You can do this! Every mum in the country should make time for herself. This is a must to ensure your health and sanity! You must take the time. Sit down with your loved ones to discuss this matter. It will not happen on its own. Take control and let's get you going.
When it comes to running a household, who knows who has the controls? YOU! Whether you believe it or not, we are the caretakers. I know this may sound way too 1950s, but it's the truth and don't deny it. We, the women, have the control of the house, so to speak. There are always a series of tasks that are never finished because they must be done over and over again. That's right, we are discussing housecleaning, making lunches during school days, laundry, keeping things in order so that they don't get totally out of control.
But you have no control over when you want to work out. Why is that? It's because, you put yourself down further on your list. Instead of putting yourself at No. 10, move yourself up to No. 1. That is what you are to your family.
So, here's a little challenge for you. Put yourself first for the next two weeks. Yes, this will require you to get up earlier, but you will grow to love this time. You decide how much earlier.
But there is a catch. During that time, you must exercise. You, once again, pick the exercise. It could be a bike ride, walk outside or in if you have a treadmill. It could be yoga. What is your desire? Put yourself FIRST for the next two weeks. Here is another catch: You must communicate this with your family. You may receive a little shock from them upon them hearing this, but tell them you must take care of yourself first to give them the best care.
Sometimes in a relationship with your spouse, things become unbalanced, especially if both of you are working. Just sit down with your spouse and explain that when you do this for your health, you will be around much longer to care for everyone in your family. And all of us want to be around a long time to see what life has to offer.
Tell your spouse that you will be getting up a little earlier, and this is your time. No one can interrupt and you can do with it as you please.
This is a wonderful way to start your day. You may find this time brings the balance you need in your life. Exercise not only whittles away your waist, but it also relieves stress. Plus, you may even find that during this time of day your brain engages in new ideas, new attitudes and may even carry you on to a new adventure you have put off because you had no time to exercise.
You do have the time, you just need to take control and manage it with the cooperation of your family.
Ten steps to your success
1. Establish your priorities and make appointments with yourself in your day planner or on the kitchen calendar.
2. Highlight tasks or appointments in your calendar that you must complete that day, including eating properly and exercising.
3. Look for ways to incorporate more exercise into your daily routine. Every little bit counts.
4. Practice saying the word "no."
5. Be firm and do not apologise for problems that are not your own.
6. Don't feel pressured into saying yes if you are not sure how a task will affect the rest of your schedule.
7. Identify your own personal "time thieves" and evaluate why you would say yes to their repeated demands on your time.
8. Write a list of everything that needs to be done outside and inside the home. Have a family meeting to discuss the household duties and allow others to choose what tasks they want to do each week.
9. Post the list and review it regularly.
10. Do not revert to completing other people's tasks unless there is a specific reason to do so and they are made aware of your help.
So come on Mums, unite and declare your right to exercise. You can do this!