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This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of American Heart Association for IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine.
The new year typically brings about reflection on things you’d like to change for the better and goals you’d like to achieve. I believe in making short-term, realistic goals so they are more attainable. Small changes can make a difference and can also offer big results.
As a busy mother of three who works and still manages to go to all of my kids’ games, activities and shows, I can relate to how difficult it can be to maintain a healthy lifestyle. I am imperfect like everyone else, and some times I am just too exhausted to cook dinner or do the laundry. (Why is there ALWAYS so much laundry?) One thing I realize after being a mom for 11+ years is that if I don’t take care of myself, then how can I take care of everyone else? So many moms forget to make themselves a priority (guilty over here too!) and we find ourselves feeling exhausted, feeling awful and sometimes, resentful.
What I have learned is that we can still take care of our little people and husbands and also take care of ourselves. There is no perfect way to do this, it’s basically finding YOUR perfect balance. And this isn’t always easy.
I want to live a healthy, long life so I can not only can watch my kids grow older, but also so I can be an active part of their lives. I want to be able to throw the ball with them or run around with them and feel strong, healthy and most of all, present. I also want to set an example for my kids to show them how important it is to keep your mind and your body strong and healthy. If I am sitting on the couch all day eating junk, how can I expect them to go outside and play and finish their vegetables? We lead by example and as mother, I take that job very seriously.
This was us last year in Disney. We walked close to 20 miles a day! I want to be able to keep up with my kids on our next trip and many others after that.
I like to make an effort to start off my morning with quiet. I love having time to myself to enjoy my green tea (and the silent house) and have a few moments to myself, slowing down and carefully doing one thing at a time. It helps start my day with positivity and I don’t feel stressed or overwhelmed (until my kids wake up! ;))
Now let’s get back to those small goals. Instead of telling yourself that you’d like to lose 10 pounds this year, how about start with eating more fruits and vegetables each day? Instead of saying that you want to start running 5 miles a day, how about you start with walking for 30 minutes a few times a week? These goals are far more attainable and realistic and won’t leave you feeling disappointed if you don’t follow through.
Is it that simple? It can be. Take time for yourself, eating more nutritious food and exercising more are all reasonable goals. The American Heart Association is a valuable resource for living a healthier life. Life is Why the American Heart Association exists. They want families to live longer, healthier lives so we can live life to the fullest and enjoy every moment of it. Come check out all of their healthy recipes and add them to your collections. Your heart and the rest of your body will thank you.
Everyone has a reason to live a healthier life, what’s yours?
Thank you for reminding us. I do not have children but I have friends that do. It scares me to see them not taking care of themselves. Who is going to raise those kids if something happens to you. We must take care of ourselves, not just for us but for our children. They see everything we do or don’t do. I tell this to my husband also. I would like to be married to him for quite a few more years.
I think it’s an important reminder for everyone out there that you have to take care of yourself first! You sound like a wonderful wife Carissa! Thank you for stopping by!
Lauren, you are a fabulous mother and you set an incredible example to your children and to all you reach on your blog. This is great advice to remember to make little changes–so much more attainable. This year I want to be more mindful in writing done my weekly agenda before it gets away from me 🙂
Lauren I so love this post – yes, yes indeed to the small changes because they end up leading to lifestyle options with big results in the long run!
So true. I have 5 very young children and I am so busy with them 24/7 that I really don’t take care of myself as I should This is a great reminder, thank you!
Keep up the great work. You’re a fabulous mom and I’m sure your kids will pass on what they’re learning to their kids too.
We had to hand walk the horse while she was sick. I can’t even begin to imagine how many miles we logged over those days. Likely Disney level walking or more. It was crazy. I was so sore by the end of it. It really showed me how out of shape I am. I mean it was compounded by not sleeping for 4 days but still. It wore me and showed me I really need to get myself in better shape. We’re taking two trips to Orlando this year, one to Disney and one to Universal, so it’s time to get crackalacking. This is great advice. I’ll start small and build my way up.
Such great recommendations! I tend to set myself goals that are unrealistic and I like your approach to it. Now, I don’t have kids but I can only imagine how difficult it is to put yourself first every now and then – especially with three lovely boys! 🙂
You are so right! Sometimes all I do is run, run, run getting the kids from here to there and everything else that comes with a family. A great reminder and I will focus a little more on me in 2016 🙂
Beautiful family Lauren and such wise advice. I love your quiet routine in the morning. I’ve been working to carve this out as a time for me too.