30 Nov Why All Parents Must Find Time To Exercise
Most parents lead very busy lives.
Between cleaning the home, looking after the kids, working a full or part-time job, and getting a small amount of sleep, it feels like there isn’t much time for anything else.
To make more time, parents sometimes sacrifice important self-care activities like exercise.
They often rationalise this decision by saying they are already run off their feet, so why bother moving about more?
The reality is, exercise is essential if you want to live a happy and healthy life.
It isn’t just about your personal wellbeing — it is an activity that will make you a better parent.
This post will share a few of the reasons why even the busiest parents must make time for exercise.
Exercise will provide you with more energy
Although it seems counter-intuitive, the best thing a tired parent can do to obtain more energy is to exercise.
Exercising regularly will give you more energy due to a number of factors, including:
Exercise releases endorphins
When you exercise, powerful neurotransmitters called endorphins are released by the body.
They are mild analgesics that will reduce your perception of pain in a way similar to taking codeine or opium.
Endorphins will give you a pleasurable sensation and can significantly boost to your energy levels.
Exercise encourages deep breathing and improved blood flow
As you perform aerobic exercise, you will begin to take deep breaths.
This increases your oxygen intake, which has an energising effect on your muscles and brain.
Your pulse will also increase and nutrient-rich blood will be pushed through your body at a faster rate, giving you even more energy.
It is much easier to get a restful sleep if you are physically tired from exercise, which increase your energy levels upon waking.
You can use the additional energy you obtain from exercising to play with the kids or get the housework done.
Sharper mental focus
Every busy parent knows how difficult it can be to stay on top of the finer details when you are chasing children around the house for much of the day.
Having a distracted mind can result in unpaid bills, forgotten appointments and missed birthdays.
Exercise can help by sharpening your cognition and mental focus.
Multiple studies have found that moderate aerobic exercise can substantially improve mental performance and memory in adults.
Moderate aerobic exercise includes activities like brisk walking, dancing, tennis, biking at less than 20 kilometres per hour, and water aerobics.
Exercise will improve your mood
Another benefit of the endorphins released during exercise is that the euphoric feeling they produce will boost your mood.
After your workout, you will feel relaxed, happy, and calm.
This will help you get through those rough days when the kids are throwing multiple temper tantrums or you experience stressful situations.
When you exercise, you lead by example
One of the best reasons for a parent to exercise is that it sets an example for your children.
Your children will come to see exercise as a normal part of life.
By normalising physical activity, you will help your children avoid a sedentary lifestyle and chronic diseases like obesity.
It’s a great way to have fun with the kids
Consider getting a kid’s bike trailer to attach to your bike, or a pram that is designed for running.
You can even perform aerobics or yoga with your toddlers.
They can have fun trying to imitate your asanas or aerobic movements.
The best apart about this approach is that your children will burn a lot of energy and will be eager to have a nap afterwards.
Being healthy means you get to watch your children grow up
Exercising regularly will help you avoid chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
It gives you the best possible chance at living a long life — giving you the opportunity to watch your children and grandchildren grow up.
You will be able to comfortably lift and carry your children
Non-parents don’t fully appreciate how heavy a toddler can be!
Strength training will help you lift your children and carry them around without the risk of injury.
How does a parent find the time to exercise?
Hopefully you now understand why exercise is so important for parents.
But how do you make time for it?
Here are a few tips:
- Add it to your daily schedule as a block of time when your partner takes the kids
- Exercise when your children are napping
- Use a stroller designed for exercise
- Combine playtime and exercise
- Dance with the kids
Thanks for reading Why All Parents Must Find Time To Exercise.
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