Okay, let’s be real about this momfit thing. There are a thousand and one articles out there about how to be a healthy and fit parent. Lots of information that you will either find encouraging or quite discouraging. I’m not here to discourage though, I’m solely here to say: this is hard. Self care is hard when you’re a mom of young children. I see you doing your best. I hear you. I know how hard this can be. I see how exhausted you are. I see how much you really want to take time for yourself. I see how hard you work for your family and how you put everyone’s needs above your own. I see that you are trying to find balance but at this point visiting the bathroom alone is a vacation. I see you. I know you.
“make time”
“make it a priority”
“there are no excuses”
Guess what perfect internet mom? There are excuses, lots of them. There may not be any time left over in the day and to be frank self care will not always be a priority. Does that mean it’s not important? No, but it does mean that sometimes after caring for children all, day, housework, dinner, bedtime and bath routines, then your work from home night job or out of the house day job, maintaining a relationship with your spouse, well guess what? Those five hours of sleep are a bigger priority today in case we blow through nap time tomorrow.
Expectation:
Reality
Now, that’s not to say there isn’t a way to keep moving (when not chasing a very active toddler)….
Babywearing and walking have been a saving grace for me. It’s not an hour and a half in the gym like I’d prefer but right now it’s all a matter of finding what works and pounding the pavement with my little one close by in one of my Soul Slings carriers works for us…. for now.
Walking is an important part of our daily and weekly routine and we do it as often as we can. Carrying an extra 26lbs of tiny human while walking does get the blood pumping and that is if you didn’t break a sweat getting baby all wrapped up to begin with.
So buckle up for a barrage of babywearing selfies while we walk alone and with friends in an attempt to find a moment or two to stay moving.
The Mayo Clinic agrees,
“Physical activity doesn’t need to be complicated. Something as simple as a daily brisk walk can help you live a healthier life.
For example, regular brisk walking can help you:
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Prevent or manage various conditions, including heart disease, high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes
- Strengthen your bones and muscles
- Improve your mood
- Improve your balance and coordination
The faster, farther and more frequently you walk, the greater the benefits.”
So, think you can work babywearing into your daily walk or weekly work out routine? It’s certainly a good place to start if you’re feeling stressed and struggling to find time for all those dead-lifts you once excelled at. My Soul carriers have been important tools that keep me moving.
Here you can see me and my family out for an evening walk. My baby is wrapped in a Soul linen Starling wrap. Linen has been fabulous for keeping us cool in Texas heat.
Our Soul Onbuhimo gets so much love that we lend it to friends on our walks as well.
Our Soul standard full buckle carrier is a comfort for long hikes.
Our Soul Prism Fresh is perfect for working around the yard/garden.
Our Soul linen meh dai allows me to park a few blocks away and get some walking in even when running errands.
And our Jade Maze wrap is perfect for a leisurely stroll in Target or a stop at the grocery store.
Soul carriers have really helped me keep one foot in front of the other without feeling like my son will be abandoned while I exercise. While I would love to hop on the treadmill or spend some time with a kettle bell, on skates, or in warrior pose, right now that’s just not a realistic use of my time. And you know what? That’s okay. Love to the moms who are making it happen, who are making it all happen; hair, nails, make up, date nights, girls nights, dishes, laundry, or even just an hour to soak in the tub. Everyone is at a different stage in their mom journey and health and fitness journey.
The important thing is to do your best and then try to do even better tomorrow.
What tools do you use to help you stay active when life gets a little steep?
My Texas Life 