How To Stay Energised As A Busy Working Parent

Juggling work and family life is often exhausting and for many working parents, it is hard to find the extra time or energy to do much else. However, it is widely recognised that a regular sporting activity boosts your resilience and reduces stress.

As a busy mum of 2, striving to reach my professional aspirations and keep my family happy, I used to think that sport would be a selfish indulgence and one that would eat into the time that I had away for work and family.  

However after biting the bullet and signing up to my local gym, I soon realised that an hour’s fitness training twice a week boosted my performance at work and made me more effective at home. It also helped to reduce the tensions and worries that I was dealing with on a daily basis. My tiredness diminished as I started to sleep better and, of course, my self -confidence started to rise.

Researchers at « Harvard Business Review» surveyed a population of working adults to gather input regarding work and other demands. They discovered that there is a clear relationship between planned, regular physical activity and your ability to manage the balance of work and home. The surveys revealed that those who have integrated regular exercise into their daily lives are less likely to experience conflict between their work and home roles.

So, how is exercise beneficial?

Happy hormones 

When you work out your body releases mood-boosting hormones called endorphins, which produce feelings of happiness and well-being. Exercise also reduces the body’s stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. So don’t worry if you’re not a sporty type - getting a happy buzz from exercising for just 30 minutes, a few times a week, will have an overall positive effect on your mood and keep the negative thoughts away.

Managing stress 

Stress is a natural part of our busy lives and although you cannot eliminate it completely, you can take action to manage its impact on your wellbeing. Studies have shown that exercise is vital for maintaining mental fitness and reducing stress. It is also very effective at reducing fatigue, improving alertness and concentration. All of this can be helpful when stress has depleted your energy and your ability to focus. Taking up a sport can improve your blood circulation, reduce your heart rates and lower your blood pressure- all of which accompany stress. Lastly, exercise also increases concentrations of norepinephrine, a chemical that can moderate the brain’ response to stress.  So go ahead and get active!

A boost to self-esteem

Sport plays an important role in raising and maintaining your confidence and self-esteem. For those of you who have not exercised for a while, you will recognise those feeling of sluggishness and self-loathing, which can stop you from enjoying life to the full. Regular exercise will boost your physical appearance and body tone. This does wonders for the soul. As your strength, skills, and stamina increase through playing sports, your self-image will improve as well.

 A welcome diversion

We all need to take some time away from our desks, our hectic schedules and find some inner peace. Always worrying about tomorrow and ruminating over the past, we forget to be in the present and live life as it happens. Whilst exercising, you concentrate on your activity, so you can put the tasks and obligations of the day to one side. Sport is a form of mindfulness - being in the present moment » and detaching yourself from what has been or what may come next. When you are physically active, your mind is distracted from daily stressors.

We all make time for the crucial things in life such as sleep, eating and drinking. Sport is also crucial but is too often overlooked. So if you think that you are too busy to take up regular sport, think again. Put some time in your agenda to look after yourself - your work and family will reap the benefits!

Post written by Natalie Boudou, Thriving Parent Associate Coach & Trainer