Relax and Get Fit

This topic is something not only moms with children are struggling with, but most ladies I have come in contact with want to shed a few pounds and relieve stress. Living in such a busy and fast-paced society it just seems like you never have enough time to do some of the tasks you would like to indulge in for yourself. Working out and exercising is not even a thought for most women because they can't fit it into their schedule. There's just too much to do. Many ladies are preoccupied with the responsibilities of work, child-rearing, time with their hubby or boyfriend, and school. Simply taking time for themselves seems like a mere dream as they struggle to balance work and family life.

It's so important for you to take time for yourself, as I mentioned in my previous blog, Mom, Make Yourself A Priority. We have to fit time in our schedule to exercise and get fit. When you workout you loosen up your muscles so you can relieve physical tension and stress. Working out will free your mind and body and you will feel ready to tackle any obstacles in your path. You can do it!!! We can do it!!! 

Whether you want to burn off that baby weight or tone up and get/maintain that Bikini body, we need to figure it out and get in the gym, go to the track, begin an exercise class, or simply workout in our homes.

I recently picked up 2 yoga dvds that I absolutely love and wanted to share with you ladies. Tia Mowry's Core Yoga and Calm Yoga with Tara Stiles are now in my workout collection. Core Yoga helps you burn fat and tones your abs. Calm Yoga's goal is to help you lose weight and dissolve stress. Both dvds are for beginners, which are perfect for non-guru yogi types like myself. I love these yoga dvds because it's not as intense and only instructional as all the other yoga dvds I've encountered. It's a fun, conversational, easy-breezy environment as though you are taking a yoga class with your friends. The exercises give you results and both relaxes you and tones up your bod. I always loved Tia and Tamera on "Sister Sister", so to support Tia in this endeavor and workout with a childhood favorite is a bonus. And to top it off Tia and Tara smile and laugh in these videos, it's really a fun experience working out with them and if you make it apart of your weekly routine (a few days out of the week), you'll see result and feel even more stress-free. 

Here's where you can get your very own yoga dvds... Simply click on the links below and order your very own: Tia Mowry's Core Yoga and Calm Yoga dvds. Namaste!!!

Core Yoga, By Tia Mowry

Calm Yoga, By Tia Mowry

Core Yoga & Calm Yoga (Combo), By Tia Mowry

Mom, Make Yourself A Priority

In order to write this blog entry today, I just did the unthinkable- I turned off my phone. I know this may seem like a crazy thing to do. What if there is an emergency? What if someone needs to talk to me? What if I miss the latest updates on Facebook and Twitter? Yeah I know. I kind of felt weird turning my phone off. But, I’m happy I was able to do it.

I have learned that once you are a mom your to-do list is never ending. We have so much to do and most of the time the duties we have are associated with benefiting others. However, we need to make sure we carve out some personal time for ourselves. Mommies need to reboot and do the things that she loves. This is vital and should be a golden rule for all mommies. Having time to yourself enable you to do other tasks more effectively. You will feel happier knowing that you got in some time for yourself and you won’t feel bogged down by other things. Also, scheduling time in just for you helps you step outside of the routine of being a mom. I know it can be tough and you may find yourself falling back in line and forgetting about you, but you have to make a conscious decision to make some time for yourself. You can’t wait around for anyone to ask you if you need some time to yourself. You must claim it, own it, and demand it because you deserve it.

Do whatever it is that you love. Shop, sew, read, write, draw, take a class, go for a walk, take a weekend trip, learn a language, or even learn how to juggle if you want to. Do whatever it is that your heart desires. Make the time for yourself: It will make you a happier person. It can be for a few hours or a weekend, whatever you and the person who is watching your children decide on. One weekend a month my husband watches our daughter while I have a mommy weekend off to do whatever I want. I can use that time to study, go to workshops, go shopping, read, or catch a movie. If your life includes different realities and you don’t have anyone to watch your child, you may just have to reorganize a few things. Wake up an hour earlier to get your time in or stay up an hour later than usual because you need this for your own mental sanity.

Some people may not get it, but that’s okay. You are doing this for you and you alone. This is time just for you without anyone else: no hubby, no friends, no family, no one- just you. You need some inner peace, some quiet time away from all of the noise. You need to hear yourself think and reclaim you.

Like I did, you may have to turn off your phone because this is a huge distraction. Practically everyone is distracted by their phones nowadays because we are always on it and mommies know how to multitask. We are waiting in anticipation for that next phone call, are bombarded with text messages, checking our email messages, are on social media, watching YouTube clips, etc. We have to find ways to cut out distractions and do some activities we deem beneficial. You will feel more energized, refreshed, and happy to have such a balance in your life. You can do it, now find something to do and make yourself happy.

Here are a few steps to take that will assist you with establishing your personal time:

Step 1:

Hobby/Skill:

Figure out what you want to do.

Step 2:

Pencil Yourself In:

Dedicate a certain amount of time for this activity on a consistent basis and choose a day/weekend you will do this and add it to your calendar and to-do list.

*Make sure this works with the flow of your day.

Step 3:

Inform Your Family:

Let your family know that you will take time out for yourself and let them know the day/time. This will discourage anyone from disturbing you at that time.

Step 4:

Don’t Allow Distractions:

You must begin your personal time on the day and times you scheduled it for, just like you would with anything else. Do not become distracted with other activities- this is just as important as anything else.

Step 5:

Enjoy Your Personal Time.