Seriously, how did May become the month of a million things?! My usually (somewhat) organized life has transformed into a buzzing hive of activity practically overnight! Between running my NakaNaka Mom Fitness business, unexpectedly leading the elementary school Track & Field team as a head coach, and somehow ending up in charge of the Japanese school’s sports competition committee, my calendar looks like a toddler attacked it with colorful markers. And amidst all this glorious chaos, there’s still the small matter of being a mom and trying to make progress on my own fitness goals for summer!
How do we possibly manage it all without completely losing our minds (or our fitness progress)? Well, I’m still figuring it out, but here are some survival strategies that are (mostly) keeping me afloat during this wonderfully busy May:
1. Time Blocking: My New Best Friend (and Worst Enemy):
Gone are the days of a vague to-do list. Now, every minute (almost) is allocated. From early morning workouts before the house wakes up to dedicated blocks for NakaNaka Mom Fitness tasks, track practice, and even meal prepping, scheduling is key. The downside? Sticking to it is a constant battle. Life with kids (and coaching duties) rarely goes according to plan.
Solution: Be flexible! Treat your schedule as a guideline, not gospel. If something gets derailed, try to reschedule it rather than abandoning it altogether. Even 15-minute chunks of focused work can make a difference.
2. Batching is My Business (and Sanity) Saver:
Instead of tackling one email, then one social media post, then one client program, I’m trying to batch similar tasks. I’ll dedicate a specific hour to answering all emails, another to creating social media content for the week, and so on. This helps me get into a flow and reduces the mental switching costs. Trust me on this one, bouncing between a ton of different things whenever they pop up makes it feel like you’re on a 24/7 treadmill.
Solution: Identify recurring tasks in your business and mom life and see where you can group them together. Meal prepping for a few days at once, scheduling all your social media for the week, or tackling all your coaching admin in one go can free up significant time.
3. Leveraging the “Mom Network” (and Saying Yes to Help):
I’ve always been a bit of a “do-it-myself” type, but this May has forced me to lean on my incredible network of mom friends and my supportive husband. Whether it’s getting my husband to cook dinner or just chatting things through with my mom friends, leaning on others has been a lifesaver.
Solution: Don’t be afraid to ask for support! Whether it’s your partner, family, friends, or even your online community, people are often willing to lend a hand. Identify areas where you can delegate or share responsibilities.
4. Integrating Fitness into the Chaos:
Finding dedicated workout time feels like a luxury these days. So, I’m looking for ways to integrate movement into my busy schedule. Early morning elliptical sessions are my go-to for guaranteed cardio. I also try to be more mindful of movement throughout the day – taking the stairs, walking during phone calls, even squeezing in a quick 10-minute bodyweight circuit when the kids are occupied.
Solution: Think creatively about how you can incorporate movement into your day. Can you walk or bike for errands? Do a quick workout during your lunch break? Involve your kids in active play? Every little bit counts!
5. Mindful Eating (with Scheduled Indulgences):
Stress can easily derail healthy eating habits, especially when time is scarce. I’m focusing on prepping healthy meals and snacks whenever I can. And yes, I’ve scheduled a cheat day! (A day after the last meet of Track & Field! Ha!) Knowing I have that to look forward to helps me stay on track during the week.
Solution: Plan your meals and snacks to avoid impulsive unhealthy choices. Keep healthy options readily available. And don’t deprive yourself – a planned treat can actually help you stay consistent in the long run. But remember not to overdo it!
6. Prioritizing Sleep (Even When It Feels Impossible):
Burning the candle at both ends might seem like the only way to get everything done, but it’s a recipe for burnout (and derailing all your healthy habits). I’m trying to prioritize sleep, even if it means sacrificing a little “me time” at night. A well-rested me is a more efficient business owner, a more patient coach, a more present mom, and someone who has the energy to actually work out! I literally go to bed with my boys (we are co-sleepers!) at 9pm every day.
Solution: Aim for consistent sleep, even if it’s not a full eight hours every night. Create a relaxing bedtime routine and try to minimize screen time before sleep.
This May is definitely a juggling act, but I’m determined to navigate it with as much grace (and caffeine) as possible. It’s a reminder that life isn’t always about perfect balance, but about finding a rhythm that works for you in that particular season. And who knows, maybe all this will lead to some amazing growth – both for my business, the kids I’m coaching, and my own journey towards a healthy and happy summer! Wish me luck (and send coffee)!
