How to Fit Running into a Balanced Family Routine
Modern family routines are filled with endless chores and responsibilities – all of which have to be juggled with work. Adding running, or any exercise in fact, to this roster might initially seem like a crazy, unachievable dream. However, with some strategy and commitment, it’s easier than you may think.
Juggling Running with Everyday Life
Prepare for your running sessions just as you would for any daily activity. Picture running as a significant appointment you’ve scheduled with yourself. If it helps, have a bag ready with everything you need (water bottles, sweatbands, etc.), and keep shoes and jackets for running by the door. By preparing in advance, you’ll increase the likelihood of actually squeezing in a run during the day.
Early Morning Runs
The saying goes that ‘the early bird catches the worm.’ This applies to running as much as to anything else. Kicking off the day with a brisk run is often the most effective way to build a running routine, as it provides a calm, uninterrupted period to focus on the exercise. This habit ensures you complete your daily workout and leaves you feeling rejuvenated and ready to tackle the day.
Run During Child Activities
Few parents enjoy the seemingly endless rounds of driving kids to and from their various activities. However, viewing these journeys as an opportunity rather than a chore can change the dynamic. When your children are at their football practice or ballet class, try going for a quick run instead of waiting idly. This leverages otherwise lost time and significantly contributes to cultivating an effective running routine.
Combine Family Time with Running
A great way to spend time with family while working out is to include them in your runs. You can make this a weekend activity, where everyone gets involved. If your children are younger, they can join in on their bikes. This keeps you fit and promotes a healthy lifestyle and healthier hobbies among your loved ones. Sharing the experience helps you to motivate each other to keep up with the routine by creating a supportive environment.
Economic Use of Lunch Breaks
For those who find it a struggle to run in the early morning or after work, utilising lunch breaks at work could be a viable solution. A quick run in the midday sun might serve to refresh the mind better than sitting and eating at your desk, leaving you more focused for the rest of the day.
Embrace Technology and Home Workouts
On days when leaving the house is near impossible due to work or childcare, integrating technology into your routine could be the answer. There are numerous digital platforms which offer guided runs and workouts. You can follow these while your child naps, or even let your child join in and make it fun for them.
Create a Routine and Stick With It
However you choose to fit running into your family routine, the most crucial aspect is to make it a routine. Take one step at a time, and you’ll see that with time, it gets easier. You might not always have the motivation, but loyalty to the routine can drive you on such days. Keep yourself committed to the schedule, and gradually, running will become an intrinsic part of your balanced family routine.
Running holds an array of benefits physically and mentally, and integrating a running routine into busy family schedules can be highly rewarding. Families that implement running into their routines develop a collective set of healthy habits and promote an active lifestyle among all members. It’s never too late or too early to embrace running as part of your family routine. Lace up your running shoes, gather your family, and embark on a journey towards a healthier future.
