Have you been making time for self care? Fitting in self care has been one of the biggest challenges of motherhood for me. In my past life, I made time for yoga, meditation, and even the occasional mind-altering weekend retreat, but since kids, not so much.
By contributing writer Nicole Grant Kriege, photos by Liz Stanley of team member Sarah Iveson
I’ve tried a little meditation here, a little sweating-to-the-oldies there, but haven’t gotten into a consistent routine. Also, I find it hard to fit in both working out *and* meditation. It seems I always have to choose between the two, and choosing one means forgoing the other.
And yet I know that a commitment to regularly move and meditate could be life changing. Recent studies that show practicing exercise and mindfulness together is good for the brain – it lowers stress and depression and helps with rumination (that tendency to over-think).
Recently I tried the Move + Meditate method by Kait Hurley, and it was great! She combines 20 minute work-outs – either heart pumping exercise or deep yoga flow, depending on your mood – followed by 10 minutes of guided meditation.
I have to say, I feel pretty *amazing* after the sessions (though really sore, for sure). I started with the Core Connection Challenge, which made the most sense for me after having two c-sections. I’ve been eager to tighten up my core and feel my own strength again.
The challenge will be sticking with it. How does a busy mama prioritize working out? Madeline Glasser of Food, Family & Fitness recommends scheduling a fitness appointment on your calendar, blacking it out, and making it non-negotiable. And Angela Bekkala of Happy Fit Mama recommends the “rise and sweat” method – getting up and working out before the kids wake up to avoid any conflicting activities that come up later in the day.
However we work it in, self care is so necessary for mamas who have so many demands on our time.
Have you found a work-out and/or meditation routine that works for you? What’s your strategy for making it happen regularly? Do share!
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I have found it easier (before and after kids) to do my workout right after work, otherwise I lose all motivation by the time I get home, greet everyone, have a snack, etc. When I get home after exercising, the night is free for dinner, play time, TV and whatever else comes up. I so wish I was someone who could workout at home but it’s never stuck for me!
Might give this a go, even though I’m normally not a meditator!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
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