After listening to one of the Another Mother Runner podcasts during my long runyesterday, I spent some time thinking about one of the subjects being discussed: mommy guilt. I think as mothers we often put ourselves last on the list of priorities when it comes to our families.
We are so busy scheduling out our kids’ activities and working around everyone else’s schedules, that we forget to pencil in time for ourselves. When things get super busy in the household,the first thing many mothers will cutout is any of their own personal time or activities.If running helps you to feel good about yourself and keep yourself grounded, you need to stop feeling bad about making time for your running.
There are certain days when my husband pretty much forces me out the door for a run, because he knows life will be much better for the family if I go for a run-especially on the really bad mommy days when I feel like selling my kids to the highest bidder! Runny is my therapy, and therefore gets a prime spot on my calendar.
Whether you need a half hour, forty-five minutes, or an hour, you need to enlist the help of your partner and children to make sure that you get the time your need. Can you go early in the morning while the children are still sleeping and your partner is home? Can you afford to pay a babysitter once a week to give you some uninterrupted time to run? Can you go to a gym that provides childcare?
Some mom runners get together once a week and switch babysitting responsibilities. For example, runners agree to meet at one mother’s house. She watches the kids while the other mothers run, and the schedule is rotated weekly. Whatever the problem, there is always a solution, and your health and sanity are worth it! Don’t give in to the mommy guilt! 🙂
I really appreciated this post. As moms we need to be reminded of this .