Namita Nayyar:
Many moms struggle with prioritizing their health because they feel selfish doing so. What’s your message to them?
Shannon Leach:
It’s never selfish to take care of yourself. When you take care of yourself, you are being an example to your own children — You want THEM to take care of themselves, right? If you don’t prioritize your own health, you may not be around for all of their special milestones. Your health is not about aesthetics. It is about having the strength to pick up your kiddos. It’s about being able to go on a bike ride with them. It’s being able to get on the floor and play with them. It’s about being able to be present because you aren’t running on empty (which you will be if you don’t meet your own needs!!). It’s not selfish at all.
In fact, it is giving your family the BEST gift when you take care of yourself — They will be getting your true, authentic self that is energized and rested, and patient. There are so many sayings that remind me of this… “You can’t pour from an empty cup” (you are the cup that needs to be full so you can pour into your children’s lives). And then the idea that, on an airplane, the flight attendants always tell you to “put your oxygen mask on first.” If you don’t have oxygen, you won’t be able to help others. The same goes for your health. If you do not prioritize your own health, you will no longer be able to care for others the way that you want to or are capable of.
Namita Nayyar:
What mindset shifts helped you go from feeling stretched thin to feeling empowered in both motherhood and fitness?
Shannon Leach:
The mindset shift that enabled me to feel empowered in motherhood and in fitness is remembering that my body now is exactly as it is meant to be. My body now is NOT expecting to look like it did before I had children. My body doesn’t define me. My body is meant to be LIVED in. And, if I am taking care of myself through proper nutrition, healthy movement of my body (exercise), I will be able to live life to the fullest and be the best Mom I can be to my own children.
It is also such a good reminder to remember that our kids are ALWAYS watching what we do — How we care for our bodies and our health. They will mimic what you do, and, if I keep them at the forefront, it helps me always work toward being the healthiest version of myself.
Namita Nayyar:
How do you think your commitment to health and fitness impacts your children’s habits and outlook on wellness?
Shannon Leach:
I definitely think my commitment to health and fitness plays a role in how my children view wellness. We are a family that skis together and hikes together. We love to be outdoors, and, thankfully, it has instilled a love in THEM for these things, too. They aren’t afraid to try new things as they have seen me do a variety of activities/fitness.
They view sports as a fun and healthy way to move their bodies. They never view physical activity as punishment or something they have to do. They move their bodies in a way that feels right to them — Movement that is fun and brings joy into their lives. And, I am so thankful they have viewed it in this way, as most of our kids are now on a competitive sports team, which is helping them learn such important life skills such as being a good teammate, working hard, persevering, being coachable, etc.
Namita Nayyar:
What are three realistic fitness or self-care tips you would give to working moms with very little time?
Shannon Leach:
3 realistic / fitness tips I’d give to working Moms with little time…
1- Prioritize SLEEP. Sleep is needed to maintain hormonal balance. And if you do have a tiny window to sneak in a workout, if you are RESTED, it is more likely to happen.
2- Focus on nutrition — Again, a fueled body and mind are going to be more energized and healthier. Make sure you’re getting ENOUGH (I see far too many Moms who are so busy they skip meals). You need to ensure your body is getting what it needs (especially if you are also consistently working out).
3- Find physical activity that brings you joy. If you hate running, don’t do it. And, if 10 minutes is all you have that day that is OK! In fact, it’s great. Any amount of time you dedicate toward your own health and in moving your body is something to be celebrated! If you cannot find time to do a workout on your own, incorporate your kids! Maybe it’s a long walk with them or riding bikes with them. It doesn’t have to be anything super structured. But, if you want time for yourself, I could not recommend more that you workout AT HOME. It doesn’t take a ton of equipment, but, weight lifting is going to be essential to incorporate as you get older. — It helps with strength and balance and even helps strengthen your bones. Do not skip the weight lifting.
Disclaimer
The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
