"Mom Who Walks The Track"

Like many of you, I have a very busy schedule. I see clients, run my own business, teach fitness classes, raise three kids and maintain our family home… It doesn’t leave much time for a trip to the spa, or even eating, sleeping, and breathing.

But if I didn’t do things for myself, it wouldn’t take long for me to go crazy. I started finding small outlets that could fit into my hectic life. If I had a free hour between clients, I got a massage. I brought books and magazines to doctors’ offices to read while I waited. Instead of checking email on my phone while at my kids’ sports practices, I walking the track. And so I became known to the other parents as “Mom Who Walks The Track.”

We aren’t meant to run 24-7. Even a short self-care break can be like pressing the restart button on your computer – a lot of the glitches go away after a reboot. In the case of humans, science supports it. More and more studies are showing the benefits of mental breaks:

• Reduced Stress
• Improved Concentration
• Mood Stability
• Higher Energy Levels
• Stronger Immune Function
• Reduced Physical Tension
• Improved Quality of Life 

You don’t have to make drastic changes to your life to reap these rewards. Take a look at your schedule for today. Do you have a ten-minute break anywhere? Brainstorm some ideas of what you can do for you during those short times.

Here are some ideas to get you started, depending on how much time you have:

Just a few minutes: Meditate

Set the timer on your phone. Close your eyes and focus on your breath – each deep inhale, each slow exhale, and the feel of the breath on the tip of your nose. As other thoughts intrude into your mind, bring your focus back to your breath and let those thoughts drift away again. Perfect for sitting in the car between errands and picking up your kids.

Fifteen to thirty minutes: Practice Yoga

Pick a few easy-to-travel-with postures. You don’t necessarily need a mat or yoga pants or anything else – just yourself. Check out some of the standing poses from the Ashtanga primary series for ideas. Find a spot and let yourself go! If other people are watching, it’s only because they wish they were practicing yoga, too.

An Hour or more: Fitness Training

You can get a great full-body workout in an hour that will recharge you for the rest of the day. Schedule a session with a personal trainer to guide you or help create a routine. You can do a lot with just your body weight and a pair of good sneakers. And if you see me walking the track at your kid’s next practice, come join me!

Here at Total Health Concepts, we encourage the entire family to get involved in health and wellness. Do you have a free hour between appointments or while waiting for your child’s session to end? Schedule a massage or personal training session with our qualified staff members, or join one of our yoga and mindfulness groups. Contact us for more details.