Doing something for yourself shouldn’t have to feel like a rare luxury. It’s easy to think that once you’ve entered the motherhood phase of life, all the little joys slip away — but that doesn’t have to be the case. We make time for things that we believe are a priority, and it’s safe to say that, somewhere along the way, you’ve found yourself at the bottom of that list.

Romanticizing your morning isn’t about adding more to your plate. It’s about creating tiny, feel-good rituals that ground you and make the start of your day feel like yours, even with kids and family in the mix.

Some mornings, nothing goes as planned. But here’s the truth: the simple act of trying—of choosing yourself for a few minutes—is enough.

If you’re looking for a more intentional, grounded start to your day, here are 10 easy ways to romanticize your morning routine as a busy mom.

Romanticizing Your Morning Routine

1. Start Your Day With a Moment To Yourself

Even if it’s just five minutes before the house wakes up, create a quiet moment that’s only yours. Sip your coffee while it’s still hot, stretch in the sunlight, or read your devotional. It sets a calm, grounded tone for everything that follows.

What I do: I have started waking up 30 minutes before everyone else, and that window of alone time really makes all the difference in the world. I make my coffee, I prop up my phone on the bathroom counter and catch up with my favourite YouTubers while I do my makeup. It’s simple but effective. I find myself really looking forward to these moments.

2. Streamline Your Morning Makeup

Realistically, you don’t have time for a full face and don’t want to spend the little time you have searching for products. Instead, keep a “5-Minute Face” routine on deck. Get some solid products in your rotation that will do the heavy lifting for you with little effort.

My favourite beauty hack is been doing DIY lash extensions at home. It saves me so much time getting ready and they make me feel like a million bucks. This kit from Amazon is too good.

3. Romanticize Your Coffee or Tea Moment

There is something about drinking a fresh coffee out of a cute mug that just does it for me. Bring the overpriced cafe vibes to your kitchen every morning. Grab a sprinkle of cinnamon and froth your milk. My Nespresso Vertuo has completely transformed my coffee routine.

4. Prep One Thing That’ll Save You Time Tomorrow

Whether it’s prepping breakfast the night before or packing up your lunch, your future self will thank you. I usually pack my lunch while cleaning up dinner—you’re already putting food away, so why not check one more thing off your list?

There’s something so satisfying about just grabbing a packed meal on your way out the door. And if you’re in a season of cutting back on spending, it’s a simple way to save without overthinking it. Two birds, one stone.

5. Lay Out an Outfit the Night Before (That You Love)

This is the difference between feeling good vs. grabbing the first thing you see and hoping for the best. Visualizing an outfit in your head is risky, because let’s be real, it never looks as good in real life. Give yourself one less decision to make tomorrow.

6. Use One Elevated Product in Your Routine

A refreshing face mist. Your signature fragrance that makes you feel like that girl. A robe that makes you feel put together. Just one elevated touch can instantly change how your morning feels.

7. Create a Get-Ready Playlist

Have a morning playlist that sets the vibe: calm, upbeat, whatever you need that day. I’ve been really loving lo-fi music – it makes me feel like I am in the coziest cafe.

my Morning Routine Essentials

my everyday scent

the only primer you need

obsessed with these mugs

this spotify playlist

this machine is everything

You don’t need a slow, luxurious morning routine to feel grounded—just small moments that help you reclaim your day before it takes off running.

Mornings might not always go as planned, especially in the thick of mom life. But you deserve small moments of softness, too. Romanticizing your morning routine isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence. These tiny shifts can change the energy of your entire day.

Related: Mastering Your Day: Creating the Perfect Daily Routine

The post 10 Ways to Romanticize Your Morning Routine as a Busy Mom appeared first on Told By Jo.

What started out as a silly challenge to go on “hot mom morning walks” before work, quickly became the lifestyle change I didn’t know I needed.

Related: How to Set Fitness Goals You Can Accomplish

Here is how a simple commitment to walking 10K steps a day has completely changed my life—and it can for you, too.

Why Walk 10K Steps a Day?

I used to think walking was just a mindless activity. You know, something you do when you’re strolling in the mall or part of the work commute. But after seeing so many people (including first-time moms like myself) rave about the benefits of walking 10K steps a day, I had to try it out. Spoiler alert: It’s so much more than just physical exercise.

At first, I started walking purely to stay active. With a job that involves sitting for most of the day and staring at a computer screen for hours on end, I knew I needed to move more. But what started as a way to add some extra movement into my day turned into something more.

Tracking Calories and Understanding Balance

Here’s the thing: walking alone isn’t the secret to dropping pounds if that’s your end goal, but it’s a good start. It can burn a good amount of calories, but if you’re not mindful of what you’re eating, the results are going to be slow. That’s where calorie tracking comes into play.

The Weight Loss Calculator is a great tool to help you better understand your daily caloric intake. It’s easy to use and helps you figure out how many calories you need to eat daily to reach your weight loss goals based on your activity level.

For me, losing weight was more than just about maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The calculator gave me the insight I needed to adjust my daily intake without feeling overwhelmed by numbers or overly restrictive diets.

I recommend running your numbers to get some insight into the number of calories your body needs to maintain, lose or gain weight. If anything, it allows you to see the bigger picture of caloric breakdown.

It can give you a clearer picture of how even the smallest diet adjustments can impact your overall health.

The Changes I Noticed in My Body After Walking 10K Steps a Day

1. Increased Walking Distance: After the first week of my walking challenge, I noticed how much further I was able to walk. Since I would take my longest walk during my lunch break, it was easy for me to see how much faster and longer I was able to walk.

2. I Started Getting More Competitive With Myself: Once I knew that I was capable of walking 10,000 steps in a day, I began trying to reach a higher number each day. My current personal best is just over 15,000 steps!

3. I Lost 6 Pounds: After a few weeks, I noticed my face slimming down and I started to feel really good! The number on the scale was a huge bonus, but I could tell that my overall health was improving.

4. My Intensity Increased: I picked up the pace with my steps and noticed that after my daily walks, I was sweating as if I had been going hard in the gym. I could feel my calves burning most days!

How to Walk 10,000 Steps a Day to Improve Your Health

If you’re thinking about starting your own 10K steps a day journey, here are a few tips that helped me stay consistent:

1. Break it up: Don’t feel like you have to walk 10K steps all at once. I break mine into two or three walks throughout the day. A 30-minute walk in the morning and evening can get you most of the way there! My trick is to have my lunch at my desk and then use my hour to walk around the neighbourhood.
2. Make walking the default: I used to take the subway a couple of stops to get to the office but have started walking instead. The walk is about 12 minutes one way, which means I saved $3.50 and rolled up about 2000 steps. I have also started walking from the station to my daughter’s daycare whenever possible. These small changes have made such a big difference in my life!
3. Track your progress: Use your phone or a simple smartwatch to monitor your steps. This Amazon watch, which costs only $22, has been such a huge help for me. I like being able to see my progress throughout the day, and it pushes me to take a few extra laps!
4. Make it enjoyable: Listen to podcasts, audiobooks, or your favourite playlists while you walk. It will make the time fly by and give you something to look forward to. I have plowed through hours of my favourite podcast during my walking sessions!
5. Pair it with mindful eating: Start paying attention to what you’re eating and how it makes you feel. A weight loss calculator can be helpful if you have specific goals in mind, helping you find the right balance between food intake and activity.

A Mindful Approach to Eating

One of the biggest transformations I’ve noticed since starting my 10K steps a day habit is how much more mindful I’ve become about what I’m eating. It wasn’t an overnight change, but as I made walking a regular part of my routine, I naturally began paying more attention to what I was putting into my body.

I’m more aware of when I’m actually hungry than when I’m eating out of habit or boredom.

Walking daily made me feel more aligned with my health and more aware of my food choices. Instead of mindlessly snacking throughout the day or reaching for convenience foods, I started thinking, “How will this fuel my body and keep me full until my next meal?”

It’s a subtle mindset shift but one that’s greatly influenced my relationship with food. I continue to be mindful about not drinking my calories and reaching for a wholesome snack or meal that will satisfy me.

The Mental Shift

For me, this journey has been about feeling better mentally and physically. Walking 10K steps a day has given me space to clear my mind, de-stress, and take a break during busy days. It’s become my form of self-care.

It’s helped me sleep better and feel more energized throughout the day, too. The more I walked, the more I realized that this wasn’t just about a physical transformation—my mental health was improving, too.

This post was all about walking 10k steps a day and how it changed my life.

The post I Started Walking 10K Steps a Day and Here is What I Learned appeared first on Told By Jo.

In this blog post, I will walk you through the process of creating the perfect daily routine that aligns with your goals, boosts your productivity, and nurtures your overall well-being. Let’s dive in!

Creating the Perfect Daily Routine

1. Define Your Priorities and Goals

Before crafting your daily routine, take a moment to reflect on your priorities and goals. What areas of your life do you want to focus on? Is it work, personal development, health, relationships, or a combination of these? By identifying your core priorities, you can design a routine that emphasizes the most important aspects of your life.

2. Wake Up Early for a Productive Start

The early bird catches the worm, they say, and it holds true for creating a successful daily routine. Waking up early allows you to seize the quiet hours of the morning, which are ideal for getting your mind right and setting the tone for the rest of the day. Use this time for activities such as meditation, journaling, exercise, or planning your day ahead. This is the perfect time to enjoy your morning cup of coffee or tea and really be present before the hustle of the day.

3. Plan Your Day the Night Before

To make the most of your daily routine, develop a habit of planning your day the night before. Review your goals, tasks, and appointments, and create a to-do list. Prioritize your tasks, allocating time for both essential and non-essential activities. This way, you’ll wake up with a clear roadmap, ready to tackle the day with purpose and efficiency.

Another great tip is to make good use of your phone calendar and set alerts to make certain that things are not falling through the cracks. You have a busy life so give yourself one less thing to worry about by trying to remember every important date.

I love using these undated planners because life happens and there is nothing more discouraging than buying a yearly planner that you don’t get to finish. I can count on one had the number of planners I’ve bought over the years that have gone missing and have been found just before the year is up!

4. Incorporate Time Blocks for Different Activities

Breaking your day into time blocks helps to maintain focus and avoid multitasking. Assign specific periods for different activities, such as work or study, exercise, personal time, and relaxation. I find that if I don’t intentionally set aside time for specific things that I want to accomplish, they quickly get forgotten and put on the back burner.

Be mindful of your energy levels and allocate tasks accordingly. Remember to include short breaks to recharge and prevent burnout. Power naps are crucial if you can find the time for them!

5. Cultivate Healthy Habits

A well-rounded daily routine includes self-care and healthy habits that feed your body and mind. Make time to move your body, whether it’s a morning workout, a lunchtime walk, or an evening yoga session. Don’t underestimate the power of guided YouTube workouts – they’re free and can be done in the comfort of your home.

Incorporate balanced meals and hydrate adequately throughout the day. I recently bought this large water bottle that I take everywhere with me, even around the house. It’s a constant reminder that I need to drink water and I aim to finish at least one a day. Additionally, prioritize quality sleep by establishing a consistent bedtime routine.

6. Minimize Digital Distractions

Our phones have quickly become an extension of our fingertips so it’s crucial to manage screen time and minimize distractions. Set designated periods for checking emails and social media to prevent mindless scrolling. It’s so easy to get sucked into the rabbit hole of Instagram and TikTok – I’m guilty of this as well!

Consider implementing tech-free zones or hours to create space for deeper focus, relaxation, and meaningful connections. An easy change can be eliminating phones at the dinner table to allow you to be present with your loved ones and get a moment to catch up.

7. Embrace Flexibility and Adaptability

While routines provide structure, it’s important to embrace flexibility and adaptability. Life is unpredictable, and unexpected events can disrupt your plans. Allow room for adjustments and be open to adapting your routine as needed. Remember, a routine should serve as a guide, not a rigid set of rules. Once you throw in other factors such as work life, family and other responsibilities, routines can quickly get thrown off!

8. Reflect and Fine-Tune

Regularly evaluate your daily routine to assess its usefulness and make necessary adjustments. Reflect on what’s working well and what needs improvement. Be mindful of your energy levels, productivity patterns, and overall satisfaction. Fine-tune your routine to align with your evolving goals and needs. Remember to be gentle and kind to yourself – you’re doing your best.

Creating the perfect daily routine is an empowering tool to improve productivity, well-being, and fulfillment in your life. By defining your priorities, setting goals, and designing a schedule that incorporates healthy habits and intentional time blocks, you’ll experience a greater sense of control and accomplishment. Remember, creating a daily routine is a journey, so embrace the process, be present, and enjoy the unpredictable moments.

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What Does it Mean to Be “That Girl”?

Being “That Girl” is an empowering concept that represents a woman who exudes confidence, style, and a positive aura. Ultimately, being “That Girl” is about embracing your unique qualities, owning your personal power, and living life on your own terms. It’s about cultivating self-confidence, style, compassion, and ambition while staying true to yourself and lifting others along the way.

Creating a “That Girl” Routine That is True to You

1. Start Your Day with Purpose

The foundation of a “That Girl” routine lies in starting your day with intention and purpose. Set aside a little extra time each morning to indulge in some self-care and reflection. It’s your special “me” time. Try waking up a bit earlier to enjoy a quiet moment of solitude.

Whether it’s practicing yoga, meditation, or jotting down your thoughts in a journal, find activities that uplift your spirit and set positive intentions for the day ahead. Trust me, starting your day with purpose will make a world of difference!

2. Cultivate a Signature Style

Create a wardrobe that reflects the best version of yourself and makes you feel amazing. Invest in timeless, high-quality pieces that you can mix and match with ease. And don’t forget to play around with accessories—they can work wonders in elevating any outfit!

Remember, the key is confidence. Rock your signature style with a smile, and you’ll be turning heads everywhere you go!

3. Embrace a Healthy Lifestyle

Nurturing your body and mind is an essential part of embracing your “That Girl” routine. Fill your plate with delicious, nutritious foods that make you feel energized and vibrant from the inside out. And let’s not forget exercise—it’s like a natural mood booster! Find an activity that brings you joy, whether it’s dancing, yoga, or simply going for a walk.

Lastly, don’t skimp on the beauty sleep! Get those Zzz’s and wake up feeling refreshed and ready to conquer the world!

4. Develop a Positive Mindset

A positive mindset is a game-changer. Practice gratitude and count your blessings—big or small. Surround yourself with positivity, whether it’s supportive friends, inspiring books, or uplifting podcasts. When negative thoughts creep in, challenge them and replace them with affirmations and empowering self-talk.

Remember, you’re amazing and capable of great things. Believe in yourself, and watch your confidence soar!

5. Pursue Personal Growth

Keep growing, learning, and evolving. Feed your curiosity by expanding your knowledge, exploring new interests, and developing your skills. Dive into captivating books, attend workshops, or learn something new—it’s all part of the exciting journey of personal growth.

Set goals, take small steps each day, and celebrate your progress along the way. You’re on your way to becoming the best version of yourself!

Remember, “That Girl” isn’t a fictional character; she’s within you, waiting to be expressed. It’s all about embracing your shine. Remember, you have the power within you to exude confidence, grace, and style. Embrace your unique charm, and let it radiate in every aspect of your life. So, get ready to rock your routine with purpose, style, health, positivity, and growth. You’re on your way to becoming the best version of yourself.

The post How to Become Your Own Version of “That Girl”: Creating an Inspired Routine appeared first on Told By Jo.

I’ve been wanting to try out a new nail shape for a while now (hello almond and stiletto nails!) so I did just that. I checked out Kuko House – probably the cutest nail shop I’ve ever stepped foot inside. They serve ice cream for all customers but I had an early appointment so didn’t get to take advantage of that perk!

Following my manicure, I stumbled upon a new coffee shop. Well, new to me because I’d never tried it before. I was thoroughly impressed and the shop was super cute.

Give me good coffee and a fresh set of nails and I’m a happy girl. The perfect fall self-care day.

I’ve been toying with the idea of starting vlogs for the longest time and finally took the leap this weekend. I shared a poll on my Instagram stories last week and I received a ton of encouragement.

Leave it to internet friends to always support and encourage you to do crazy (but fun!) things. I would love for you to check out my first (hopefully of many) mini vlogs.

What is your favourite time of the year and how do you spend your solo self-care days?

Related: Breakfast and Brunch Spots in Toronto

The post The Perfect Fall Self Care Day and a Mini Vlog appeared first on Told By Jo.

When I started working from home as a result of quarantine back in March 2020, I picked up the hobby of baking. Cupcakes, cookies, cakes and tons of banana bread. Sounds both fun and delicious, I know, but because I was stuck indoors for multiple days on end and enjoying all the goodies I was learning to make, I stopped feeling my best. It wasn’t a matter of losing weight and eating certain foods, rather I stopped taking care of myself and my body thus the neglect was starting to show.

I woke up early one morning in June and decided that I wanted to change the way I felt. I squeezed into my workout clothes and headed out the door. I challenged myself to one hour of walking everyday, which gradually became a jog and then a run. Some days it’s simply a home workout but the goal is to keep it up.

With time I’ve started to look and feel like my best self again and I am so encouraged to continue to take small steps to reach healthy, life goals- whatever that may look like on a daily basis. You can also check out this post where I share three easy healthy habits that busy people start.

Below I’m sharing some tips that helped me to jump start my fitness journey when I was in a slump and they continue to help me to set lifestyle and fitness goals that are both practical and attainable. Incorporating running into my life has been transformational for the way I feel both inside and out. I hope my tips will inspire and encourage you to take action on your fitness goals. So let’s get into it: how to set fitness goals you can accomplish.

1. Share your fitness goals with someone for accountability

Once I said my plan to get healthy outloud and put it out into the universe, it made it real. This was a game changer for me. When we internalize the things we want to achieve, we do it in a way that if we fall short of the mark, then people don’t know that we didn’t succeed or follow through, there is no one to hold us accountable. Thus saving face. The problem with that, in my opinion, is that it keeps you from pushing yourself and finding a reason to show up.

If you follow me on Instagram, you may have noticed that I created a story highlight that documents my daily runs and workout. By publicly showing friends and family that I have set this fitness goal, it allows me to show up regularly to hold myself accountable and the support I receive encourages me to keep going. I am constantly getting questions about how I stay motivated and continue to workout regularly, and seeing the impact it has made in the lives of my friends and family makes me feel really good.

2. Be kind to yourself and give yourself credit

The hardest part about starting something new and setting unfamiliar goals is that we often feel like it is either all or nothing. That just isn’t the case. If you fall off one day, two days or even a week, that’s alright! Just pick up where you left off the next day. Don’t beat yourself up for needing the time to refresh or taking a time out. All that matters is that you get back on track and keep pushing.

If you don’t accomplish your fitness goal in a certain amount of time, adjust the deadline. Go back to the drawing board and figure out a plan that will allow you to set a comfortable pace. Reflect on how far you’ve come and give yourself a pat on the back. For a while I was building up my stamina to run 5KM (which for me was quite a lot) in an hour and I would have days where my time was way over an hour. Rather than beating myself up about it, I would give myself for completing my run, regardless of how long it took me that day.

3. Invest in great pair of running shoes

I can’t stress how important it is to have a pair of shoes that are designed for the type of workout activity that you enjoy. As I’ve gotten better at running and being physically active, I’ve realized the importance of shoes that are both supportive and functional for me. Not all activewear shoes are made alike and though we all want to look good while working out, being safe is also part of the long game. 

These Ultraboost 20’s are extremely comfortable and I love how they form around my feet to give me all around comfort without being bulky. This pair is made with 78% recycled material containing Parley Ocean Plastic, how cool is that? They also offer a sturdy grip for running.

Over the years I’ve developed achy knees when I am active for a prolonged period of time so having a good pair of shoes helps to support my strides and cushion the pressure on my legs. This article gives great insight on the things to consider when you’re looking for a new pair of running shoes and talks about the essentials elements of a great pair.

If you have a solid idea of the type of shoe you need for your level of activity and looking for a new pair, you can find some great options here. Having great workout gear not only ensures that I am running in comfort but it always gives me a confidence boost because when you look great, you feel great too!

4. Write down your goals

You know how the saying goes: out of sight, out of mind. By writing down your fitness goals and putting them in a place that you can see them, especially first thing in the morning, it gets you in the mindset to take steps throughout the day that will help you get closer to that mark. I really enjoy writing motivation and reminders on sticky notes and placing them on my computer, fridge, mirror and anywhere else that is in my regular line of sight.

Another way that you could get your fitness goals out of your head and onto paper is by creating a vision board. This allows you to have a birds eye view of all your goals and what accomplishing them could look like. Creating a vision board will allow you to flex your creative muscle and maybe even encourage you to create multiple goals that you can manifest through this visual reminder.

5. Be intentional and have a plan on how you will get to point B

Alright, so you’ve made your fitness goals and took the necessary steps to ensure that they are actionable. They are spelled out clearly so you know what it is that you want to achieve, but now what? You start! Start by running (or jogging) 15-20 minutes today and work your way up from there. A good mix of brisk walking, jogging and running is a great way to switch things up and keep you going when you’re starting to feel the burn.

Connecting with like minded people or people who are on the same path as you is a great way to stay motivated. Having someone on your side who truly understands your fitness goals and the work that is required to get there can be very encouraging. My husband and I run together weekly and having someone to push me when I’m feeling unmotivated is really great. We can bounce ideas off of each other and find creative ways to get out of the house and be active, even if it’s taking a long walk and exploring a new area of our neighbourhood.

How to Set Fitness Goals You Can Accomplish

To sum it all up, setting fitness goals you can accomplish can be intimidating at first because it forces you to step out of your comfort zone and learn something new. I believe that what has really helped me with accomplishing my goal of becoming healthier and incorporating running into my life is sharing my fitness goals with others, setting myself up for success by investing in good shoes and attire, being intentional and reevaluating my goals to see how far I’ve come. 

The post How to Set Fitness Goals You Can Accomplish appeared first on Told By Jo.

Although I’m only in my late twenties, I’ve come to the realization that my body doesn’t function the way it once did a few years ago. I remember the days when I could eat burgers and fries like it was going out of style and not gain a single pound! I now have to make a conscious effort to watch the foods I eat, drink tons of water and to make sure that I’m moving my body and breaking a sweat regularly.

The hardest part about implementing healthy habits is the amount of time, dedication and planning it takes to execute this mastermind plan we have in our heads to be the best version of ourselves! I’m learning not to be so hard on myself so long as I can continue to make small changes daily, my body will thank me and I will reap the long-term benefits.

I’ve comprised a list of three healthy habits for busy women that can be a great help for those who are looking to make small but significant improvements in their lifestyle and create beneficial routines that will ultimately make you feel and look better (if that is your goal, of course!)

Take Control of Your Day

If you’re someone who gets overwhelmed easily and likes to plan out your day, this is a great place to start. I strongly believe that planning ahead and creating lists allows you to feel in charge and stay a few steps ahead, that way you don’t feel as though you’re hanging on by a thread and doing things on a whim. This way you’re also not rushing to get things done last minute or forgetting altogether.

We often overlook our sanity when we’re considering healthy habits to create and knowing what is to come daily and weekly can help you better prepare and hopefully prevent stress and overwhelm before it happens.

I prefer to plan my day or week in the morning while I’m enjoying a cup of coffee, using a physical planner. I really enjoy writing things down on paper and crossing out tasks as I complete them – this gives me a sense of accomplishment. 

My favourite planners are from Indigo, they are so many to choose from! I’m currently using the Hobbry 17-Month Planner and you can find a similar one here. If you don’t have a planner, a simple to-do list on a piece of paper that you won’t lose or on your phone is perfect!

Pack a Lunch for Work

For me personally, packing a lunch from home allows me to prepare (see, here comes the planning I was talking about earlier!) and make good choices when it comes to food. I find that if I go to work without a packed lunch, I’m more likely to make a poor food choices out of convenience and hunger. It’s so easy to go to the drive thru and pick up a fast food meal but I know how sluggish I end up feeling afterwards and regret the decision shortly afterwards. 

I try to make sure that my lunch consists of protein and vegetables, I try to stay away from having carbs such as bread, pasta and rice as it leaves me feeling incredibly full. By the time my lunch ends I’m ready to call it a day and go home to nap- I can’t be the only one who feels this way! 

My favourite lunch combinations are baked salmon with green beans and oven roasted brussel sprouts and homemade greek salad with grilled chicken. These dishes can be easily kept refrigerated until they’re ready to eat so I like to make big portions to save me time during the week. I’m also a big snacker and like to have something to small to eat throughout the day, I think more so out of habit than to curb hunger. Some of my favourite healthy snacks are Quaker Oats rice cakes, Harvest Snaps green pea snap crisps, and Good to Go low carb keto bars. I keep these in my bag or in my desk drawer at work for when I’m in desperate need of a treat!

Go for a walk and get some fresh air

Many people find the concept of working out and going to the gym overwhelming and a tad intimidating. You don’t always know what to do when you get there and you end up with more questions that solutions. Which machine should you use? How many reps are you suppose to do? How much weight should you lift? Is your form correct? Are people watching you and thinking you’re an amateur? These are all things I’ve asked myself in the past when I first started going to the gym so if this is you, you’re not alone.

As my life has gotten busier and finding time has become increasingly difficult, I’ve started taking short walks whenever I can throughout my day. Since I work in an office and I am stationed at my desk all day, getting up and moving is so important. I try to spend 15 minutes of my one hour lunch walking outside, even if it’s just walking to get some coffee.

I bring a pair of comfortable shoes that I keep in the car that I can change into before I head outside. I have a FitBit which helps me keep track of my daily activity and lets me know when I’ve been inactive and should get up from my desk and take a lap. It reminds me to move every hour, even if its taking a stroll to fill up my water bottle down the hall.

Now that summer is coming back around, it’s not completely dark outside by the time I get home so a short walk before or after dinner works for me too. This also really helpful with unwinding after a long day, disconnecting from life’s demands and catching up with my husband if he joins me for a walk.

We like to throw on our comfy workout gear because working out isn’t just going to the gym and who says being active can’t also mean being fashionable. Even if I am alone, it’s amazing to take the load off and bring myself back to refreshed place both physically and mentally.  Sometimes I use this as the perfect time to catch up on my favourite podcasts by Goal Digger, Elevation Church and Thrive!

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