Most of us are at home moving less and sitting more, which is tough on our mental health, our posture, and overall physical health. 

If you are working from home and have kids, it can be even more challenging to make time for yourself. The work-from-home plus parenting burnout is REAL, and while it is hard to imagine how a bit of exercise could possibly give you energy...it can! Whether it’s playing in the snow with your kids, or stretching a couple times a day, movement and maintaining or building strength can help prevent future injuries, improve sleep, and reduce stress. 

If you’ve been telling yourself there’s no point in exercising unless you have a full hour to sweat, get that idea out of your head and start with small, realistic, achievable goals. Most parents don’t have a full hour to themselves. Creating a habit takes time and you want to set yourself up for success, not failure. 

1. Set a timer for 10 minutes. Dancing, jumping jacks, skipping around your house... whatever makes sense to you, move until your timer goes off. 
2. Talk to the rest of the household to get everyone on the same page, then create a schedule. It is easier to stick to your schedule when it is a priority for everyone and you have others to hold you accountable. 
3. Play with your kids. When it is playtime for the kids can you make it playtime for you too?
4. Explore the online world - yoga, Pilates, strength training, interval training, salsa lessons...there are endless possibilities online that are free or affordable. Set up FaceTime or Zoom with a friend or family member to try it with you! To start, look for classes that are 15-20 minutes long.
5. Try taking your work calls standing up or walking around. 
   

While life is currently a little different than we’re used to, don’t let that stop you from building small habits and positive changes to contribute to you and your families health. Start small and build on your success!