The Art of Taking Care of Yourself

The weather just turned cold in the midwest and I was driving my car early in the morning when I noticed my gloved hands on the steering wheel. I laughed. In that moment I saw myself on many a cold morning either rushing off to teach an early morning cycle class or bundling up little ones to get their sister or brother to an activity or practice. In those memories, my hands were cold. I didn't take the time, the thirty seconds or less, to put on gloves. I was just too busy to take care of myself in that small way.

How about you? Are you taking care of yourself today? Young moms are notorious for making everyone else the perfect lunch and then skipping the meal themselves or worse eating low quality food on the run. They will send the kids to bed on time and then stay up half the night getting "important items" on some list done.

It wouldn't be so bad if all this meant was a few cold hands now and then. But a pattern of not taking care of yourself helps no one. You become out of shape, tired, and maybe even moody. In time you may forget your best self. But it doesn't have to be that way. Practice the art of taking care of yourself. When you are thirst, drink. Only a mom will get this one: when you need to go to the bathroom, go. Seriously, it's a thousand little ways to get the basic care you need to function at your best. That includes exercise.

Exercising Values was created with fifteen minute workouts even though I know the benefits and enjoyment of longer workouts when life permits. It was created to give you all you need in a busy life to focus on teaching your children your most important values while staying healthy, energetic, and at your proper weight. On the weekends or when you have time, by all means do a longer workout, whether that's a walk with a loved one or a tennis match with a friend. The weekend pattern of Exercising Values of spending more time with your family and more time being active balances out the brief time commitment during the week. You will flourish when you adopt the daily habit of doing what 's most important each day. The mom's moment in the Exercising Values program will also remind you to practice the art of taking care of yourself.

My gloves remind me not to be in such a hurry. Maybe for you it will be eating a leisurely salad at home that you prepared. Maybe it will be a refreshing drink of cool water, a cup of tea or a long soak in a tub.  Or maybe it will be breaking the habit of sleep deprivation and waking up rested for a change. Whatever it is, mark the moment you committed to taking better care of yourself. You'll take better care of everyone else as a result. I hope Exercising Values helps you on this journey.