Mommy Blog - When 'Life Happens'

Since my last post, I have had child #4. I was feeling pretty confident leading up to his birth that I could keep the early morning exercise going. I had it all planned out that I would go to workout classes on certain days and times... THEN LIFE HAPPENS!

I will be the first to admit, it's been harder to get a routine going this time around. I am really blessed that I could return to normal activity so soon after childbirth. I started walking with the kids on day 2, and went back to the gym on day 10. While I want to get my body back in good physical condition again, it ultimately comes down to sanity. That 1.5 hours is my time! It’s the one time I am able to do my own thing without interruptions; like a little one tugging on my shirt or settling arguments. Let’s just say everyone is happier when I get my exercise.

Emily with husband Darin, and their children
Madelynn, Owen, Isabelle, and Garett.

Even though I know how much exercise helps my sanity, still, it's been a struggle this time around. I am sure we can all ramble off reasons why our exercise is not as intense or regular as it should be, but I am still determined. I have chosen at least 3 days a week that I will get up and go to the gym by 4:30am. It might be following a restless night, but is one more hour of sleep really going to take away that fatigue? I have also equipped my computer with 4-5 different exercise videos that I can do on other days. Oh yes, the videos can also be used on days when I might successfully talk myself out of waking up early… it has been known to happen.

So, who's with me? I am not suggesting you have to get up at 4:30 am, that is just what works best for me and my schedule. What I am asking is that you pick at least 3 days a week, with a specific time, and write them on your calendar or in your phone. For the remainder of January, commit that you will stick to it every week. Then come February, we will re-evaluate and keep it going. If you need ideas of what to do, speak with your Orriant Health Coach℠ or check out our awesome Tabata workouts. Recruiting an exercise buddy is always a good idea too.

In closing, New Year's resolutions are not something we vocalize, do for a month, then feel guilty because we “failed”. They are goals that we set, write down, and revisit on a regular basis. Make sure you feel confident and excited about what they will do for you. Envision the change! Until February, here's to making a routine happen.

Tips to Sticking With Your New Years Resolutions

A new year brings new resolutions! Many people find themselves in a gym attempting to lose a few pounds, or cutting back on junk food.  No matter what your goal is, there are steps you can take to ensure success with your goals.  We have compiled a list in order to make your life a little easier in 2014. 

Set Specific Goals: Outline exactly what you want to achieve.  If your goal is to exercise more, plan on 4 set times a week.  Limit yourself to one or two unhealthy snacks a week, rather than just saying you’ll cut back.  Specify what you really want to achieve, and you’ll be more likely to do it. 

Find Yourself a Support Group:  Enlist the help of family and friends who have similar goals to yours.  Motivate each other to achieve them.  Telling people you have a goal in mind will also make it more likely that you will accomplish them. 

Be Realistic: Do not create outrageous goals that seem overwhelming to achieve.  40 pounds is a massive weight loss goal; why not try for 10?  You are more likely to meet your goal and continue trying.

Do NOT Overload: Do not set so many goals that there is no way you can focus on all of them.  Pick one or two and really set your focus on those ones. 

Make a Plan: If your goal will take a long period of time, split it up into smaller goals.  Reward yourself once you reach each new marker. 

New Years Resolutions can be difficult to stick to.  Find the right goals and the motivation to last through the year.