The idea of 'having balance' seems impossible as a single parent. Typically our physical needs are at the bottom of the list of priorities. The problem with that is that is not sustainable - and just like a car that we never get serviced or the oil changed, inevitably we will find eventually ourselves in crisis. Small maintenence steps can equal longer, healthier outcomes. Physical balance effects everything else ion our lives - we must move towards wellness before we hit physical crisis.
It's more than just working out or eating right, we want to look at this a little more holistically so we have broken physical balance into 3 very simple categories:
Fuel / What we put in our body
Rest - recharging
Activity
The idea is if we can just start taking even one (or by all means more) simple, proactive steps in each one of these categories we will move towards balance.
Here are some simple ideas to move towards physical balance:
FUEL / WHAT WE PUT IN OUR BODIES
Stay away from late night snack
Drink enough water - It fills you up
Healthy snack on hands - vegetables , hummus, cheese, nuts, fruit
Portable snacks with you - in the car - granola bars
Avoid fast food - make it a reward, not a regular
Cook bulk on weekend and store so you are not tempted to just pick up fast food
Research and take supplements
REST
Nap when kids are napping - even when there are things that need to get done
Turn off screens after nine - again I thought of it as reward to be able to relax ('my time') but ended up staying too late
"Your bedroom is a sanctuary, not a family room," says single-parent expert Leah Klungness, Ph.D., who believes single parents should lock the bedroom door, guilt-free. "Once your children are beyond the toddler phase, it is a good idea to get a timer and teach your children to leave you alone for three to five minutes to start with, giving you time to decompress with a quick shower or some breathing exercises."
ACTIVITY
Walking
Find a friend once a week and commit to walk together
Walk on lunch breaks instead of sitting
Plan outdoor activities with kids
Go outside and toss a ball
Go to the park
Join a gym
Get an activity tracker
Let it out!
Let your anger and frustration out - get a punching bag
One popular website talks about creating your own dance party
Crank up the music and move
This not by any means an exhaustive list - In fact, leave comments on other ideas... but, let's all commit to just finding one thing in each category and move towards physical balance. We can at least do that and build from there.
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