Managing both family and work can be complicated, especially with everyone's hectic schedules. Fitness can be just as tough of a thing to fit in. It takes a little time to get used to and figure out a pattern. Life does get in the way and nothing can help that, but continue reading for ways on how to balance family and fitness.
Changing Unhealthy Habits Into Healthy Ones
Unhealthy habits are easier to form compared to healthy ones. There is some required work that must be put in to change your lifestyle. With children being in sports and other after school activities, the first habit to become unhealthy is dinner. Takeout becomes the go-to idea because it is fast and easy. However, this does not have to be the case. Meals can be prepared earlier and saved for the week, or choose to make something healthy and easy like a salad. If takeout is still the best option for you, skip the pizza and order something with healthier menu options. Other unhealthy habits you can change are bedtime and healthy grocery shopping. Sleep is important for the mind and body to be well-rested. The better you sleep, the more energy you will have for the day. This goes for you and the kids. Grocery shopping should change as well. Instead of filling the cart up with processed food and snacks, change to a more plant-based diet and include healthy alternatives. This is going to take some getting used to, but it will benefit the entire family in the end.
Plan Ahead
Planning is essential whenever you have a family. Even though sometimes, things do not go as planned. However, you should take the time to sit down at the end of each week to plan your daily to-dos and find time for when you can fit in exercise. Claiming that you are going to work out at "some point" throughout the week means that it is not happening. With designated time in your schedule, you will have no excuse to skip that daily workout that you have planning. This is not to say that things won't get in the way, but most of time, plans work out. You can even make the exercise a family affair. Grab the kids and go for a bike ride around the neighborhood, or if they're old enough, take them with you to the gym. Planning ahead will not only save you time for fitness, but other activities as well. You can avoid the need of being frazzled during the week from not knowing where to start with all your other tasks. You will be surprised with how many things you can fit into one day when you sit down and focus on what is necessary.
Be Realistic
In reality, you are not going to get to the gym everyday of the week. Set goals that you know you can achieve. If you are trying to balance children, household duties, and a professional job, the gym may be a little hard. Setting a plan to get to the gym 3 times a week and incorporating at home workouts is probably your best bet. Doing HIIT workouts at home are a quick and effective way to get a great workout in a shorter amount of time. You can even fit these workouts in after the children fall asleep. Attempting to do everything can cause you to overwork yourself and burnout in the process. Working out at home can save time and cause you less stress. Leaving home to go to the gym is time-consuming and can affect the entire day.
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-Gina
