Do you ever feel like you’re just crazy busy? Like everything is go go go all the time?

I know I sure do. I’m a wife, a mom, and I run an amazing business that I love. Lord only knows how I keep up with it all. In the middle of all the crazy, it can feel like a nightmare to stay up to speed on everything, and taking care of myself falls to the wayside.

But it shouldn’t. I’m my own greatest gift, and if I want to be out there running like a well oiled machine, I better take care of myself.

As a crazy busy mom, I’ve had to learn how to stay active, even when working out  feels impossible. Here’s how

Find ways to incorporate movement into your daily life. Everyone knows that it’s recommended to work out for half an hour every day. But how many days do you get half an hour of free time just dropped into your lap?

Yes, we need to schedule time to workout, and yes it’s okay to take time for yourself, but sometimes, it’s honestly just not doable. And sometimes even when it is, all you want to do is watch tv.

So instead of working out for half hour blocks every single day, live a more active life!

Take every day tasks, and find ways to incorporate physical activity into them. Try taking the stairs instead of the elevator. Do sit ups or push ups during commercial breaks. It may look goofy, but you could even try power walking to the store!

Take advantage of breaks. No matter what you’re doing, try standing up and stretching for fifteen minutes for every hour that you sit. Not only does this keep you active, but it will boost your focus and productivity too!

Be Realistic, Be Consistent. How many times when we fall off the horse do we try to get back on way too fast?

If you haven’t run in six months, you aren’t going to be able to run a marathon, and that’s okay. But what isn’t okay is giving up because it’s hard.

Set reasonable workout goals for yourself. Spend 30 minutes in the gym three times a week. Run for a mile and then do a yoga video. Find work out goals that you know you can do, and then follow through.

That’s why attainability is so essential to being active — if you are setting goals for yourself that aren’t achievable, than you will be so much more likely to get discouraged and give up. And that’s not fair to yourself

You should celebrate yourself for having the initiative and strength to work out!

Find something that you love. I know working out can feel like a chore, but does it have to?

Working out doesn’t just have to be going to the gym or running, it can be something that you love. Did you play sports as a kid? Find an adult league near you. Groupon has great opportunities for dance classes and yoga lessons– find something that strikes your fancy, and then go for it! No one is stopping you.  

And get the people who you love involved! Play with your kids outside. Go on a hike with your husband. Take a dance class with your girlfriends. Working out can be a way that we connect with others and have fun with the people that we care about!

I know life can be overwhelming, but working out doesn’t have to be. By integrating movement into your daily life, setting attainable goals, and having a little fun with it, staying active can be simple and rewarding.

Let me know in the comments how you were active today!