People are often amazed when I tell them I use fitness as a form of self-care. Being in the gym does something to my mental; it calms me down and helps me focus on the present.
I can remember around this time last year I wasn’t worried as much of caring to practice self-care. To be honest that was the last thing on my mind. I often had to remind myself that caring for three children that I have to hold myself more accountable.
Some people have a misconception about people with lean body types. Most people assume that I don’t need to workout because of my lean body type. I have my reasons and not being in shape is one of them.
I want to share three reasons why I use fitness as a form of self-care.
Three Reasons on how I use fitness as a form of self-care
First Reason
- To stay stress-free
Second Reason
- Being a single mother it’s one of those activities I can enjoy by myself at the expense of a monthly membership
Third Reason
- It never gets boring
Let’s Dig Deeper
First Reason
- With the demands of mothering three little humans all by myself stress is something that I know can slip up on me. To be honest, I don’t necessarily know what it feels like to be stressed. In my opinion, if I am worrying then I am stressing. Anytime, I am feeling other than myself I know that I have to step back from whatever I’m doing to regroup. My advice is knowing your body, your way of thinking can help prevent stress before it comes. Being in the gym the only thing I focus on are my exercises and the music I’m listening to at that moment.
Second Reason
- Being a single mother and having to budget monthly can sometimes put a damper on anything outside of the necessities for your family. For me, I make myself a priority which means my membership with my local “Planet Fitness” is a MUST. They have the option of a $10 or $20 membership. I chose the $20 membership because anywhere I travel to that has a “Planet Fitness” I can utilize my benefits. It comes out of my bank account monthly. As mothers it must be something you are serious about. Moms until you decide to make your health a priority you will continue to put yourself on the back-burner.
Third Reason
- Since making a pledge to put myself first I wanted to make sure I had a variation in my exercises so that I don’t get bored easily. Back in January of 2018, when I first started at “Planet Fitness” I participated in the group fitness classes because I knew I wanted to tone & gain muscle but didn’t know what exercises to do to achieve such results. I currently find inspiration for my exercises from the internet (Pinterest & social media) & from the group fitness classes. I’ve found that a variation in my exercises keeps it interesting & exciting.
After reading my reasons on how I use fitness as a form of self-care I hope that you choose to make your health a priority. Most of the time as mothers we run on empty fluids and I wonder how we make it through. I’m guilty of ensuring my children get things before I do most of the time. Most of the time, it’s okay to do such but sometimes simple things like buying a new outfit could be necessities for us but we opt out of it because we feel guilty for doing so.
Self-care comes in so many ways whether tangible or intangible. Just like the kids need new things we do too. Moms I’m here to tell you stop feeling guilty for buying those new shoes, sterling silver necklace or even a new computer that you want. It’s time to start treating yourself just like you do the kids with no hesitation.
We work hard to treat ourselves; every so often. Moms take the pledge with me to treat yourself monthly with an outing, a special gift or even just a $10 or $20 gym membership.
Moms let me know what ways you show yourself love with some self-care. Drop it in the comments below.
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