Finding balance between family life and personal health can be difficult, especially if you’re a busy parent living in North America. The demands of demanding jobs, taking care of children, managing household duties, and any other number of other responsibilities can leave you stretched for time and unable to prioritize your own fitness. But staying healthy doesn’t have to be an uphill battle–it is possible for parents to fit in exercise and other healthy habits, even while leading a busy lifestyle. In this article, we’ll explore practical strategies for busy parents in North America to stay fit, despite their hectic schedules. Read on to learn more!
1. Reclaiming the Balance: Fitness for Busy North American Parents
When it comes to reclaiming the balance in life, fitness for busy North American parents is essential. With busy schedules full of family commitments and often stressful jobs, squeezing in a little time for yourself can be tough. Fortunately, there are several strategies busy parents can use to stay physically active.
Understand Your Strengths and Weaknesses
Everyone’s life is different, so each person’s fitness routine will be different. Knowing your strengths and weaknesses can help you plan an effective routine and set realistic goals. For example, if you have young kids, it may not be possible to devote a lot of time to exercise each day, but you might be able to fit in some activities like push-ups and stretches when you find yourself with some extra time in the afternoons.
Find Fun Activities to Help You Stay Fit
Busy parents aren’t always able to hit the gym every day, so it’s important to find activities that are enjoyable and that will help you stay fit. Some activities that may work for busy parents include:
- Family bike rides
- Taking the kids on hikes
- Playing ball in the backyard
- Yoga at home
- Swimming laps at a community pool
These activities don’t require a lot of time, but they can help you squeeze in a little fitness every day. And, since you’re participating in an activity that you enjoy, you’re also less likely to get bored and give up.
Talk With Other Parents
One of the best ways to stay motivated is to talk with other parents who understand your challenges. Sharing goals and experiences can be a great way to stay motivated and to feel like you’re part of a supportive team. Plus, talking to other parents can also provide ideas for fun fitness activities and help you stay accountable.
2. Family Life & Finding Time for Health
Looking after your health can often feel like a struggle when you’re juggling family life. Your well-being and that of your family can feel like a tug-of-war at times, as you try to balance your obligations. Finding time for yourself can often feel like a chore, yet it’s essential for any person who’s devoted to looking after their family.
We know how hard it is for moms and dads to try and fit in exercise and healthier eating. We also know that it’s not always possible to do everything that you want to do when your family is your priority. So, where should you start? Where do you fit it all in?
- Create a schedule and plan out time for exercise
- Carry out routine activities while paying attention to your body
- Actively seek healthy food options
- Delegate chores to make time for yourself
When you carve out time to look after your health, it’s important to make it filled with activities you’ll actually look forward to. Going on a mini-adventure with your family, exploring the great outdoors, going for a walk, running errands on a bike – you can make it work! The trick is to find something that works for you and balances with the rest of your schedule.
Also, don’t forget about using healthy food as a way of showing your family how much you care. Prepare meals and snacks that are filling, nutritious and full of delicious flavor and they’ll be none the wiser. Offer breakfast options that will pump them up with energy for the day, or post-dinner snacks that will satisfy their cravings without packing on the pounds.
Create a mindset of finding healthy choices, even if your time is limited. You’ll set yourself up for a healthier future and be an example for your family to follow.
3. Embracing Movement in Everyday Life
Whether it’s a simple stretch at your desk during work or a dedicated hour-long yoga session, choosing to listen to your body’s call for movement is important for your physical and mental wellness. Here are a few ways you can embrace movement in everyday life.
- Work Breaks:
Take regular work breaks throughout the day to move your body and get your circulation going. This can be anything from throwing together a few yoga poses, jogging around your desk or going for a quick walk around the block. Work breaks allow you to reset your focus and shift your energy. - Longer Sessions:
Take time for regular longer sessions such as yoga, cycling, or a group fitness class. These longer sessions allow you to be more mindful and attentive to your body’s abilities and limitations. It can be a great way to tune into and explore different areas of your body that require a bit more attention. - Mindful Movement:
Try incorporating movement that allows you to be present and in the moment. Mindful movement can be used to explore different postures and positions, and to become aware of the magnitude of sensation you can experience through small movements. It can be as simple as focusing on your breath or movements in a seated meditation.
Just remember to listen to your body and its needs, and always back off of anything that does not feel good. Ultimately, any form of movement that resonates with you should always be a priority.
Finally, connecting with friends and family you can motivate you to stay active and get moving. Making physical activity a part of your routine is a great way to connect and bond with your loved ones.
4. Tune-Up Tips for Busy Parent’s Fitness
There’s no denying that parenting can be a full-time job all of its own. Between wrangling kids to their commitments, managing housework, and having a career, it’s no wonder that many parents struggle to make time for their own health and fitness. Follow these top four tune-up tips and you’ll be fitter and healthier in no time:
- Make the most of moments: From brushing your teeth to dinner prep, find an opportunity to move around those problem areas.
- Set small goals: Whether it’s doing walking lunges during commercials or stretching during a phone call, set small goals to complete during the day.
- Split up your work outs: Rather than trying to do a full 30 minute work out at once, break it up into two or three smaller chunks.
- Circuit train: Keep it fun with circuit training. Aim for one set of each exercise for a certain amount of time and break up the monotony with different exercises.
- Find what works for you: As a parent your schedule might not be fixed, so find the exercises that suit your lifestyle and work best.
Drink Up! Make sure you’re drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated. Water helps your body to maximize its health benefits by flushing out toxins, regulating body temperature and providing energy to your cells.
Fuel Up! Eating healthily may seem hard when you’re pressed for time, but even small changes can make a difference. Eating the right fuel helps to give you the energy you need to keep up with the kids and by skipping junk food, not only will you avoid empty calories, but you’ll flush out toxins from your body.
Rest Up! Sleep deprivation only saps your energy levels when you’re trying to work out, so aim for at least seven hours of uninterrupted sleep a night. When you wake up, you’ll find it easier to get motivated and start your fitness routine.
Finding a balance between family life and personal health can be a daunting challenge for busy parents in North America. But rest assured, with a little effort and a lot of dedication, achieving a healthy lifestyle is within reach. Although it might take some time to reach the perfect balance, parents can access the resources they need to help them on their journey towards a fitter and more capable family.
