You’ve probably heard it before- what’s your resolution? ‘Tis the season right? Maybe not though. For many, the “all or nothing” feeling resolutions give leave us feeling less than excited about making positive changes. Instead, one the best and easiest things to do with a new year on the horizon is to set smaller goals to work towards each month, week or day. And often as a parent or caregiver, small is best. Small is doable! And we’re much more apt to work mini-goals into the busy-ness of our lives than try to live up to a year-long resolution.
Here are some ideas you can incorporate into your daily life this new year while babywearing (!), that will help propel you to be the best version of you possible. Remind yourself that it’s what you do each day that matters- nothing is all or nothing or black and white. Small steps turn into leaps as time goes on, and soon you’ll look back and be thrilled with how far you’ve come.
Get outside more
One of the easiest ways to do this is to set a goal to take a certain amount of walks each week. Maybe you take none and want to start with one. Do that. If you manage to get outside sometimes but wish it were more, schedule in the walks on your calendar as you would an appointment. Take this time to enjoy nature, be it in your own neighborhood, a park, or hiking trail. Bad weather? Check out Ergobaby’s Weather Cover that attaches right to your carrier. Have a baby that wants to see the world? Try one the All-Position 360 or Omni 360 baby carriers.
Exercise
One of the best things we can do for ourselves and for our little ones is to exercise. Not only do we fill up our cup with self-care, but we are then able to be the best parent we can be. While caring for little ones it can be hard to carve out time for ourselves, but babywearing makes it so much easier. Put baby in a back carry and head out on a hike, do some babywearing yoga, enjoy a babywearing workout, you name it! An added bonus is your child is able to see their parent in action, all while showing them the benefit of moving our bodies. As far as setting small goals, choose two days a week to add in some extra exercise with your child and stick to it- make it a part of your daily routine and you and your family will reap the benefits.
Make healthy eating a priority
If wellness is something you hope to focus on this year, consider meal prepping. For busy parents this can be a major lifesaver and something you can do with your kids. If your child is old enough to help chop, portion, or package meals, get them in on the fun! If you have a baby or toddler, put them in a back carry (the Ergobaby Original carrier is great!) and prep food with them safely on your body. Here are some tips for babywearing in the kitchen too. Planning and prepping is key, so make small changes to your daily habits, like adding one green vegetable to both lunch and dinner, or putting fresh fruit at eye level in the refrigerator.
Here’s to a great new year, and making some great strides in being the best US we can be. And best of all, we can incorporate babywearing into all of it!
Please use caution when attempting any of the carries, exercise or activities highlighted on this blog, social media or any other content channels. Please use common sense and caution when using a baby carrier. You should consult a physician before starting any diet or exercise program. For more information, see our Disclaimer.
Danielle Hampton is a writer and blogger enjoying small town life in the mountains of Northern Arizona with her husband Hank and their two boys, Henry and Charlie, and daughter Olive. She’s a former high school English teacher who now authors the blog Sometimes Sweet and does freelance writing, editing and social media consulting, contributing to a variety of sites.
