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Getting Back on Track When Life Throws You a Detour

tracey2810

Your Roadmap to Rescuing Derailed Wellness Goals


The novelty of those New Year's resolutions might be wearing thin right about now. Between managing sick kids during cold and flu season, juggling work deadlines, and trying to maintain some semblance of a routine through dark winter mornings and an evening of sports practices, your health goals might have taken a backseat.

 

Sound familiar?

 

Here's the thing - your brain might be telling you "Well, I've blown it now, might as well wait until the kids are older/things slow down/the weather gets warmer." But let’s think about this differently...

 

Let's talk about road trips for a minute…

 

When you're driving from Boston to Florida, do you abandon the entire trip just because you needed an emergency bathroom break in New Jersey? Do you turn around and go home if there's construction in South Carolina and you need to take a detour? Of course not!

 

You take the break you need, maybe grab some snacks, handle the "Mom, she's touching me!" drama in the backseat, and then... you get back on the highway and continue toward your destination. Sure, these stops might add a few hours to your journey, but you'll still reach Florida!

 

Your health journey works exactly the same way.

 

That week where you couldn't fit in your strength training because the kids had the flu? That's just a rest stop. Those comfort food days during the dreary winter weekend when you were stuck inside with stir-crazy kids? Think of that as a brief detour. The key isn’t that you took the break - it's what you do AFTER the break that matters.

 

But here's where we get stuck in the "all or nothing" trap...

Our brain tells us:

  • "I haven't exercised in two weeks, why bother starting now?"

  • "I've been stress-eating while managing everyone else's needs, might as well wait until Monday to get back on track."

  • "I can't do my full 45-minute workout, so what's the point?"

 

This "all or nothing" thinking is what turns a brief rest stop into a complete road trip abandonment! And as a health expert and coach, I can tell you that small, consistent actions actually create better long-term results than sporadic periods of "perfect" behavior.

 

Instead of the starting and stopping, “all or nothing” thinking, let's shift to "something is better than nothing" mindset:

 

1.    Acknowledge the break. Just like you'd check your GPS after a detour, take a moment to assess where you are. No judgment, no shame - just awareness. You took an exit off your healthy routine because life got crazy? Totally normal!

 

2.    Recalculate your route. Maybe your original resolution was too ambitious (like trying to drive straight through from Boston to Florida with three kids in the car 😅). That's okay! Let's create a more realistic plan that fits YOUR life. Remember - you'll still reach your destination, even if it takes a little longer than planned.

 

3.    Start your engine and avoid going into overdrive. Meet yourself where you’re at and take focused action. For example, just like you wouldn't try to make up for lost time by driving 100 mph with precious cargo in the car, don't try to compensate for missed workouts with extreme measures or skip meals to make up for overeating the day prior. Instead, choose manageable actions that create momentum:

 

·       Work in a 10-minute strength circuit

·       Walk laps during your kids' sports practices

·       Pack protein-rich snacks to avoid the 3 PM energy crash

·       Prep a big batch of veggies with some Greek yogurt ranch dip to have on hand to avoid

raiding the snack cabinet when prepping dinner

 

4.    Map out your pitstops ahead of time. In other words, prepare for future detours! They WILL happen. Have a plan B ready for:

 

·       Sick kid days (because winter!)

·       School vacation week

·       Sports tournament weekends

·       Work travel

·       Whatever else mom life throws your way

 

Remember: Just like a family road trip isn't ruined by a few necessary stops, your health journey isn't ruined by a few breaks in routine. The only way to truly "fail" is to permanently park your car and give up.

 

Your destination to feeling your best - whether that's more energy, less bloating, getting stronger and/or leaner, or feeling more confident - is achievable no matter where you’re at right now!

 

Want more strategies to help you on your journey to feel your BEST? Grab my free guide, "Ten Secrets to a Happier, Healthier You (Starting Today): https://page.traceysmithlifecoach.com/takecare

 

Ready for a GPS for your health journey? As a mom, registered dietitian, and certified exercise physiologist with 25+ years of experience, I can help you map out a route that actually fits YOUR life. Book your free strategy session here: Tracey@TraceySmithLifeCoach.com


P.S. Remember, the journey to better health isn't about driving full speed ahead without breaks - it's about consistently moving forward, even if you need to take the scenic route sometimes! Let me show you how to make sustainable changes that stick, no matter what mom life throws your way.



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