Making time for yourself
By Carie Moore
If there is one thing I’ve learned, it’s I can’t take care of anyone else, if I don’t take care of me. With that comes certain expectations I set for myself that fit me, that I can achieve regularly, and that the family understands.
Living in a rural area, gyms aren't an option. So it's DVDs and 15-day/6-week challenges. But they offer variety and menus that I love, so it adds to the motiviation. With traveling, workout rooms or running (depending on location) may be the only option I have. It's a great way to get out and see the wonderful nation we live in.
I won't get up at 4 or 5 a.m. to work out because it doesn’t sound fun to drag yourself out of bed at that hour. I want my health journey to be "fun".
What does work for me and my family is for me to work out around 7 p.m. Supper is done. While my food settles I get dishes done, kitchen cleaned, kids’ homework done, then while I work out they do showers and have tablet time. When I’m done, we all have our snack together and they go to bed and I shower. It's practical, realistic since it involves the whole family, and achievable.
Not every night goes as planned. Sometimes they're teasing the dog or fighting over who's showering first, but nothing is perfect. It helps me sleep better, my body and muscles are warm from moving all day, and my kids see me doing it and sometimes join in.
Sometimes working out means including the kids or going on a hike at the state park.
I hate running, but last summer, it was the only way the dog was going to get to out. The kids could go on a long bike ride and I crop scouted on the prairie trail on the way back. To my surprise by the end of last summer I was setting goals and reaching them. How far can I make it without stopping? Can I make it to the slough, can I make it to the mile line? Can I turn around and make it back to the slough?
As a farmer, some nights get too late, and I don’t get to work out. If I think certain days are going to be sketchy, then yes, I will get up early and workout. But some nights I’m working out at 11 p.m. because I’ve been sitting in a tractor for the last 6-8 hours and I need to do something physical, even if I am tired.
But that’s my personality, and what works for my body and my family. Don’t compare yourself to anyone else.
Do what works for you and your family. That’s what matters.