As women, prioritising self-care often takes a back seat as we tend to the needs of others—our children, grandchildren, parents, spouses, and friends. However, to be the best versions of ourselves for our loved ones, it’s crucial to prioritise self-care through exercise, sufficient sleep, and a balanced diet. Remember, you are deserving of care and attention, and prioritising your own well-being benefits not only yourself but also those around you.

Research highlights the importance of self-care for both mental and physical health. Engaging in regular exercise and maintaining a healthy diet can help prevent feelings of exhaustion, depression, and burnout. Additionally, if weight loss is a goal, these practices are essential for achieving success. Moreover, demonstrating self-care sets a positive example for others in your life, encouraging them to prioritise their own health and well-being.

Finding time for exercise and healthy eating can be challenging, especially for busy moms. However, even incorporating small bouts of activity into your day can make a difference. Fortunately, Curves workouts and classes are designed with busy women in mind, offering efficient 30-minute sessions that can be completed three to four times a week, leading to improved fitness and overall health.

Here are some tips to help you carve out more time for yourself, allowing you to incorporate a healthy meal plan and exercise routine into your busy schedule:

Learn to say no

Women often have a natural inclination to please others, striving to make people happy and readily saying “yes” to favours, invitations, and requests. However, amidst life’s hustle and bustle, it becomes challenging to accept every invitation or offer assistance at every turn. This challenge is particularly evident when trying to carve out time for a new exercise routine for weight loss eating plan. Therefore, it’s essential to give yourself permission to respectfully decline.

Exercise with a buddy

When time is scarce, exercise and socialising often become sidelined. However, why not combine the two? Consider taking a morning walk with a friend, sharing a ride to your ladies-only gym while catching up along the way, or trying out a new Curves class together. Even if it’s only once a week, group exercise doubles as a wonderful form of self-care, and research indicates that the sense of accountability within a group makes individuals more likely to adhere to their exercise plans.

Schedule “me time”

Just as doctor’s appointments, work meetings, and kids’ playdates are essential commitments, so too are workouts and adhering to a weight loss diet. Therefore, it’s crucial to schedule these activities with the same level of priority as other obligations in your life. Choose specific days of the week and times to engage in the Curves circuit or attend a Curves class. Allocate a few hours on Sunday afternoon for food preparation to support your healthy eating plan. Add these events to your calendar and make a concerted effort to stick to them. By treating your workouts and dietary commitments as non-negotiable appointments, you prioritise your health and well-being effectively.

Stay flexible

If squeezing in exercise during an exceptionally hectic week becomes a source of stress, it no longer serves as good self-care. Therefore, if circumstances become overwhelming and you need to skip a workout to get an extra hour of sleep or attend a school event for your child, do so without hesitation or guilt. Simply remove it from your to-do list and reassure yourself that you’ll make it up next time.

Research underscores the importance of nurturing a healthy relationship with yourself in order to foster healthy relationships with loved ones. So, the next time you feel a twinge of guilt as you head out to exercise or spend an hour preparing a nutritious meal, remind yourself that you’re not only prioritising your own happiness and well-being but also benefiting those around you.