One of the most difficult things for a mother, especially if she is working, is to find time to do something for herself. Exercise is often last on the list of priorities. Read on.
It doesn't matter if you are a working mother or not. If your job doesn't occupy most of your free time, your family and home will. All you seem to be doing is working at the office and then working at home. Naturally, any time you may get apart from errands like doing the groceries, paying the bill, organizing meals, picking up and dropping the kids, you'd like to spend just bonding with them, perhaps reading to them or playing with them. So when does that leave you with time for yourself?
Everyone talks about how Indian women often put on weight after marriage. This is because we don't have a deep-rooted exercise culture, and as a person grows older, it becomes more difficult to shed those calories. While things are changing now, and women are becoming more particular about exercise, the challenge now is to find time to work out.
Here are some suggestions:
Kids
A great idea to spend time with your children and to exercise would be to join a sport together. Go swimming. Or, when you send your child to tennis or badminton lessons, enroll yourself too. Although you may not actually play with them initially, you will be able to do so as they grow older. You will also enjoy watching them play. You can cheer them on, while they do the same to you. It does wonders for your bonding, and for your body!
Diet
Make it a point to watch what you eat. You may not be able to whip up fancy salads for every meal, but cut your calories in little ways. Skip desert. Don't keep sweets at home as they may be too tempting. Every time your kids feel like having desert, call for something that is just enough for them - so they are not being deprived due to your efforts at weight loss. Avoid taking diet pills and avoid unnatural therapies. They will only damage your health in the long run.
Equipment
Invest in some exercise equipment that you can use at home. Buy a treadmill or an exer-cycle and keep it in the television room. This way you can watch television with the family while working out so your workout will seem like less of a chore. You could even take turns with your children by making it into a game. Time each other, see who can work-out for the longest time at a certain setting. Motivate your children or spouse, and in turn let them motivate you.
Guilt-free
Perhaps your children are too young to work-out, too occupied with other activities to take up a sport with you at this stage, already fulfill their sports quota at school or are already playing a sport you have no interest in. Whatever the reason, if you cannot work out with your kids, don't feel guilty about taking some time out for yourself to go for a workout. This is something you must do for yourself, even if you need to drop everything or postpone other chores. Give it the highest, not lowest priority. You will start feeling healthier, start looking better and will ultimately be a positive influence on your children.
