Be a little ‘selfish’

So these words are probably not going to sit well with everyone, I understand that we all have different views on whether Mums taking time out to exercise and look after themselves is selfish or not.

If you’re a Mum, I’m sure at some stage you’ve battled with this issue, or maybe even used kids as a ‘reason’ for not having the time to take care of yourself. For me, I love my kids more than anything. But never once since having my kids have I been tempted to put my health and fitness on hold. Sure I backed off a little during my pregnancies, and I relaxed my eating a bit but still ate well. I kept healthy for my own benefit, and for the benefit of my kids. It never, ever occurred to me to stop investing in my health because I have children – why would I put that at risk when these 2 need me and rely on me. To me, I kind of see it as the opposite of selfish – as I want my kids to have a healthy happy Mum who will be around for a long time!

I hear it so often, Mums telling me that their kids take up all their time, and put themselves last at the expensive of their health and fitness. I have no doubt that the intention is good – but putting yourself last all the time doesn’t help anyone. By taking care of ourselves, we are in a better place both physically and mentally to take care of our children.

We are reminded of this when we fly – incase of an emergency while flying with children, we are instructed to place the oxygen mask on ourselves first and then attend to our children. Is this selfish? No, it just puts us in a much better place to be able to look after our kids. To be able to protect our kids, we need to be well first.

By working out and eating well, we help prevent illness, maintain or build strength and reduce stress levels so that we are better prepared to look after our loved ones – as well as feeling great ourselves. You are not much good to anyone when you’re ill or lethargic all the time. If you’re spending all your time focusing on everyone else, you’ll end up exhausted, with little left in the tank physically or emotionally. Eventually, your body will tell you that you need some personal attention. Hopefully, this won’t be in the form of anything serious such as a heart attack or stroke. And obviously if you get yourself to this point, you’re no good to anyone. Best to not wait for something like this to happen before you decide it’s time to change – much better to be on the front foot – get well and stay well. For you, and your kids.

Not only will you be fit and healthy and in a better place to be a great parent, you are also being a super role model and encouraging them to lead a healthy and happy lifestyle too. Show your kids this great way of life and they’ll not know any different. If they are constantly watching you make poor food choices and rarely (or never) see you exercise – it’s not setting them up for a healthy way of life. In the past I have absolutely had moments when I’ve felt selfish for taking time out to exercise since having my kids, but when I see them run laps around our driveway just for the hell of it, I have no regrets whatsoever. Same goes for your food choices. Don’t expect your kids to eat veggies if you never eat any. Show them the way! Everyone wins when your great habits are passed onto everyone in your family.

My other message today is about being careful not to make kids an excuse as to why you “can’t” exercise or “don’t have time.” If you are genuinely “too busy” with kids to look after yourself, then sounds like your kids lives are way too hectic and things may need to change. School holidays – and our Group PT session this morning – is a great example. There were kids galore at training this morning! Every one of the Mums could have used having the kids home as a reason not to exercise. But they brought them along, and in turn showed them that they care about their health and fitness. AND they worked on being their best so they can continue to be awesome parents!

Having kids is one of the best reasons to keep yourself healthy and fit – so take time out to keep yourself well for you and your family. And if anyone wants to call that selfish, that’s ok! Sticks and stones, right?

Have a great day,

Paula