10 Ways I’m Prioritizing My Health and Fitness as a Busy Mom (and You Can Too!)
As a mom of three (yes—teen, tween, and toddler!), I know firsthand how hard it can be to take care of yourself when you’re constantly pouring into your family. Between school drop-offs, meals, activities, and planning family adventures, it’s easy to feel like there’s no time left for health and fitness. But this past year, I’ve been intentional about making small changes that help me stay active, energized, and grounded—even in the middle of mom life chaos.
If you’re a fellow mom trying to stay on top of your health and fitness, here are 10 things I’ve been doing lately that have made a real difference. No perfection here—just progress and grace.
1. Wearing My Ultrahuman Smart Ring Daily
Let’s start with my favorite tool: the smart Ring. It tracks my sleep, activity, heart rate, and readiness each day. As someone who doesn’t always get a full 8 hours (because #momlife), it’s been incredibly helpful to know when I need to slow down or when I can push myself a little more. It’s like having a wellness coach on my finger, gently reminding me to check in with myself.
2. Walking with a Weighted Vest
Walking is one of the easiest ways I stay active—and it’s something I can do with my kids or solo. I recently started using a weighted vest during walks on my walking pad, and let me tell you, it’s a game-changer! It adds a bit of resistance without feeling overwhelming, and I love that I’m building strength without needing to carve out gym time.
3. Choosing Active Adventures for Family Time
During our recent Spring Break trip to Tennessee, I made sure our family fun included plenty of movement. We hiked in the Great Smoky Mountains and Gatlinburg, explored the walkable mountain park Anakeesta, and spent hours on our feet. My kids were entertained, and I got my steps in without thinking twice. That’s a win-win!
4. Doing Activities That Don’t Feel Like Exercise
Let’s talk about Music Boxing Machine- yes, I Play this with the kids! It reminded me of the Dance revolution, LOL! While the activities were pure fun, they were also surprisingly physical. These are the kinds of workouts I love—fun, a little outside the box, and definitely memorable.
5. Tracking Movement While Traveling
When we’re on vacation, I try not to stress about “working out.” But I do like to keep an eye on my movement. I use the activity tracker on my Smart Ring or phone to track my daily steps, especially on days when we’re out exploring. Sometimes, I’ll set a goal for 10,000 steps, and other times I just see how much natural movement I get in while chasing my kids or walking through a new place.
6. Dressing for Comfort and Confidence
Let’s be honest—what we wear affects how we move. I try to choose outfits that make me feel good but also let me stay active. On our Tennessee trip, I wore a breezy yellow maxi dress while exploring Ancient Lore Village, and for our more physical activities like archery and hiking, I kept it comfy with denim shorts and a casual top and this set for Travel! Feeling confident and ready to move is part of my wellness too.
7. Finding Strength in the Everyday “Mom Moves”
Carrying a toddler, lifting groceries, pushing a stroller uphill, packing luggage—I’ve started to recognize these everyday actions as strength training. We may not realize it, but moms are moving all day long! Just shifting my mindset to see daily tasks as fitness has helped me stay encouraged and proud of what my body can do.
8. Prioritizing Sleep and Recovery
I used to stay up late trying to finish everything on my to-do list. Now, I try to prioritize sleep, even if it means leaving a few things for tomorrow. My Oura Ring has helped me become more aware of how much rest I really need. When I sleep better, I parent better. I feel calmer, more focused, and way less irritable (can I get an amen?).
9. Creating Space for Mental Wellness
Physical fitness is only part of the equation. I’ve learned that mental health is just as important. Whether it’s journaling, praying, listening to worship music, podcast or audiobook, or taking a quiet moment in the car before pickup—these little check-ins with myself keep me grounded. Wellness isn’t just about steps and salads. It’s about soul care too.
Here’s the truth: I don’t do it all every day. Some days I move a lot, other days I rest. Some weeks I eat clean, and others I enjoy fries and donuts with my kids. But I’ve stopped letting guilt steal the joy from my journey. Progress over perfection has become my new motto. And I hope it becomes yours too.
Final Thoughts:
Taking care of your health and fitness as a mom isn’t about being extreme—it’s about being intentional. It’s choosing movement, rest, and grace in the everyday moments. Whether you’re wearing a weighted vest on your walk, tracking your sleep with an Oura Ring, or dancing in the kitchen with your toddler—you’re doing something powerful for your body and mind.
If you’re just starting out, pick one thing from this list and make it part of your routine this week. You don’t need a big overhaul—just a small shift in the right direction.
And remember, your kids are watching. By caring for yourself, you’re modeling what true wellness looks like. You’re not just raising healthy kids—you’re becoming a healthy, strong, and joyful version of yourself too.
Simply,
Christianne