As a working mom of two elementary school aged kids during a pandemic, it’s very easy to focus on what is hard right now and what isn’t fair. Lately, the days feel longer than when I had an infant baby who was awake all night crying. The constant flow of coffee throughout the day isn’t doing its normal job of kick starting energy and popping open eye lids. Normal tasks are infuriating because I feel like I’m constantly running on all cylinders and never get a break. But I’m not alone. I’m not the only woman and parent who is home, working an executive job while supporting her children with virtual school. I am not the only mother who is exhausted from her scalp to her toes. I know I’m not alone but that doesn’t mean it isn’t hard.
As the days get colder and shorter, it’s hard to stay motivated to do something for ourselves. By the time you get through the work day, help the kids with everything they need for virtual school and MAYBE put on real clothes, the sun is already setting. Staying motivated to be active and take care of our bodies and minds can be hard, especially during the dark winter months. I am certainly no expert but here are a few things I have found that helped me over the last few weeks to keep motivated, clear my mind, and make sure I’m doing as much as I can to take care of MY health so I can continue to take care of my family.
1. When you wake up, put on exercise clothes.
Even if you don’t plan to workout until later in the day, if you have your workout clothes on, you’re more likely to get out there and get moving. Whether that means a brisk walk around the neighborhood during lunch time, bike ride with the kids after school, scrolling YouTube to find a 30 minute yoga class or a full blown garage boot camp, being active daily is a must. Taking time for your health is so important. Not only does it help you physically, moving your body helps bring mental clarity and is a stress reliever.
2. Know your village and lean on them—everyone needs a village.
Whether that village consists of 5 people or 15 people, you need friends in your life that you can count on. Your village is there to support you, hold you when you cry, sympathize when you’re struggling, and laugh with when you need it the most. Having people in your life that you can turn to for a conversation, enjoy a glass of wine with, or just listen as you vent is imperative and so important for everyone, especially us working moms.
3. Take ME time.
It’s so hard to find ME time these days, as everyone is always home and there is no where to escape or hide. Making time for yourself has to be a priority. Even just 20 minutes in the morning to have a cup of coffee alone before all madness ensues can make or break your attitude for the rest of the day. I don’t know about you, but if my morning starts in total screaming and chaos, that kind of energy will follow me all day. A long bath, reading a book or listening to a podcast, even locking yourself in the closet and blasting your favorite music through your earphones so no one knows where you are, counts as me time. Family is so important but sometimes, you just need to be alone.
So my friends, as winter approaches, keep smiling and remember, you are a rock star!