First, give yourself some credit. You’re a woman AND a mom.
Those two things alone make you a superhero for simply existing. Anything extra you can do is a BONUS. However, if you want to feel more comfortable in your clothes, have more energy, clearer mindset and all around more positivity–keep reading.
Beginning your day with exercise and making it a priority is guaranteed to give you more energy for the day. I know you know this! Cortisol levels begin to rise naturally in our bodies early in the morning, somewhere between 3am-6am. Getting into the habit to wake up, get out of bed and MOVE (ideally BEFORE your littles wake up) gives you peace, the ability to fill YOUR cup up first, and most of all ENERGY!
Endorphins are also released when you workout, and these endorphins interact with your brain to trigger positive feelings. Just like Elle Woods says
“Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don’t shoot their husbands.” – Elle Woods
Imagine, day after day, month after month, year after year, walking and moving your body first thing in the morning.
It will not only pour over into your physical well-being but all other aspects of your life too. When you are dedicated to taking care of yourself first thing, it creates trust with yourself that you can do that with ANY goal you set your mind to!
You may be asking: ‘but how do I start? I’m already so tired, this seems really daunting.’ I get it and have been where you are (I have two boys to vouch for me).
It starts with YOU.
First thing you have to do is DECIDE. Make the commitment to yourself AND your family that this is what you want and WILL achieve. Your decision is more important than your excuses, because those excuses will always be there to drain away your energy. You must align your choices, though a bit challenging at first, and know they are well worth the reward of living in a body that makes you feel energetic, productive and full of life. Your mental health shifts when your physical health shifts. Working out is SO much more than working out.
Once you decide that your best fit self is a priority, try these steps:
Choose a workout routine or program that you can stick to CONSISTENTLY!
Making a new life choice does take some time to stick, so patience is key. Ditch the all or nothing mindset. We aren’t chasing perfection here. A little each day is better than nothing every day. I want you to think back to when you were 8 years old and what you LOVED to do for movement? Maybe you played sports so you might like trying something athletic such as a sculpt or bootcamp routine. If you danced, you might enjoy something like cardio dance, kickboxing or a barre class. Find that workout that you LOVE, that will be your soulmate, the one that makes you feel good (and stay consistent).
Create a schedule that sets YOU up for success.
You know your tendencies and habits best, so create a schedule around that. This could start the night before by setting out your clothes, and filling up your water bottle, setting your phone on the other side of the room and a JOURNAL!
Journal!
EPEWIZD Fitness Journal: $11.72 on Amazon
The first page of your journal should be filled with your affirmations that you wrote yourself. The connection between writing things down and the brain is so powerful. Write out your reasons for making this decision to embody your best fit self: It could be: “I want to have LOTS of energy in the day” “I want to be able to play and run with the kids without getting out of breath”. Then change those statements into I AM Statements:
I AM Energetic throughout the day.
I AM able to run and play with the kids with endless energy.
Set an alarm and find your accountability.
Find a friend, a community, or a coach withsimilar goals who can help check in on you. The options are endless these days with social media. However if you want a customized experience with fellow moms like yourself, check out My Online Fit Club. It’s a tight knit community of moms that I personally coach. I’d love to have you in there!
Repeat daily.
The more you can follow this routine, the more consistent you will be and the more likely it will become second nature. Think about it this way: time will pass anyway, would you rather be closer to your goals or further from them?
How are you feeling? I hope you’re inspired and confident that you have the ability to take care of yourself the same way you are endlessly taking care of others.
