Make the Most of your Day: How to Fit Enjoyment Into Your Busy Life

Do you ever feel as though you are being pulled in about 20 different directions each day? You’re not alone- between work, family, housework, volunteer commitments, and church and school obligations, most of us run on all 8 cylinders every day, with little or no time left over to relax. While it is important to get it all done, it is just as vital to fit in time to enjoy life and appreciate the beauty of everyday living. Here are a few tips for fitting enjoyment and happiness into your life even when you feel like you have no time at all!

Take Five- Got five minutes? It may not feel like you do, but trust us- it’s worth it. A simple five-minute break to sit down with a cup of coffee and chat with a friend, do a crossword puzzle, or read a chapter of your book can greatly improve your mindset, which can propel you forward throughout the rest of your busy day with more motivation and willingness to tackle the less-pleasant tasks on your to-do list.

Listen to Your Body- Have you ever been so busy that you forgot to eat or even go to the bathroom? This can be extremely dangerous and lead to illness, fatigue and burnout. Take cues from your body to find out what it needs to keep going and stay healthy. A quick fruit- and veggie-packed smoothie can work wonders for a busy person on the go, as can a quick piece of fruit or a handful of protein-rich nuts. Treat your body right, and it will return the favor!

Prioritize- Feeling like you just can’t fit it all in? Maybe you can’t, and that’s OK! If you are feeling overwhelmed by the amount of tasks you have on your plate, lighten the load a little bit by prioritizing what needs to get done. Remember- it’s OK to say no to after-work commitments or outings you just don’t have the time or energy to do. Stick with what is most important to you and let the rest go- you’ll be glad you did!

Outsource if Possible- If there is something on your list that never seems to get done, don’t let it stress you out- if you can, delegate tasks to others who are willing to help you out. Maybe your spouse can get your children’s dinner ready while you tackle the bills, or perhaps a trusted friend or family member can help you get your household chores under control over a weekend. When all else fails, look into hiring a cleaning service, yard maintenance crew or laundry service if finances allow- you’ll be amazed how much better you will feel when your most dreaded task is off your list of things to do!

Got any other tips for living a calmer, more relaxed life? Let us know in the comments section.

Fit in Fitness: 4 Exercise Tips for the Busy Mom

Being a mom is a full-time job. You get no pay, no sick days, no vacation time, and have to report to work really early in the morning (not to mention being on-call all night long!) Add your career, housework, other family members and friends to that crazy schedule and there is absolutely no time for anything else, including regular exercise, right? Not necessarily, say some fit moms who manage to make time for fitness. Here are a few tips on how to make exercise a part of your routine even when you feel like you don’t even have time to go to the bathroom by yourself.

Make it the first thing you do- In order to keep your commitment to fitness, you may have to get up even earlier to make it happen. Not only can rising an hour before your children usually wake up give you ample time to complete regular workouts, but you can reward yourself post-sweat with a little bit of that “me time” you may be missing. Nothing quite like a quiet, uninterrupted cup of coffee before the day gets crazy!

Make a standing appointment- Chances are you already have a jam-packed calendar, what with all the doctor and dentist appointments, taekwondo practices, and dance recitals your kids need to attend. Why not make your workout a regularly-scheduled appointment too? The act of physically adding your gym time to a calendar will cement it into your mind as a fixed, non-negotiable appointment, as well as give Dad and the kids a heads-up that they’re on their own come Saturday morning, when Mom’s at her Zumba class!

Forget how you look and focus on how you WILL look- Let’s face it: after having kids, our bodies don’t exactly snap back into their original, pre-pregnancy shapes. The sudden change in our body types can really wreak havoc on our self-confidence, making us less than eager to tug on that Spandex activewear and hit the gym. Relax- here’s a secret: NOBODY looks that great while they’re sweating through a workout, and NOBODY who is exercising is even going to notice. So skip the makeup and the fancy gym clothes and wear whatever you feel most comfortable in. After all, you will love the way you look after making fitness a part of your life!

Walk throughout the day- One of the nicest things about walking is that it is an exercise you can literally do anywhere! Squeeze in short, brisk walks throughout your day, take a long walk on your lunch break, or simply choose to walk instead of drive whenever possible. This will not only get your heart rate going and burn calories, but getting out in the fresh air and enjoying the mindful contemplation that comes with walking can be as good for your soul as it is for your body!

Do you have any exercise secrets for the mom on the go? Share your fitness tips for busy moms in the comments section.