If someone were to ask me about one of the top three benefits of being laid off, I would say it’s the chance I’ve had to really focus on my health and maintain an active lifestyle. To be honest, I’ve always been an active person, consistently aiming to work out 1-3 days a week. However, when I was juggling work and family as a busy mom, finding time to stay active was often a challenge. There were seasons when my workload was overwhelming, and I would often justify skipping workouts by telling myself, ‘I’m just too busy with work and catching up at home.’
While it hasn’t been a full 68 weeks since I was laid off, I was on maternity leave right before the layoff. During this time, I made a commitment to gift myself a minimum of 20 minutes a day, showing gratitude to my body for all it has accomplished. Now, I’ve gradually increased that time to 45 minutes daily. I lovingly refer to this as ‘mommy’s special time’ for my kids. They’ve learned to accept this part of our routine, and I hope that by seeing me prioritize my health, they will also cultivate a commitment to their own well-being.
This journey has taught me an enormous amount of patience, even when it was hard to practice. I’ve learned to accept myself, recognizing that my body may not change as rapidly as it did when I was younger. Every day, I remind myself that this isn’t a race; it’s a long-term journey proving to myself just how much I can achieve. I’ve also seen improvements in my self-control, not just with workouts, but also as I strive for a healthier relationship with food.
So What Steps Did I Follow Exactly?
I started with 20 minutes a day doing strength classes on the Peloton On Demand app. I mixed it up with a variety of strength, yoga, and Pilates classes. Once I got comfortable with this routine and wanted more results, I completed two rounds of Caroline Girvan’s programs on YouTube: the Iron series and Beastmode. I saw great improvements with these.
Currently, my happy medium is following a Peloton plan that populates my classes daily based on my needs. Initially, I wasn’t doing too much intense cardio, but for my body type and the goals I have, cardio has been very beneficial. Everyone’s journey looks different, and I am in no way a fitness professional, but this has worked for me. It has taken a lot of trial and error, but nevertheless, I persist.
In addition to my fitness routine, I have also made significant changes nutritionally. This journey has involved removing certain foods, allowing myself to enjoy treats on occasion, and developing self-control regarding portion sizes. I’ve learned to listen to my body and recognize when it’s time to stop eating. Prioritizing protein has also become a crucial aspect of my journey, helping me feel more satisfied and energized.
So, whether you’re unemployed, a working mom, or a stay-at-home mom, I encourage you to gift yourself just 20 minutes a day. It feels incredible to prioritize this aspect of your life! Don’t worry about what others are doing. Sometimes this daily gift can be as simple as a 20-minute walk, whether on a treadmill or outside. Remember, the return on this investment in yourself comes over time, not just from a single session.
I believe in you, mama! Let’s embrace this journey together—one moment at a time.
