047: How To Fit Running and Health Into Your Hectic Life

How do I possibly fit it all in?  I feel like I am struggling to keep up right now with work and family...where am I going to find space for improved eating not to mention mental and physical personal health?  When trying to combine work and kids and fitness you can quickly feel overwhelmed. How do you make sure that every area is getting its attention? This episode covers the steps to regularly check in and make sure you are clear on what you want to accomplish to be happy and satisfied and not simply busy but mentally fried. First, you need to carefully and honestly set your priorities.  This bit of advice comes from basically every self help book you will ever read.  Take time to write out the categories in your life and then order them by importance.  Actually write this down. Decide on the major goals that fit the categories and understand the timeline involved in reaching these goals.  Again, actually write this down. Now check in on the list again with a very honest eye about your priorities, starting point, and goals. Erase and rewrite as needed.   Some common categories to assess include: Physical Health Emotional/Mental Well-being Romance/Love Life/Intimate relationships Hobbies/Leisure Time Professional Growth/Career Environment Friends and Family Finances Spirituality Personal Growth and Development The second step is to clearly explain your reasons for the goals and priorities on the list.  Find your why. Again, rewrite as needed when you find conflicting goals or you notice that all of the reasons seem to point to the same priority, yet you put that one low on the list.  Be honest here so you are not disappointed later. The third step is critical and may be more difficult for some than others.  Reach out to your support network and let them know about your goals, your timeline, how that may affect them, and how they can support you.  By now, you should be able to explain your why to anyone whether that is your spouse, kids, or boss. Those close to you need to at least accept the goals, and if they are not fully on board, you are going to need some extra cheerleaders.  Open communication at the outset and throughout the path to your goal is crucial for you and your supporters. Finally, when you have carefully and honestly come up with your list of priorities,  created goals within those priorities, reasoned out your why for the goals, and built a solid line of communication with your support network, you need to stay on the path toward the goals.  The path may get a little winding and stretch longer than anticipated, but you need to keep going in the direction of the goal because that is where happiness lies. Even if you just take baby steps, you will be happier and more fulfilled knowing that you are working towards your goals every day. As a bonus tip: When new situations arise, evaluate them according to your priority list and say no if you have to.  If things in your life do not align with your current priorities and goals, say no. Don’t give yourself one more thing to do, leading to further overwhelmGain access to my new secret podcast, Unbreakable: The Runner's Guide To Injury-Proofing Your Body After 40. Click here: https://www.realliferunners.com/secretJoin the Team! -->  https://www.realliferunners.com/team Thanks for Listening!!Be sure to hit FOLLOW on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player Leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Your ratings and reviews really help and we read each one!Come find us on Instagram and say hi! Don't forget: The information on this website is not intended to treat or diagnose any medical condition or to provide medical advice. It is intended for general education in the areas of health and wellness. All information contained in this site is intended to be educational in nature. Nothing should be considered medical advice for your specific situation.