Many working parents think that the life of a stay-at-home mom is relatively stress-free and extremely rewarding. The truth is that although it can be rewarding, it is also difficult and exacts a high toll both physically and mentally. As a stay-at-home mom, you must manage everything from looking after kids of different ages (and completely different needs) to cooking, cleaning, shopping, bills, extracurricular activities, and so much more. Many stay-at-home moms put their own needs on the back burner, which impacts their health and keeps them in a constant state of stress. Daily exercise will go a long way in improving your physical and mental health, which is why it should be a part of your daily schedule. 

1. Start your Day with Exercise 

A morning workout will get rid of your sleepiness and sluggishness and make you feel more active and ready to take on your day. You don’t need to do a challenging workout; instead, go for a short run, jog, or walk. Exposure to sunlight increases the brain’s release of serotonin aka “the happy hormone”, which means that you will feel a lot better when you get home.

2. Schedule Mini-Workouts throughout your Day 

It’s tough to get in a full workout when you already have so much on your plate; instead, it’s easier to schedule several smaller workouts throughout your day. For instance, you can do 10-minute workouts after breakfast and lunch when your little ones are resting or playing independently.  

3. Invest in the Right Gear 

There’s plenty of workout equipment on the market today but don’t give in to impulse purchases. Figure out what equipment works best for your needs – for instance, a jogging stroller would allow you to get in some exercise when you take your little one out. Similarly, if you prefer to work out at home and wear spectacles, you can invest in sports glasses. These are designed larger and wider than normal glasses to improve your field of vision and reduce the risk of accidents. You don’t have to spend a lot on them – here are some of the retailers for the best cheap glasses online. 

4. Set Exercise Goals NOT Weight Loss Goals 

Each of us is unique – some of us have visible results within a couple of weeks of starting an exercise routine while others take a month or more to see results. Instead of focusing on how much weight you want to lose by a given date, focus on what your exercise routine should look like by that date.  Start slow and gradually increase the duration and intensity of your workouts. Trust in the process and you WILL get the results you want.  

5. Don’t Rely on Motivation 

Motivation can be fickle – one day you feel like you’re on top of the world and ready to go all out with your exercise routine and on other days, you have no interest in exercising at all. If you rely only on motivation, you will quickly run out of steam. Instead, make a promise to yourself that no matter how you feel, you will stay committed to your exercise goals. 

6. Hold yourself Accountable  

When you’re a stay-at-home mom, you are your own boss and when you skip your workout, there’s no one to hold you accountable. This is why it is important that you find ways to hold yourself accountable, whether it is with exercise apps or a checklist. You can also use a bullet journal to track your goals and progress. 

7. Make your Workouts a Priority 

You may feel that putting aside time for daily workouts is “robbing” your children of time they could spend with you. You need to work past this and realise that being fit and healthy will also benefit your kids because you will have higher energy levels and you will be able to keep up with them. 

8. Get your Kids Involved 

You can have your kids cheer you on or count out your reps while you work out so that they feel included and involved. You can even show them a few simple exercises that they can do once you’re done with your workout and catching your breath. 

Pooja Halbe