I used to get up and go to the gym at 5:30am in the morning. I was feeling fit, happy and energetic to keep up with my little tribe of kids. Now, I get up early and blog. Need I say more?
This change has led to tighter clothes, more tiredness and me being a more grumpier mum.
Even though is some ways I am grumpier, I am also feeling happier than before because I am able to express myself and I am really enjoying connecting with so many other mum's out there in blogging land.
But...I want to be able to do both - be fitter and blog!
For me I need to exercise in the morning. If I do not do it then, it just will not happen. With so many kids, something always needs to be done at night time - homework, massive amounts of washing, last minute dash to the shops for food etc. I just cannot get it to work.
So I am trying a little experiment.
I am getting up at 5:30am again and hitting the gym {man alive am I feeling it!} and I have shifted my blogging time to later in the evening. I am working on blogging at 8-9pm when I always feel like having a little after dinner snack. In our house we generally have dinner early at 5pm, so by 8pm I am ready for another meal! I am hoping that if I am busy blogging at my computer that I will not be tempted to wander into the kitchen and to help myself to a little something delicious to reward myself after a long day.
Anyone else out there like to do that????Feel that they need a food reward each night???
I am trying to change my thinking by telling myself that the best reward I can give myself is NO food at night. It is going to require some serious self control and I know I will feel much better for it in the long run. Speaking of running - I am still at the walking stage but am so looking forward to getting back into running again.
Let's hope this little experiment works and I start to feel better again.
Who knows, my blogging might even improve! Ha!
and to all my Blogtoberfest friends:
Seriously Naomi, you really never cease to amaze me.
ReplyDeleteThis post is terrific. I like that you are aware of what is and isn't working in your world and have devised a plan to sort out the bits that aren't 'on track'.
Blogging is a bit of a 'naught habit' for me and I should really be confining the amount of time dedicated to it to certain hours.
Captain V talks about the notion of 'robbing' from your 'self' and others by investing or over-investing in activities that take away from the 'main game'.
It sounds like you've identified the habits of 'robbing' and are into more 'giving back' to your 'self' and your family.
I hope that the next couple of weeks are happier and healthier and you kick those evening 'tummy grumbles'.
On that note, have you tried having a long glass of something warm like a herbal tea or dandelion coffee an hour after your evening meal?
x Felicity
i love this idea....Blogging becomes your after dinner, late night chocolate! I need to give this one a go...
ReplyDeleteI am also reassessing the time I blog...I have realized it is taking away from my boys a bit...I don't want to stop blogging altogether so I have banned myself between 9 and 6 pm! I will also be seeing how this goes...Will be interested to see how your new plan works too
Hi Naomi
ReplyDeleteI love the new pictures of your cherubs from an upside down view-point!
I also very much enjoy reading your blog and appreciate your honesty. It is hard to be transparent isn't it (?), but you do it so well.
I also am an early morning exerciser and up at 5.30am for a run. It is hard and sometimes I feel resentful that I have to be up with the birds to fit in some 'me time' but I do so benefit from it and I come home tired and out of breath, but happier!
I will be thinking of you with your new routine.
All the best.
Catherinex
Such a great post...I too have changed my schedule and am writing and blogging early. Today I walked the dogs in the early a.m., and it felt really good. Tomorrow I will head to the gym early, or it won't happen. So...I will join you on this challenge!!
ReplyDeleteThis is a very timely post for me because I am going through the same thoughts...before we moved to the farm, I went to the gym at 6am to do spin bike classes and I was fit and fabulous! Now we live 40 mins from the nearest gym and my health has suffered..I need to take stock and organise myself better to be able to fit health and fitness into my routine, because I am also tired and grumpy atm!!
ReplyDeleteI understand the feeling.... I have recently decided to do something for myself besides blogging. I'm doing a series of cleansing drinks, and I'm NOT eating after 5 pm too. I'm feeling better physically, now I'm waiting for the emotions to catch up (eating after my girlies were in bed was a very relaxing ritual as dinner with them is somewhat stressful due to EXTREME picky eaters and a stubborn mom (NOT short order cook!)) It's been 2 weeks of me looking at my hubby around 9 pm and saying... "I'm really hungry, I want something to munch on" and him saying, "Look @ the bigger picture. What are your goals?" to keep me going!
ReplyDeleteGood luck to all us mom's with "Blogger's Bottoms", may we find happiness no matter how thin/thick we are spread!
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Clever you. I never wonder 'how does Naomi manage her large family' because knowing you as I do know, I know you just find solutions to any little problem and get it sorted straight away. That's a fantastic way to be. Using blogging as a 'reward' is a brilliant idea. It's SUCH a time suck, so we really should 'ration' ourselves anyway. Especially if it gets in the way of taking care of ourself. x
ReplyDeleteYou are amazing. I have this exact problem - and I only have 2 kids!!!
ReplyDeleteThis is a great post.
ReplyDeleteHi, I am visiting from Lucy's blog hop, and will definitely come back.
Congratulations for figuring out what wasn't working, and I hope the changes work for you.
Keep it up.
I'm the same - if I don't exercise first thing, it just doesn't seem to happen. Plus, exercise in the morning seems to set me up for a better eating day.
ReplyDeleteAs for blogging - great idea about timing it for your danger time and using it as a reward!
Hi there,I just read your writing in this blog community, and I love you are contributing with great information!
ReplyDeletekee up the hard work,see ya