Caitlin Bonesteel
Blogger at trainedbytoddlers.com | Mom of Two
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I was up one night at 4 a.m., with my two month old son. I was tired, half asleep, and trying to figure out how I was going to incorporate exercising when I had my almost three year old all day and my baby at night. My husband gets up early to go to the gym and then work, so the best time might be right after this.
I was so tired, so instead of running I drug myself back to bed at 5 a.m. for a few minutes of rest before everyone else got up. I spent my time tossing and turning, guilt ridden over not going out. I didn’t know when I would get another chance to go, I need to keep my schedule, I need to…
At once it hit me. Exercise is important, but why am I so stressed about it? I was trying to keep up with something that was now a burden. However, that doesn’t change the fact that I still need it. Here’s three practical steps I took to get myself moving again.
1. Examine Where I Am in Life
I was at a new stage of my life. Where I had previously fit in my personal exercise in the morning before breakfast or with my oldest daughter in the stroller, I now have two kids to think of, one of which is up several times a night. I let go of the routine I had with oldest and figured out a plan that would work for two. I needed the rest when everyone else was sleeping, so I moved my running to the evenings after work and the weekends. When my son gets older and sleeps through the night, that might change again. Your exercise routine may need a tune up depending on the season you’re going through right now.
2. Get Creative with Exercise
Another way I fit exercise in my day is joining my kids in playing- we play soccer, basketball, tag; we do dance parties and jump on the pillows; we dig in the dirt, ride bikes, play at the park, use the kids as weights…. you get my point. There’s tons of ways to fit moving in your day, even if it’s not alone time and standard gym exercising. You can also have them join in with more standardized exercise. Just the other day, my daughter demanded that we do yoga. Now, she has no real idea what yoga is but insisted that the bubble wrap my brother-in-law mailed was a yoga mat. So I turned on my cardio video and we did “yoga.” She had a blast. And asked for it again 20 minutes later (um, maybe tomorrow??). She also begs to go running in our neighborhood with us.
3. Give Myself a Break
Some days, it just doesn’t pan out the way you want to. Sick kids, surprise obligations, work called, too many errands, long nights…. things happen. This is the moment you let go. Let go of the stress and guilt, knowing that you are in the midst of a long term lifestyle plan. Tomorrow is a new day, and a new chance to bring your family closer to a healthy lifestyle.
This post was originally posted at trainedbytoddlers.com.
About Caitlin Bonesteel
10 Comments on “Beating the Burnout: How I Got Myself Exercising Again”
I loved to run and walk but MS had taken it’s hold on my body so now it’s just Yoga,but I’m still moving!
That’s very encouraging Kathy and we are glad MS hasn’t seemed to slow you down!
I have lost my motivation lately (sick kids, surgeries, daily stresses) but I really need to get back to it. I always feel better after I work out physically and mentally. My youngest loves to do the workout videos too! I’ll get her to help me – lol
Yes, it seems like just 15 or so minutes of exercise a day can really help your mental and physical state. I find it to be a huge stress reliever. Sounds like your daughter would be happy about it too!
I can really relate to this, very inspiring. I kept all my baby weight & gained some, I’ve been skinny all my life & just can’t find the time or motivation to exercise, but would love to get somewhere in between now & where I used to be weight wise.
Glad you found this inspiring, Shannon! We hope it will help you to achieve your own goals! Thanks for your comment.
I love to run. It became really important for me to go on runs after I had my boys. It’s my release. It’s time to myself. And, honestly, sometimes when I run, I feel like I’m running away from my problems. It helps so much. Exercise is so important in my life. If I couldn’t run, I don’t know what I would do.
It’s almost like meditation, isn’t it? Getting out and exercising can really help clear your mind and help you ease stress.
I am trying desperately to lose my baby weight and your post has really inspired me to keep going. Thank you.
Glad you found it inspiring, Latoya!