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Making me a priority
It’s been almost a year now that I’ve returned back to work after being a work-from-home mom for nearly eight years. With that change, my family and I have had to make some big adjustments, especially by planning ahead and scheduling all the moving parts. Life is busy! Unfortunately, we often sacrifice our own personal health in order to get things done. Does this ring a bell? I think it is common amongst all of us.
It's just as important to make yourself a priority as it is completing all those other tasks. Here's how:
- Set goals! Achievable ones I might add. If you say you’re going to exercise, schedule it and hold yourself accountable. How can you do that?
- Schedule it. Make it a point to schedule specific times to achieve health and wellness activities. For me, exercise is a must. Even though life may throw a twist in the plans, I plan and schedule to make the time. Think of it like any other scheduled appointment.
- Make it fun. Three times a week my husband and I exercise together. We call it our “Workout of the Day-date.” It keeps me motivated and we get to spend time together. As an added benefit, it provides a good example for our girls.
- Resources. We joined an online fitness group that allows us to connect through social media on exercises we can do at home or at the gym. This group shares exercises, recipes and nutritional tips. There is so much information online. Want to know about something specific? Comment below.
- Say no, to say yes. It is not always easy to make time for yourself, whether that be for exercise or another wellness related activity. It is especially hard when it’s an event with friends and/or family. This is why I asked my family and closest friends to help me stay accountable for the goals that I’ve set. I let them know ahead of time that I may have to miss an event or arrive late, but their support helps to keep me on track!
Making time for myself helps provide a guideline for future wellness. We must make time to make healthful choices, be physically active and surround ourselves with people who help us become the healthiest versions of ourselves.
Be well—our kids are watching!
DISCLAIMER: The contents and opinions expressed by Everett Clinic teammates and providers on “A Healthier You” blog and those providing comments are theirs alone and are not a substitute for medical advice. Consult your own provider for personal health recommendations.
