As a busy mother, life often feels like a juggling act where I’m simultaneously the ringmaster and the tightrope walker in the circus of daily responsibilities. From sunrise to sunset, my world revolves around caring for my family, managing the household, and meeting the demands of work or other commitments. The chaotic symphony of school drop-offs, soccer practices, meal preparation, and deadlines can be overwhelming, but it’s a role I embrace with love and determination. In this fast-paced journey of motherhood, finding moments of respite and balance becomes not just a luxury but a necessity. Join me as we explore the strategies and insights that help me navigate this whirlwind and carve out precious moments for self-care, connection, and personal growth.

I am never going to get off this couch. That was my thought as I breastfed newborn twins while watching a 2-year old daughter, and a 3-year old son; waiting for my husband to get home from work. I was tired. I thought my body had undergone irreparable damage. My biggest concerns seemed to be that my kids were flushing Hot Wheels® down the toilet and turning the blender on without a lid while filling it with red grapes. I would never again have a moment to myself, or for myself. This was it.

To save my sanity, I realized that I once again needed physical activity, a break from my responsibilities, and some me-time. After the birth of my first child, I had joined the YMCA and attended regularly. Thank goodness for their child-care service. I looked forward to that each day.  It got me out of the house and let me focus on myself. I’ll admit there were times I only showered and visited with other moms. Regardless, I created a healthy routine. I did it before; I could do it again.

I was a runner for many years prior to becoming a mother.  I recalled how important goal setting and self-care were. It kept me accountable.  Eight months after having my first child I completed a marathon.  I felt exhilarated and proud of myself, not so much for running 26.1 miles, but for committing to a goal, putting in the work (when it would have been easier not to), and sticking it out.  I wanted to feel that again, despite having three additional children.

I needed another goal. I decided to move my body every day, one day at a time. Seemingly this was not a lofty goal, but getting the kids fed, dressed, and into their car seats or strollers for a trip to the gym or a walk was a major challenge in itself.  Regardless, this was the beginning.

Before long I was running again, and setting new goals. I began to feel like an athlete again. First, I committed to a 5-mile race, then a half-marathon, then a full marathon. I was getting faster. In 2010 I qualified for, and competed in the Boston marathon. I was a 40-year old with four kids between the ages of 7-11, yet I had accomplished something I never would have thought possible.

Goal setting in health and fitness is so important.  It makes me accountable to others and myself.  Making exercise a priority helps with my self-discipline; I move my body whether I feel like it or not while telling myself that something is better than nothing. I also found that when I’m active I eat well, and when I eat well I feel like being active. Sadly, there have been times when I have learned that the opposite is also true.

Living a busy lifestyle can be challenging, but with effective time management and self-care strategies, it’s possible to find balance and reduce stress. Here are some tips for people with busy lives:

  1. Prioritize Tasks: Identify your most important tasks and focus on them first. Use techniques like the Eisenhower Matrix to categorize tasks as urgent and important or non-urgent and less important.
  2. Set Clear Goals: Establish clear, achievable goals for both the short-term and long-term. Having a roadmap helps you stay focused and motivated.
  3. Create a Schedule: Use a planner or digital calendar to organize your day. Schedule specific blocks of time for work, meetings, and personal activities. Stick to your schedule as much as possible.
  4. Delegate and Outsource: Don’t hesitate to delegate tasks or outsource activities that others can do for you. This frees up your time for more important responsibilities.
  5. Say No: Learn to say no to additional commitments that don’t align with your priorities. Overcommitting can lead to burnout.
  6. Use Time Blocks: Implement time blocking for self-care, where you allocate dedicated periods for specific tasks. For example, set aside uninterrupted time for focused work.
  7. Minimize Distractions: Identify common distractions and find ways to minimize them. This could include turning off notifications, setting specific social media times, or creating a quiet workspace.
  8. Practice Mindfulness: Incorporate mindfulness techniques such as meditation or deep breathing exercises into your daily routine to reduce stress and improve focus.
  9. Get Organized: Keep your workspace and living area organized. Clutter can lead to added stress and wasted time looking for things.
  10. Batch Similar Tasks: Group similar tasks together. For instance, handle all your email responses in one block rather than constantly checking throughout the day.
  11. Take Breaks: Regular breaks can boost productivity and mental clarity. Use techniques like the Pomodoro method, which involves 25-minute focused work sessions followed by a 5-minute break.
  12. Maintain Work-Life Balance: Ensure you allocate time for relaxation, hobbies, and spending quality time with loved ones. Balance is key to overall well-being.
  13. Automate and Streamline: Look for ways to automate repetitive tasks or streamline processes. Technology can be a valuable ally in saving time.
  14. Stay Healthy: Prioritize your physical and mental health. Eat well, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep. A healthy body and mind are better equipped to handle a busy lifestyle.
  15. Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to ask for help or seek support from friends, family, or professionals when needed. They can provide assistance and offer valuable advice.

Remember that finding balance in a busy lifestyle is an ongoing process. It may require adjustments and fine-tuning to ensure you are effectively managing your time and taking care of yourself.

My husband is also very active. When we first became parents, we discussed and decided that one of our governing strategies was to parent by example in all regards, including self-care, nutrition, and physical fitness.  I think this commitment has had a positive effect towards each of them finding their passions.  Our oldest son now plays in the Alberta Junior Hockey League for Drayton Valley Thunder with the goal of a NCAA division 1 scholarship. Our daughter also plays hockey, enjoys snowboarding, and just completed a Jasper-to-Banff bicycle tour with my husband. Our youngest plays Bantam Prep hockey for Okanagan Hockey Edmonton while his twin attends the Royal Winnipeg Ballet professional division.

I have enough obligations in life, so exercise is my self-care. I keep it fun. To learn new things, and to be challenged, I hired a Personal Trainer. One day while working with my trainer Robbie (Alligator Alley personal training) he suggested I try training towards a powerlifting competition. I have to admit, I had no clue what powerlifting was, but the very thought conjured up images of less-than-feminine women with large muscles and facial hair, presumably from anabolic steroid use. I did my research and found a diverse, inclusive community of athletes, dispelling my fear that lifting heavy weights would lead to large, unattractive muscles.  Rather, I found a new venue to challenge myself physically and mentally. I found my passion for self-care.

Powerlifting is a strength sport consisting of three main lifts including bench press, squat, and deadlift. Competitors get three attempts at each lift for maximum total weight achieved. Competitors are classed accordingly to age and body weight.

My first powerlifting meet was the Oil Cup in May 2016.  I loved it!   The powerlifting community was like nothing I had previously experienced.  Athletes were supportive and encouraging.  I qualified for Nationals at that meet but had to compete in Regionals and Provincials first.  I achieved “Best Overall Masters Lifter” and gold in the Masters I -57 kg weight class division at Regionals. I currently hold the Alberta provincial records for all three lifts in my age division and weight class.

I will be competing at the Canadian Powerlifting Union National Championships this February 2018 in Calgary as a Masters II lifter (I will be turning 50 in 2018).  I am now coached by Avi Silverberg (Team Canada Powerlifting Coach). Avi provides me with my training plans each week.  Due to self-care and lifestyle constraints, I train four times a week at home by myself in my basement. It has become common place to be squatting over 240 lbs. benching over 135 lbs. and deadlifting over 300 lbs.  I also still see my trainer Robbie once a week for a fun workout and usually a welcome break from the lifts!

By Jody McPeak