Self-care is all the buzz right now for mamas everywhere. It’s important for moms to take care of themselves, to be their best. I get that.
This was not a hot topic when my boys were little, sometimes I get caught up in the semantics of it. I don’t want to feel like I’m not measuring up to today’s standards if I’m not getting a manicure, napping, roaming the aisles of Target, drinking mimosas at brunch, or unplugging.
Self-care is personal and different for everyone. There is no right or wrong way. We aren’t doing anything wrong if we don’t label those 15 minutes we had alone on a busy day. It is okay if you can’t answer the question, “How did you self-care today?”. Thankfully, there’s always tomorrow.
I am here to tell you there is one version of self-care I wholeheartedly believe we should all be incorporating into our lives. Given the chance, I would go back and tell my younger self this in a hot minute. This one particular thing I never saw coming, and yet it has changed my life and how I exist in this world: EXERCISE.
I’m sorry. It’s true. You read this far to hear me tell you to exercise, and I’m not even in a single digit pant size. I don’t wear a bikini and I do love pizza . . . like, love it. The thing I’ve learned along the way; it isn’t always about the size of my clothes. It isn’t even about the scale. It is so much more.
Yes, keep reading!
Growing up I was never an athlete. I didn’t play organized sports and I’m not the most graceful person you’ve ever met. About five years ago, I decided to turn the occasional power walk into a run; then another, and another. Don’t worry, I’m not recruiting you for my relay team. But, a few medals and a couple half-marathons later, and I’m forever changed. It’s now a part of my life that I absolutely can’t live without.
Why not start today?
The first step with exercise is convincing yourself to get moving. JUST DO IT! Research says it takes 21 days to make or break a habit. With a little help from a few Detroit Moms Blog Contributors, here are Jen’s five reasons why to get moving.
Better Health. This seems obvious, yet it doesn’t convince people. We often take our health for granted, assuming the worst could never happen to us. Increase your odds that it won’t. According to the Mayo Clinic, exercise can boost the good cholesterol (HDL) and decrease the bad (LDL); the first step to fighting high blood pressure and heart disease. Regular exercise also aids in preventing stroke, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, depression, some cancers, arthritis, and falls. Simply stated, your body is healthier and happier when you’re moving.
Endorphins. Endorphins are the real deal. Looking for a good buzz? Put in your earbuds and bring on the weights and cardio. According to WebMD, endorphins trigger a positive feeling in the body similar to that of morphine. They also act as analgesics, diminishing the perception of pain. I can tell you firsthand the “runner’s high,” is exactly that. So lace up those shoes, get ready to put the baby in a stroller, and get it done!
It’s Contagious. Think about how great it would be if you were breaking a sweat, and you motivated someone else; your bestie, your sister, or even your mom! People get motivated to take those first steps because someone inspired, encouraged, or asked them to. Yes, there are a lot of eye rolls when you post about your morning run or WOD. There are also a lot of people that wake up one day, read those posts, and decide today is going to be, “Day One.” Get out there and feel better for you, and the people you love!
For your kids. Our kiddos look at us to lead. As they get older they tend to not want the world to know it, but they’re definitely still watching. By teaching them to associate exercise as something positive, we are in turn showing them health matters. If they see we intentionally are making our lives a priority, maybe someday they will, too.
Confidence. It’s simple, sweating it out makes you feel good about yourself. When you feel strong you act strong. Exercise helps you think clearer, battle the stress, and conquer all the things. Getting that workout done will make you feel like a boss, and no one can take that away from you!
It doesn’t have to be fancy, take forever, feel impossible, or break the mold; you really need to JUST MOVE! Do what works for you, when it works for you.
Take it from these beautiful ladies; you won’t regret it!!
