July 27, 2017
I’m often asked for my thoughts on parenting and I always describe it like this: a 14-hour work day. If you’re a parent, you know exactly what I mean.
My days are non-stop from the moment I get out of bed at 7 a.m. until around 9:30 p.m. They are filled with chores, joy, frustration, chores, fun, tedium, chores, and all the other challenges and rewards of working to support a family of five. You might say, parenting is a lifestyle.
Parents just don’t have much left in the tank at the end of the day for “me” time — time to learn new skills, to work on hobbies and projects, or to better ourselves in general. So, we plop down in front of the latest streaming show or gaming system (*cough*), or we stare at our phones or laptops before eventually settling in to bed.
Luckily, there’s a way to help keep your mind sharp and focused, even after the last dish is put away and the next day’s lunches are packed. Studies show that routine exercise (it doesn’t even have to be overly strenuous!) keeps your brain happier, more creative, and sharper. With regular physical activity throughout the week, your nights can become more productive and fulfilling.
Here’s the rub: it can be hard to find the time to exercise during those aforementioned 14-hour days. You’ll need to get creative and multitask, combining exercise and familial responsibility whenever possible.
How to fit exercise into a busy schedule? Here are some ways I find time to stay active while on dad duty or during work hours:
Check for local programs that encourage family exercise, such as yoga, Zumba, or swimming lessons. With a little effort you’ll find no end to the variety of ways to fit exercise into a busy schedule.
And by taking the time to work exercise into your daily routine, you’ll have the energy you need at night to finish editing that family video, to finally learn HTML, or to stay awake long enough to get through another chapter of your favorite read.
Father of three kids in the city, interested in sustainability, food, cycling, music, exercise, and anything that has to do with the future and our evolving relationship with technology. I love to explore and write about change, renewal, and growth, be it personal, local, or global.
This article was originally published on IBX Insights.
