can’t control. Instead, I focus on what I can control – my attitude and how I respond to the world around me.

You can stay positive in any situation. Check out my article!  Putting on a smile is just a simple way to remind yourself to continue to live your best life in balance. 

4 – Rest

You’re a busy mom with a lot to do.  But, rest is essential if you want to stay balanced. 

I have a full-time job outside of the home (inside for now!), a blog, two kids, a husband, and a dog!  When I don’t get proper rest, I’m cranky, prone to sickness, and no good to anyone. 

It’s not a badge of honor to work, work, work, and never rest.  In fact, it’s dangerous.  You don’t want to wait until your body demands the rest.  Instead, be proactive and incorporate rest into your routine.

Do yourself a favor and unplug! Lately, I’ve spent more time on my computer than ever. However, I know when my body has had enough. When I find myself staring aimlessly at the screen, I know it’s time to unplug.

Having a healthy work-life balance includes taking time to renew, refresh, and re-energize.  And, when the boundaries of work and home are blurred, you need to make finding time to rest a main priority.

Each week, you should have at least one day where you take time to rest and nurture your mind, body, and spirit. Whether you make it a family day, a sleep-in and lounge day, or a (modified at-home) spa day, you need rest to stay balanced.

5 – Pamper Yourself

As a working mom, you cater to your family and what they need.  But, how often do you cater to yourself?

Sometimes, you need to pamper yourself to stay balanced and centered.  Doing something for yourself can be rewarding and exactly what you need to help you make it through the day, week, or month.

I look for ways to make my son and husband feel special and celebrated.  Sometimes, I need to do the same for myself.  Whether it’s going to get a massage or simply giving yourself a facial or pedicure, take the time to give yourself some special attention.

There are a lot of simple ways to pamper yourself at home. Paint your toenails. Have a cup of your favorite tea / glass of wine in silence. One of my favorite ways is to take a bubble bath with aromatherapy candles.

Do I threaten or bribe my kids to leave me alone? Yes – and, it’s well worth it!

You don’t always have to travel or spend money to practice self-care. Sometimes, it’s the simple things that help you stay balanced.

6 – Self-Reflect

Keeping a journal your thoughts is a great way to engage in self-reflection. Journaling helps you to process your thoughts and emotions. It’s also an easy way to keep list of your goals and accomplishments. 

Reflecting on your progress is a great way to stay balanced and assess changes in your life.  There are some things you will write on paper that you won’t say out loud. 

If you’re going through a challenging time or if you’re in a period of transition, writing your feelings down might help you gain some clarity.

When I go back and review journal entries from previous years, I can see a lot of growth. However, it’s also a great reminder that I’ve made it through difficult situations before.

Maybe you don’t want to discuss how you’re feeling with your spouse? Maybe you’re not sure how you feel?

Taking the time to deal with your honest, raw emotions is a great strategy to help you maintain a healthy work-life balance.

7 – Exercise

Your physical and mental health are an essential part of staying balanced. Exercise as a way to reduce stress and increase your energy level. 

As a busy mom, you might not think you have time to workout. Or, you may think you can only get a good workout at the gym. 

However, you don’t need a gym or a lot of time to exercise. You just need to be creative and have a positive attitude.

You can exercise by making simple adjustments to your daily routine. Just adding a 20-30 minute daily walk or taking the stairs can boost your mood, energy level, and overall health. You can also make sure you get a minimum of 10,000 steps a day with a fitness tracker. 

For me, exercise is vital. It is my go-to stress-reliever. When I feel the weight of the world on my shoulders, I exercise to feel better.

If you’re not sure where to begin, checkout my 5-minute workout for busy moms. It will help jump start your exercise routine.

8 – Read

Reading is another great way to stay balanced because it can help slow things down.  Whether it’s for enjoyment or personal growth, reading can be a great stress reliever. 

When I read for leisure, I enjoy crime thrillers or dramas because they provide a great escape from reality. And, who doesn’t need an escape?

However, I also read for personal growth.  Some of the best books I’ve read to help you stay balanced are The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch, The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren, and I Dare You by Joyce Meyer.   

As a working mom, you need an outlet to help you de-stress from all the different hats you wear.  Picking up a good book may help you rekindle an old hobby.

I have to read a lot for my job and with my kids. So, when I take time to read a book for myself, it’s a real treat!

Whether it’s a gossip magazine, a self-help book, or a juicy novel, reading is a good way to maintain balance.

9 – Embrace Imperfections

We all have something we’d like to change about our appearance or personality.  It could be your thighs or your nose.  Maybe you’d like to be more outspoken or less sensitive. 

Whatever the case, embracing your imperfections is a great way to stay balanced. If you focus on everything you don’t like about yourself, you’re not going to feel great about yourself. 

Having a negative self-image will impact your confidence and feelings of self-worth.  So, focus on what you love about yourself and work on the rest. 

I used to get teased about my lips.  And, now people pay to get fillers to look like me!  If you don’t like your thighs, make your way to the stairs or start doing squats. 

But, if you’re not going to do the squats, find clothing that doesn’t highlight your thighs.

If you want to be more outspoken, try speaking up more with your friends and family. Or, embrace the fact that you like to observe what’s going on rather than be the center of it all.

When it comes to parenting, don’t be too hard on yourself.  If you make a mistake, own it and move on. 

To help you stay balanced, just remember, no one has it together. We are all imperfectly perfect at doing the best we can do.

10 – Take a Day Off

Taking a personal day for yourself is probably the most important way to stay balanced. As a working mom, you really have two full-time jobs, if not more. 

There’s the job you do that pays the bills.  And, then there’s being a mom.   Too often, the jobs overlap and it’s hard to find personal time for yourself.

However, if you don’t take a day voluntarily, your body will eventually force you to do it. 

Wouldn’t you rather take a day to enjoy it rather than having to take off because you’re sick?  If you have personal time, schedule a day off to do whatever makes you happy.

You’ll be surprised at how renewed and refreshed a day of personal enjoyment can make you feel. If you’re concerned about losing the time – ask yourself, In six months, will it matter that I took the day off?

If you’re currently working from home, you may not need to use your personal days. But, you should set clear boundaries.

Spend a Saturday in your pajamas binge-watching your favorite show. Let the kids eat whatever is in the house and don’t worry about!

Put something fun on the calendar – happy-hour with friends (virtual, if necessary), watching your favorite movie, or family game night!

You can maintain a healthy work-life balance by making some simple changes to your daily routine. 

To stay balanced as a busy mom, make yourself a priority 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 Stay Balanced: 10 Self-Care 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.

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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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.

Hey working mom – with work, kids, hubby, and the dog to think about, it’s no wonder you need to reduce stress!  There’s no secret to stressing less.  But, you must be willing to make yourself a priority.  Here are 10 tips to help you reduce stress and enjoy your life:

1 – Exercise more.  I know it sounds counterproductive, but it works.  When you exercise you release endorphins, also know as “feel good hormones.” Those endorphins are responsible for helping to lift your mood and producing a calming effect overall.  For me, exercise has become my go-to for reducing stress.  If I want to reduce stress, I hit the pavement running, pop in a dance video, or lift some weights to sweat it out.  Trust – after a good sweat session, whatever you were stressed about is a distant memory.

 2 – Meditate.  No, you don’t have to sit for hours or chant if you don’t want to!  You can start by finding a comfortable, preferably, quiet space to sit or lie down.  My kids-free zone and go-to space is my closet.  Close your eyes and focus your attention on your breathing.  Try to focus on the process of inhaling and exhaling. You only need to do it for a few minutes to feel more relaxed.  The more you do it, the longer you’ll be able to focus.  To reduce stress, just take a few minutes to meditate before entering a stressful situation.

3 – LOL.  You can reduce stress by making a conscious decision to laugh out loud every day.  We all have that girlfriend that makes us laugh harder than any comedian ever could.  Keep her number on speed dial.  On your list of things to do, you need to have laughter at the top of the list.  Whether it’s my kids being naturally silly or a punch-line in my favorite sitcom, I get a daily dose of laughter.  I believe it when the Bible says, “laughter is good medicine.”  The more you laugh, the easier it is to let go of the stresses of the day.

4 – Journal your thoughts.  There are some things you will write on paper that you’ll never say out loud.  Because of that, journaling your thoughts is a great way to reduce stress.  You can journal in a notebook or you can get a guided journal.  If you’re stressed or worried about a problem, writing your thoughts allows you to process what you’re feeling.  There’s no right or wrong way to journal.  I just write like I’m writing a letter to myself or to God. 

5 – Make a to-do list. Ever lay in bed thinking about all you need to do at work the next day? Just knowing you have so much to get done between work and family can leave you feeling stressed.  Learn to reduce stress by making a list of what you need to do.  Before I leave work, I write my to-do list for the next day and post it.  Not only does it help me stay organized, but it keeps me from thinking about the job when I’m with my family.  Likewise, if you make a list before you go to sleep, you’re less likely to feel stressed about all you need to get done.  The real way to reduce stress – cross each task off the list once it’s done!

6 – Unplug.  Yeah, social media is great. But, it can be information overload.  And, once you get sucked in, you can waste more time than you expected.  Doesn’t it seem like everyone is living it up and having a ball? If you’re not careful, you can compare someone’s Instagram story with your real life.  So, just unplug for a while. Reduce stress by having a cut off time for your electronic devices. There are times when we turn off all electronics, including television, to just connect as a family.  Taking a break to unplug can be a great stress-reliever.

7 – Take a warm bath or shower.  I love a bubble bath!  You can easily reduce stress by taking a relaxing bath or shower. After a tough day at work and an hour of homework with my son, my favorite thing to do is light some candles and run a bubble bath.  Having a few minutes to myself in a tranquil setting is a great way to reduce stress.  Water has a calming effect.  So, if you’re not into bubble baths, you can still take a relaxing shower to help you get centered.  You can even elevate your experience by using scented candles and your favorite shower gel.

8 – Do something mindless. My guilty pleasure is watching drama-filled reality shows.  Since I try to stay drama free, watching someone else’s drama is a great stress reliever for me.  Whether it’s a game on your phone or catching up with the latest celebrity gossip, it’s good to have some mindless entertainment.  My job requires a lot of mental energy and it often leaves me mentally drained.  When I need to recharge, I try to do things that don’t require a lot of thought.  If you want to reduce stress, incorporate some mindless entertainment into weekly your routine.  

9 – Read for leisure.  Between reading for work and reading with my kids, I rarely have time to curl up with a good book.  But, when I do, it’s one of my favorite things! Reading for leisure is a great way to reduce stress.  When you read for pleasure, it allows you to escape what’s going on in your everyday life temporarily.  If I’m reading a James Patterson novel, I’m not thinking about my job or my bills because I’m too busy trying to figure out who did it and why.

 10 – Nurture your soul.  As a working mom, it’s easy to worry about the health and well-being of everyone else.  It can be easy to forget to nurture yourself.  You can reduce stress by paying attention to what you need.  Make sure you are surrounding yourself with positivity.  Be aware of negative energy and avoid negativity.  If you have a co-worker who complains all the time, that’s probably not the person to have lunch with every day.  Every morning, I try to start my day by listening to a positive message or reading scripture or a daily devotional. Starting my day on a positive note, helps me to stay centered and keeps me from getting stressed over simple things.

You can easily reduce stress by making simple changes to your daily routine.  Follow these ten tips to stress less 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 Reduce Stress: 10 Tips for Working 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.

Dear Working Mom,

If you want to get fit and stay healthy, you must make exercise a priority for your life. And, I don’t mean spending hours in the gym!  Here are six quick tips to help you get fit and stay:

1 – Sleep in your workout gear.  I prefer working out in the morning, but it’s really hard with my schedule.  If I’m going to exercise in the morning, I go to sleep in my workout gear.  That way, I can jump up in the morning, brush my teeth, and get my workout done.  It helps if you make the commitment the night before by sleeping in your workout gear.  You’re much more likely to stick to your plan of getting fit and staying healthy if you’re already dressed for the workout. It also helps to buy cute workout gear!

2 – Keep exercise gear in the car.  Whether you plan to exercise before or after work, you’ll always be prepared with workout clothes in the car.  You can get dressed before you leave work or head straight to the gym and avoid having to go home to change.  As working moms, we can be easily distracted from doing the things we need to do for ourselves.  But, you can stay focused on getting fit and staying healthy by preparing ahead.

3 – Start your day healthy. When you start your day with something healthy, you are less likely to go off the deep end. Four to five times a week, I start my day with a green shake.  It’s a great way to get extra veggies and it gives me energy.  You can use your blender or NutriBullet to make your shakes.  I really like the NutriBullet Pro because it comes with a recipe book that gives you the benefits of different ingredients.  If you don’t want to do green shakes, eat a healthy breakfast, like oatmeal and fruit, or scrambled eggs.  Just don’t skip breakfast because you need the energy!

4 – Plan your meals.  Healthy eating takes preparation. It’s so much easier as a working mom to just stop by a drive-thru.  If eating healthier is your goal, choose a day to plan your meals.  Sundays works for me!  Make sure you do your shopping for the week to avoid having to plan mid-week.  When you make your shopping list, include healthy snacks.  I usually plan for the next week on Thursday and order groceries online because it’s faster.  When I plan my meals early, I’m less likely to stop and get fast food or make unhealthy choices.  Bonus – If you want to avoid eating unhealthy snacks, don’t buy them.  Replace them with healthier options (i.e. fruits, veggies, light popcorn, nuts).  Out of the house = out of sight = out of mind!

5 – Be realistic.  Think of getting fit and staying healthy as a marathon and not a sprint.  Whether you want to lose ten pounds or just start eating healthier, don’t expect to change your entire lifestyle overnight.  Start with one change and slowly add to it.  If you want to exercise more, start with 30 minutes two to three times a week.  As a working mom, I can’t make it to the gym every day.  Realistically, I can make it twice per week for about 30-45 minutes.  Then, my third workout is a combination of exercise at home. Whether I workout or not, I always try to get 10,000 steps just doing my daily activities. You can track your steps using your phone or with a fitness tracker.

If you want to eat healthier, start cutting back on sugar and calories by eliminating sodas and juices at lunch.  After a few weeks, try to eliminate drinking them at dinner.  You’re more likely to stay motivated and experience success if you’re realistic with your time and making changes.

6 – Reward yourself. I don’t believe in denying myself, so I try to do things in moderation. If I want a brownie, I’m having the brownie!  But, I’m not having the brownie every day.  You will feel better about eating the brownie when you’ve met some of your goals or you’re on track to meet them. When you see the benefits of exercising and eating healthy, you are more likely to stay balanced. Sometimes rewarding yourself with a tasty treat or rich meal will give you the motivation you need to keep exercising and eating healthy. I stay motivated knowing the healthier I am, the less I will crave unhealthy food.  The more fit I am, the easier it will be for me to stay fit.  Sometimes, though, I need a burger with cheese and fries on the side!  And, I don’t beat myself up for having it because life is too short not to have the fries…sometimes!

As working moms, we must make our health and fitness a priority.  You can get fit and stay healthy by making small changes and continuing 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.

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You’re up at the crack of dawn and you’re barely home by sunset.  Who has time to think about getting 10,000 steps?  Well, working mom…you do!  You may not realize it, but if you make exercise part of your regular routine, you’ll feel better mentally and physically.  And, you can get 10,000 steps in daily by just doing what you normally do.

1 –Start your day earlier.  The sooner you get moving, the more steps you take. If you can get up 30 minutes earlier, jump on the treadmill or do the elliptical, if you have the machines.  If not, find a workout video that keeps you moving for 30 minutes. I like the dance videos offered by BeachBody, especially Rockin’ Body. Or, you can get a more intense workout in 25 minutes with Shaun T’s Focus T25.  If 15 minutes is all you can have, go for it!  Either way, it’s a great start to your day!  

2 – Wear a step tracker. If you aren’t already tracking your steps, do it.  Just knowing how many steps you take each day can motivate you to take more.  Whether you have a Fitbit  or Step Tracker, leave it on at night or put it on first thing in the morning to get an accurate count of your steps. The only time I take off my Letscom fitness tracker is to shower or give my kids a bath. It’s very accurate and inexpensive.  Your phone can also track your steps, but it won’t be as accurate because you may leave it in your purse or on the desk while you’re moving.

3 – Set a goal. Did you know 10,000 steps is about 5 miles? If you set a goal, you’ll be more motivated to take the stairs or walk a longer distance. If your job requires you to move a lot, you might be surprised to see how many steps you take.  If you work mostly at a desk, having a daily or weekly step goal will make you more conscious about moving. And yes, all the moving you do while cooking, cleaning, and running after your kid counts!

4 – Walk during your lunch break.  Okay – hear me out!  If you only get 30 minutes for lunch, it could be a challenge, but not impossible.  Take 10 minutes and walk around your building or office.  If you do it five times a week, that’s an extra 50 minutes of added activity to your weekly routine.  If you get more than 30 minutes for lunch, bump it up to 15 minutes of walking to maximize your number of steps.

5 – Get a partner. A workout routine or any new challenge is always better with a friend.  Convince your co-workers or close friends to track steps and set a goal with you. You can even make it a contest among the group.  At the very least, tell someone about your goal.  It will keep you accountable.  When you have another person involved, you’re more likely to stay committed to getting it done.

 6 – Always take the stairs. Okay, it sounds simple, because it is!  Taking the stairs will quickly add to your steps, especially if you work in a multi-level building.  I work on the second floor of my building and I take the stairs several times a day.  Even when I was pregnant, I always took the stairs – carefully.  I’m not even tempted to take the elevator because I know I need to get my steps!

7 – Say it in person. Instead of delivering that next message via email, get up and say it in person. Of course, you don’t want to waste time being unproductive. So, make your steps count.  If you need to speak to several coworkers, plan a trip around the office.  Not only will you get the benefit of personal contact, but you’ll add to your step count.

8 – Park farther away.  Have you ever seen a car circling the parking lot repeatedly in hopes of getting a close space?  If that’s you and you’re able to walk, just park farther away.  Yes, it’s farther for the kids! But, you’ll save yourself time because there are always spaces toward the end of the row. If it’s an extra 50 steps from where you’d normally park, that’s a total of 100 steps roundtrip.  Bonus!

9 – Return the cart.  I totally get it!  You’re already tired from work and dragging the kids through the store. The last thing you want to do is walk the cart back to the cart return. So, you spend extra time trying to fit it in between another car or place it on the curb so it doesn’t roll back.  Been there! But, you can sneak in some extra steps and avoid having to fight with the cart by just returning it every time.  Just remember, every step counts!

10 – Return the peas. Same concept as #9, just do it in the store.  How often have you found a bag of frozen peas in the bread aisle? When you’re a busy mom and you’re shopping with kids, it’s easier to just drop the items you’re not going to get where they are.  But, do yourself and the clerk who has to do go backs a favor by taking the extra steps to take it back.  And, let those steps add up!

As working moms, it’s important to work smarter and not harder. By adding these simple ideas to your routine, you can get more steps daily 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. 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.

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Office parties.  Family gatherings.  Cookies. Cakes. Cocktails.  As a working mom, who has the time or motivation to work out?  If you aren’t careful, the holiday season can leave you with extra pounds and little motivation to work it off.  Follow these five simple steps to stay fit during the holiday season:

1 – Go green.  I try to start my day with a green shake to get in as many veggies as possible. I like the NutriBullet Pro to make my green shakes.  Just add 2-3 cups of a leafy green (kale, spinach, swiss chard), Greek yogurt, and whatever fruit you like.  One of the most common shakes I make is spinach, Greek yogurt, pineapple, garlic, ground flax seed, and water. If you start your day green, you’re less likely to get off track later in the day.  You can also add a salad to your daily meal to get in extra veggies.  When you’re eating more sweets than usual, piling on the greens is a great way to stay balanced.

2 – Be prepared. The best way to make sure you stay on track is to prepare your healthy meals ahead of time.  If you prep your green shakes in advance, you can just grab them from the fridge and blend.  It also makes a convenient grab and go breakfast on your way to work.  I usually make 5-6 green shakes for the week.  If you don’t like green shakes, you can also make egg muffins or overnight oats.  The key is to start the day healthy and prepare in advance.  Not only does it save time, but you will always have a healthy alternative at your fingertips.

3 – Keep moving.  During the holidays, there are a lot of distractions.  As a working mom, when things get hectic, the first thing to sacrifice is exercise. While you might not make it to the gym, you can still get a workout.  Wake up 30 minutes earlier and do a workout video.  Try to get more steps in at work.  Instead of a sitting lunch, make a wrap or sandwich and get moving.  Walk the perimeter of your job or do the stairs.  You can even set a lunchtime goal.  For example, if you walk 2,000 steps during lunch, you would have walked about a mile.  If you walk 2,000 steps during lunch each day for five days, you would have walked about 5 miles during your lunch breaks alone!

4 – Be selective.  If you’re going to have dessert or a cocktail, make it count!  Don’t waste your calories on something that’s just okay.  Try to do everything in moderation. I don’t believe in denying myself.  But, I’m selective about how I spend my calories.  I’m not going to waste my calories on powdered donuts from the gas station when I really want a slice of cheesecake. If you choose something you really want, you’re more likely to feel satisfied and less likely to overdo it.

5 – Drink up.  Water does a body good, especially if there’s alcohol involved.  With all the holiday celebrations, it’s easy to forget to hydrate.  The more water you drink, the better you’ll feel. It’s important to stay hydrated and flush out those holiday toxins.  If you want to stay energized and not feel sluggish, you need to load up on water.  Another great benefit of water is that it has zero calories.  If you’re feeling fancy, add some fruit or lemon to spruce up your water.  But, skip the soda and juice and have water with your meal. If you normally have a soda or juice, you’ll cut out an average of 48 grams of sugar by drinking water.  Those 48 grams = 12 teaspoons of sugar = a slice of cake.  I’d rather have the cake and drink the water!

The holidays only add to the hustle and bustle of your busy schedule.  Stay on track with your fitness goals by planning and being selective about your choices. You can stay fit during the holiday season and continue to live your best life in balance!

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Dear Working Mom,

With all your mom duties, you rarely have a moment to yourself.  Add a job to the mix and free time sounds like a joke!  But, there are some ways to make more time for yourself.  You just need to have an open mind and be creative.

1 – Ditch the grocery store.  Okay, you have to buy groceries.  But, you don’t have to spend hours in the grocery store every week.  If it takes you two hours to shop in the store, order your groceries online and use the time to do something for yourself.  I order the night before and pickup the next day.   But on the way to pick up, I try to treat myself.  For this to work, the kids can’t go. So, plan ahead! Leave them with your husband or choose a time when they are in school or daycare. Use those grocery hours to get a pedicure, have a coffee date with a friend, or catch a movie.  Then, pick up your groceries on the way home.  You’ll be looking forward to “grocery shopping” every week!

2 – Use the time in between.  If you have an hour or two in between the time you leave work and pick up your kids, set aside some time for yourself. Chances are, you use the time to run errands for the family.  Not today!  Go sit in the park with your latte and people watch. Grab a book or magazine you’ve been wanting to read and do it.  Got an empty house? Go home and take a relaxing bath without someone bursting through the door with a question. I consistently use the time in between to exercise and write.  When you pick up your kids, you’ll be in a much better mood because you took some time for yourself.

3 – Take a personal day.  If you have vacation time at work, USE IT!  I try to save my time in case my kids get sick. But, sometimes, you need a mental health day.  When we live out of balance, we begin to feel the effects mentally and physically.  If you need a day, take it before it becomes an involuntary sick day. And, be sure to plan your day off to be just the way you want it. This is not the day to organize your closet or clean out the junk drawer.  This is your day to indulge.  Massage? Mani-pedi? Beach day? Cheesecake, anyone?

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4- Ask for help.  Is it possible you have not because you ask not? If you’re not asking for time, don’t expect to get it.   As a mom, you give off superhero vibes.  Your ability to get all things done may be misinterpreted. If you don’t ask for a break, your family may feel you don’t need one.  Use your support system to help you.  Letting your spouse know you need help isn’t a sign of weakness. It may even make your relationship better for him to know you need his help.  If you never ask for a break, the people in your inner circle may feel you don’t need one.  So, ask for what you need and get it!

5 – Embrace the simple things.  Some days, living a balanced life seems easy.  On those days, all the stars align, and everything falls into place.  On other days, it feels like I’m being stretched like a rubber band. When life is crazy hectic, just breathe.  Stop and know that no matter how chaotic your day was, you have an opportunity to start over tomorrow.  In the meantime, embrace the small blessings.  Find a funny show on television and laugh out loud.  Take an extra five minutes in the shower.  Sit still for ten minutes and focus on your breathing. Do a little flirting with your spouse.  And, most certainly, have a glass of wine! You’ll be surprised how little it takes to feel refreshed.

You could wait for life to slow down, but it probably won’t.  Make a decision today to find time for yourself and continue to live your best life in balance!

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