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You Owe it to Yourself to Find Peace Within the Chaos

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By Katelyn Woodard, co-owner Oh Baby Fitness South Shore MA August 27, 2015
Summer is coming to a close and Labor Day is quickly approaching, the change of seasons can be bittersweet for many.  Soon long lazy days at the beach or poolside will be a distant memory replaced by homework and cooler weather.  As kids prepare to go back to school moms and dads everywhere secretly (or not so secretly) cheer and let out a giant sigh of relief that the daily schedule will normalize and be slightly easier to juggle.  As we dive headfirst into September routines become more consistent and life becomes more like a conveyor belt…we wake up in the morning and hit the replay button and let the monotony of the school year lead us.

Are we really less busy?  Does the return to school really mean more time?  Sadly, the answer is NO!  While your schedule may enter a more regular pattern, extra time does not magically appear on the clock.  You may find yourself more stressed during the school year than trying to organize childcare, camp, vacation and fun for an entire summer. As parents it is extremely difficult to find “ME” time at any point during the year as much of our daytime hours are dedicated to our work and family commitments.  So how do find time for ourselves when work, family, activities and social engagements are pulling us in different directions?

We must make time! I am always touting the importance of exercise and healthy eating and the role of each in leading a more balanced life.  If we eat right and exercise our stress levels decrease and our “feel good” hormones increase.  It makes sense, take care of yourself physically and you will feel great.  I would be lying if I said food and exercise are the only components to healthy living.  It is easy to forget that being mindful of our health includes being mindful of our mental health as well.  So while I will continue to encourage healthy eating and physical activity I will also encourage you to become more mindful of your mental health each day.  I assure this requires much less time and energy than making it to that 6PM Zumba class at the gym.  We live in a go, go culture where sitting idle is often uncomfortable.  I mean, shouldn’t you be doing something? I challenge you to leave the guilt of idleness behind and just be.  Each day take five, eight, ten minutes to do NOTHING.  Find your “spot”, unplug from all the buzzing technology and relax.  Focus on your breathing, listen to calming music or sounds of the ocean, wipe your mind clear and bring your full awareness to the moment.  You may be surprised at how lovely it feels to disengage.  And if you just can’t find it in yourself to completely unplug, I am pretty sure you could find an app that will lead you on a journey of mindfulness!  You owe it to yourself to find peace within the chaos.

Katelyn Woodard is a co-owner of Oh Baby! Fitness South Shore MA. She teaches both pre-natal as well as mom and baby fitness classes across the South Shore, and encourages new and expecting moms to take care of themselves every day! For more information on Oh Baby Fitness visit www.ohbabyfitness.com and follow Oh Baby Fitness South Shore MA on Facebook