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Balancing Motherhood and Self-Care: My Journey and Some Tips

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Justine sits on the floor, looking relaxed

As a busy mom, entrepreneur, and fitness professional, I know firsthand the challenges of trying to prioritize your own health and wellness amidst the demands of daily life. Between juggling work responsibilities, shuttling kids to their activities, and maintaining a household, it can feel nearly impossible to carve out time for your personal fitness and self-care routines.

The journey to balance motherhood with self-care is a path filled with obstacles, but it's also lined with moments of triumph and self-discovery.

Today, I want to share with you not just my story, but a blueprint for integrating fitness and wellness into the bustling life of a busy mom. And stay tuned—at the end of this article, I'll share with you how I think when it comes to integrating a fitness routine in 5 simple steps.

 

Navigating Ups and Downs with Grace

Motherhood introduced me to a new realm of challenges, from sleepless nights to managing my twins' needs alongside my own aspirations. My fitness routine had to evolve from long, uninterrupted gym sessions to more creative, home-based workouts. The transition wasn't easy, and there were days when I doubted if I could ever find my rhythm again. Yet, these challenges taught me resilience and the art of finding opportunities for movement and self-care in the nooks and crannies of my day.

Now, as my kids have grown and my entrepreneurial journey has taken off, I continue to prioritize my health and self-care, because I know how vital it is for my overall well-being and ability to show up fully for my family.

No matter your current fitness level or the demands on your time, you can achieve the balance you seek and feel your best, both physically and mentally, by adopting a holistic approach and tapping into the power of community.

 

From Personal Struggles to Practical Strategies

Through trial and error, I discovered strategies that allowed me to nurture my well-being without sacrificing precious family time. Here's what worked for me:

Pre-Planning: Each week, I started to take a look at my work commitments, the kids' activities, and any other obligations. Then slotted in realistic workout times that I knew I could stick to. Some days this meant a 30-minute workout first thing in the morning before the chaos of the day begins. Others, it looked like a 10-minute movement break during my workday.

Follow a Structured Plan: When I sat down and created my first exercise plan, it took the guesswork out of my workouts and helped me show up and get it done. And when carving out dedicated workout time was truly impossible on a given day, I snuck in little bursts of movement like taking the stairs instead of the elevator or inviting the kids to join on a family walk.

Community and Support: Leaning on a community of like-minded moms provided me not just with inspiration but also accountability. Together, we celebrated our wins and encouraged each other through setbacks.

 

A Holistic Approach for Holistic Well-Being

My journey underscored the importance of looking beyond physical fitness to nurture my mind and spirit. Nutrition, sleep, stress management, and cultivating joy became pillars of my self-care routine. It became very clear to me that I needed to consider the interconnected nature of my overall health and well-being.

You see, taking an extremist mindset when it comes to fitness can actually be counterproductive. If you put too much emphasis on intense workouts while neglecting other areas like nutrition, stress management, and social connection, you're setting yourself up for burnout, frustration, and potentially even regression in your progress.

Instead, the key is to strive for balance. Understand that your body, mind, and lifestyle all play a vital role in your overall health and happiness. By integrating various aspects of self-care, you'll be able to achieve more sustainable results.

Embracing a holistic approach helped me not just survive but thrive in the beautiful chaos of motherhood.

 

Empowerment in Action

As the founder of Inclusive Movement, I've worked tirelessly to build a supportive community where busy moms can find the guidance, accountability, and inspiration you need to stay motivated and consistent. Through my video courses, live workouts, and Q&A sessions, I aim to take the guesswork out of fitness and wellness, empowering you to make sustainable changes that improve your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Remember, your health and happiness matter just as much as those of your family. It's time to make yourself a priority and unlock the energy, confidence, and joy you need to show up as your best self. I'm here to support you every step of the way.

 

5 Simple Steps to Integrate a Fitness Routine into Your Busy Life Today

  1. Identify Opportunities: Look for small windows in your day where you can integrate movement.
  2. Set Realistic Goals: Start with achievable fitness goals that encourage consistency over intensity.
  3. Embrace Support: Join a community or find a fitness buddy to share the journey with.
  4. Celebrate Every Win: Acknowledge every step forward, no matter how small.
  5. Be Kind to Yourself: Remember, self-care is not selfish; it's essential.

 

Embarking on this journey isn't about perfection; it's about progress and making space for yourself amidst the demands of motherhood. If you need some help, I suggest getting started with a 7-Day Free Trial of our All-Access Pass where you’ll have access to all of my programs, like the popular 14-Day Easy Start Mobility Course (and the new version 2 of this course!).

With the free trial, you’ll also have access to our community where you'll find video courses, live workouts, and Q&A sessions to help you overcome common challenges and stay motivated on your journey. I also encourage you to share your experiences, struggles, and successes on the forum - you're likely not alone in what you're facing, and I'm here to provide personalized support.

Together, we can build a lifestyle that encompasses wellness, joy, and the unmatched strength of a mother. Let's start today.

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Hi there, I'm Justine

I help people of all ages and abilities get moving comfortably. 

As an Osteopath and an advocate for accessible fitness, I understand the challenges and hesitations that come with starting a fitness journey, especially as a busy mom. My passion is to empower you to find strength and mobility in a way that feels safe and nurturing.

Here, age or past experiences don’t define your fitness journey; your willingness to take the first step does. Let's embrace wellness together, creating a space where every effort counts and every milestone is celebrated.

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