need motivation

piel2000 · Mon, April 26th, 2004, 12:15 AM

i need some advice. what keeps yall going? how do you make your self get up and do things? i have two kids and i feel like the laziest mother when it comes down to outside activities and running around like a fun mother. for a day to a week i will do a lot and come the next week all i want to do is sit around. i thought cutting all fast food and only cooking at home would give me a little boost but it has not and it has been three weeks since i ate out. what do yall do to boost your energy and be a good mom (son 2 daughter 10 months)

FionaMaeve · Mon, April 26th, 2004, 01:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by piel2000

i need some advice. what keeps yall going? how do you make your self get up and do things? i have two kids and i feel like the laziest mother when it comes down to outside activities and running around like a fun mother. for a day to a week i will do a lot and come the next week all i want to do is sit around. i thought cutting all fast food and only cooking at home would give me a little boost but it has not and it has been three weeks since i ate out. what do yall do to boost your energy and be a good mom (son 2 daughter 10 months)

They are so cute.

Looks like they're having fun.

Can you take them for walks? (With one or both in a stroller.) That might be fun for them and the exercise might give you a boost.

AndrewJones · Mon, April 26th, 2004, 01:50 AM

I dont know what kind of home you have, but if you want to get some excercise while having fun, you could always chase the chidlren around the house while playing tag, or that your some kind of monster and they have to escape you. I found that to be amusing when i was 3.

Also it made me tired and need to take naps so then you can rest while they are napping =)

AJ

Jimbo · Mon, April 26th, 2004, 07:51 AM

I use visualization for motivation. With my son, I have visualized being the "fun Dad". I think of activities like fishing, camping, swimming, playing catch, etc with him in years to come. I also visualized comming home after work and having the energy to play games with him like Mr. Jones mentioned.
Any kind of cardio training will help you get the energy you desire.
BTW, you're not cutting the calories too much, are you?

honu*girl · Mon, April 26th, 2004, 04:27 PM

Hey there -

I haven't posted in a while, but this is my area! I have an 11 yo daughter, and a 3 yo son. When he was a baby and I was still a SAHM, I had no energy! But it seemed once I started working, things got better - go figure. Last summer I became a SAHM again, but it was a busy life with building a house, moving, I finally lived near family etc. Now that I'm in my house, things seem to have settled down and I'm experiencing the NO ENERGY thing.

I've come to believe - the more I do, the more I can do. Moving and doing things GIVES me energy, you would think it would take it!

Eating better and exercising really helps - but having a schedule will help too.

Plan play groups, go to the park, go to toddler story hour at the library, etc. We started having our day at home almost like a preschool - (not all the time) but kids like routine too. Another thing, if part of it is the whole housework ordeal - there is a site called www.flylady.net I can't get into her whole planning system - but the basics are interesting. She says to get fully dressed, everyday including hair, make-up and shoes! Also to work on small projects for 15 minutes at a time.

Don't forget to take care of yourself! When you meet goals, go get a pedicure or go shopping or go out to eat (healthy!) with friends!! Mommies need time too! (AND ... don't feel bad if you need a nap, you still have really little ones!)

Good luck... feel free to PM or e-mail me anytime about the MOMMY stuff

Christina · Tue, April 27th, 2004, 04:12 PM

[quote=honu*girl]

I haven't posted in a while, but this is my area!

[quote]

Same for me.

I am a SAHM with four little ones, ages 5, 4, 2, and 7 mos. Ever since we had our first baby, my husband and I have made it a huge priority to let me take time for me every day and go to the gym. I rely on that time for several reasons. It is good for me mentally, emotionally, and physically. Having that time makes me a better mom when I am with them. It helps me keep my focus, not to mention keeping physically in shape so I can run after them.

Over the years the timing has changed depending on his work schedule and my energy level, but when something comes up to get in the way of my work-out time, we make it a priority to find a way to squeeze it into our schedule again. My husband and I both know that if I don't work out, I am a grump. I yell at the kids more, and my motivation goes out the window. Right now I slip away to the gym right after dinner. While I am gone, my husband "cleans up" (I always have to finish when I get back) and gets the kids ready for bed. Then we put the kids to bed as soon as I get home. It requires sacrifice for everyone, but it is so worth it because it makes me a better mom. Working out actually gives me my motivation. I'm a lucky woman to have a husband who understands this and makes it possible for me. Without his support, it could not happen.

Expense of a gym membership has been an issue from time to time. It seems like such a luxury, and when you are looking for places to tighten the budget, it seems to be the obvious choice. My husband always insists that it is a necessary expense for us. Just allowing me to have that gym membership makes our whole family life better. It is as important as buying food and diapers. We always somehow make it work, even when it seems that we can't afford it.