You have a hard job juggling a variety of roles. Be it the perfect wife or mother, caring daughter or daughter-in-law, the good neighbor or a loyal friend. What's more, your job is thankless, with no salary, no training and absolutely no time off. You are working round the clock, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You could very well pass off as Atlas, holding up the world, for that is how you feel today.
Add to that a traveling husband (either physically or mentally spaced-out!) and you have the extra burden of his jobs around the house, taking care of the kids school and homework. By the time everyone has left for the day, all you want to do is drop down on the bed - and it's only 9.00 am. But you can't! You have a stream of endless chores to finish before your two hungry devils return from school.
In this whirlwind of affairs, do you have the time for yourself? Answer this question honestly. Look into the mirror and ask yourself when was the last time you did something you enjoyed, saw a movie or even saw a TV serial of your choice (you are probably switching between cartoons or some crazy football game). This vicious circle of events has got to stop sometime and there is no better time than now.
The most relieving news is that you can do it and it does not take rocket science to start! So if it means:
Finding time for yourself - do it now
Setting yourself at priority - do it now
Forgoing some responsibilities - do it now
Stretching yourself a wee more - do it now
Getting up a touch early - do it now
Fulfill your responsibilities to yourself first, only then, will you be able to feel complete and be able to give yourself to others. It is imperative to take care of your personal needs while managing home and hearth.
First steps: Walking
The first step in rectifying things is something I strongly suggest to all my clients and friends. Start with a few minutes of walking everyday. The first step is always the hardest but when you've taken it -- you're on the road to recovery, rediscovery, revitalization and revival of yourself. The confidence that accompanies any fitness program is something you will get when YOU GO THROUGH IT YOURSELF. It is time you did it. And NOW is the time to start.
A walk does much more than strengthening your heart, lungs and lower limbs and improving your general health. Walking early in the morning helps to assimilate your thoughts for the day and gives you a new lease of life. An evening walk will help soothe frayed nerves and provide a refreshed outlook to handling situations. The bonus? You've earned a few extra minutes in your life span!
Second steps: Cycle 'n' music
You could also indulge in your favourite pastime or do what you enjoyed doing when you had more time on your hands. If it's music that gave you delight, listen to it. If it's reading that gives you joy, read. Combine the two and pamper yourself. And if you are enterprising, invest in a cycle and do all three: cycle, read and listen to music.
If movies are your stress buster, combine the time you are watching with the time you are on the cycle. That's either 1 Ѕ hours or 2 Ѕ hours (phew) to yourself and loads of fat fighting done in the process.
Final steps: Fun and Fitness
Get your diary out and catch up with friends (and that is almost a must). Instead of going to a restaurant and bingeing, you can probably enroll together in a gym or practice the latest low-cal recipes together. Or better still prod your husband to get up half-an-hour before his scheduled time and bond with him either by taking a walk or practicing some easy yoga asanas in the comfort of your bedroom. You may find a resurgence in your sex life, which incidentally will also help you burn some calories!
Remember even if you are at home and have nowhere to go, you can be dressed up. This will boost up your confidence. Better still invest in some good workout gear, which will motivate you to exercise. Staying at home is your choice, enjoy it to the fullest and you can do that only when you take care of yourself. Nurture your family but don't ignore yourself in the bargain. Your life at home can open up many opportunities for widening your personal and professional horizons. So go for it now!
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