Healthy living is not just about the calories you consume, the mid-day fast break for Chipotle, or the next workout session forced into your evening schedule.
Nope, it’s more than that. It’s about being the best version of yourself and setting the right goals that fits your unique lifestyle. We all have various jobs, workloads, family dynamics, and our own personalized share of… stress.
A certain level of stress keeps us motivated and pushing forward, helping us tackle the many things we set out to do each day. But when we lose balance, that stress can start to take a toll.
Here’s how to begin to personalize your approach to nutrition and wellness:
Don’t assume the next person’s fitness plan is for you.
Comparison is a killjoy, and we all know it, yet we still fall into it sometimes. Instead, try stepping outside of yourself for a moment. Considering who you are, your interests, and where you are in life, what would you recommend to someone in your shoes? At one point, I was homeschooling five kids, didn’t care for the gym, and only had 2-3 days a week for exercise. In that situation, exploring stroller-accessible park trails became a great way to stay active and enjoy some time outdoors.
Find Your Starting Place
Where will you exercise? Training at the gym or sidewalk runs? Instead of going with what's trending, choose something you think you'd enjoy. Don't overthink it. It is better to get started and get moving than wait for the perfect situation.
Take a Practical Approach
We are much more likely to achieve our goals when we take a practical approach. What works for you in the present? What are your priorities, and how can you establish time to work toward your goals in this season? Review this every 3 or 6-months, and adjust up as needed.
Set Your Goals
Small wins over time often have a greater impact than occasional big wins. Why? Because they are more likely to turn into lasting habits. A 2-day gym routine or a 4-day after-dinner brisk walk is more sustainable than starting something big that's harder to maintain long-term.
Make Time for Recovery
I used to think that pushing through discomfort and weariness was the key to results—until I burned out. I fell into this trap of ignoring my body's signals. Yes, there will be tiring days, but it's important to be in tune with your body and know when it's time to take a physical and mental break, giving yourself time extra time to recover from stress. Rest days are essential for any good fitness plan.
Make time for Renewal
This is all about celebrating your wins. It can be as simple as taking a long, warm bath with bath salts and essential oils—a way to unwind and reward your body for the hard work you've put in this week. As moms, we often run ourselves ragged without even realizing it. Adding regular "renewal times" to your fitness routine will help you be more effective when it’s time to "rev up" again.
Just remember to keep moving.
Be Well,
Mikki
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