Today, I want to chat a bit about myself, and also you; it’s always about home, travel and crafts. But us mums need to remember how important we are. Yes, being a mum, wife, and business owner is all important, but our health is just as important, if not more so, and sometimes we forget that.
I have always had super active jobs; I spent 13 years as a hairdresser and then 15 years as a hairdressing teacher, both jobs that kept me on my feet and busy. Then, 10 years ago, I began Extraordinary Chaos and, after 4 years, took the step of working from home. However, I was still on my feet, dropping the boys off at school, football and clubs. Then, just like that, as that’s how quick it all felt, they were both working and driving.
I celebrated my taxi days being over, having more time to sit at my desk and get more done without breaking away. What I didn’t factor in is the effect that less movement would have on my body and metabolism.
What You Will Find Here
How I Am Using My Apple Watch To Keep Moving
What occurred to me was that I was prioritising being at my desk. I am lucky that work is so busy, but it was taking its toll; I felt sluggish, achy and unable to concentrate. I don’t have time to go to the gym. It’s not the class; it’s the 40-minute drive there and back, changing, and all the faff. And here’s the thing: I had my own mini gym on my wrist and wasn’t using it.
Steps I Took To Get Moving And Keeping Moving With My Apple Watch
Once I had decided I needed a plan that fit in with my busy life I started recording steps and setting goals on my Apple Watch SE.
As I became more in tune with planning, recording and monitoring my fitness regime, I upgraded to the Series 9 Apple Watch from Very for more advanced features. However, if you want to get walking, there is so much choice no matter your budget, at Very. Check out the options.
The Wellness App For Yoga
As well as mental wellbeing, yoga is great for aches and pains, and to get my body ready for more exercise, I started to target problem areas such as my back and shoulders. Yoga has had such a significant effect on my movement. And rather than reaching for paracetamol for an ache, I now do a 30-minute online yoga class, which I record on my watch as a workout, using the wellness app for mindful breathing at the end.
Use A Timer For Gardening
As much as I love our garden, I have no idea what possessed me to think I could manage it. So we do have help from the most talented gardener, but I also ensure I spend and record gardening time.
And where before, I would try to avoid it at all costs. I now have goals to meet; as I am recording all levels of fitness. I am spending more time in the garden and enjoying it. Plus, we can pop dinner in the oven and set a timer, making the most of spending cooking time in the garden.
Monitoring Distance When Walking
I can go for a 3-mile walk in stunning countryside in the time it would take me to drive to the gym. We walk the dogs, too, but pugs don’t walk fast, so we also walk separately without the dogs.
The beautiful countryside in Pendle motivates me to get out, explore, enjoy the views, and stay healthy. I had no idea how monitoring distance and steps would inspire me to walk further.
We walk where possible when we arrange to meet friends at the weekend for drinks. This allows me to have a meal out and not feel guilty about eating what I want, it’s all about balance, as I have a long walk home to enjoy.
Measuring Distance When Walking From Home
But timings and arrangements don’t always go according to plan, so I have found a new solution that I love—so much, that I fit it into my morning routine every weekday. I have found an online class that incorporates walking and aerobic exercise. This gives me the extra motivation to exercise, and it’s great that I can do extra on rainy days when I can’t get out for a walk.
Tips For Setting Goals And Planning Movement During The Day
- Find a selection of online classes you love. Yoga by Adrienne and Walking with Leslie Sansone have become my go-to routines; these are great no matter the weather.
- Start to record all activity; the more you record, the more motivated you become.
- Use your timer; I use it to time dinner to get some activitiy in between while it’s cooking.
- Recording your steps is a huge motivator. It also makes me accountable; everything is recorded, which means progress.
- This, in turn, has resulted in me making time for more exercise.
- Plus, using the mindful app to stop and breathe and to focus and reflect, this is particularly useful when I am struggling to be productive and stops me from drifting onto social media.
AD, This post is in collaboration with Very, but please, if you feel you need to get moving, do it! I am so glad I incorporated more yoga and exercise into my life. And having my Apple Watch to motivate me has been a game changer. I feel so much better. Fact, the less you do the worse you feel.
