Tried and Tested
Tips from a do-it-all mom to get moving and live healthier
By Emily Bjerkness
T
he impact of this past year has been different for everyone. But there are common threads among many of us: we felt more stressed, more anxious and we became more sedentary. A study released in April 2021 found that Canadian adults who were struggling with stress and anxiety related to the pandemic were less likely to engage in physical activity. Getting ourselves back on track with healthier routines and choices is on the minds of many. It’s up to each one of us individually to decide when we are ready and able to take the steps to incorporate healthier habits back into our lives. When that time comes, I’m here to tell you that your path to living healthier shouldn’t be drastic, restrictive or black and white! You are most likely to succeed in the long-run if your goals are realistic and sustainable. Sharing a bit about my story will help demonstrate how I know this advice to be true. Before becoming a mom of four (all under the age of five!), I always considered myself a very active person. Amidst the chaos of motherhood, I found myself not being as active and I quickly started to feel the effects. Keeping 18 bcparent.ca • education issue 2021
up with my kids started to become more difficult and I realized that I needed to make some serious lifestyle changes. As someone who had turned to fad diets and workouts for quick fixes for my whole life, I knew that my usual “all or nothing” approach wasn’t going to cut it. I wanted real change and I knew that
Your path to living healthier shouldn’t be drastic, restrictive or black and white! finding balance was the only way I was going to create sustainable changes. I joined WW— formally known as Weight Watchers—and I created healthier habits without sacrificing the foods and activities that I love. My success is due in large part to the coaches and community that inspired me, and kept me inspired, engaged and accountable. Since being on the program, I’ve lost over 50 lbs. And the biggest change is in how I feel.
I never could have predicted at the beginning of my wellness journey that I would eventually evolve into a mentor for others. Today, I am a coach for WW Digital 360. It’s so rewarding to share my story, and see myself reflected in others who are just starting their wellness journey. In this article I’ve compiled some realistic and effective tips to help you get active, stay motivated and achieve your wellness goals so that you can be the healthiest and best version of yourself. Avoid feeling defeated by setting realistic goals
As parents, it can feel next to impossible to find the time and energy to squeeze in a workout. As a mom of four, I’ve learned that the best way to stay on track with my fitness routine is to set goals that are realistic and achievable. Some days this means taking a scheduled workout class, and other days, simply getting active and moving when and where I can fit it in. For example, getting my steps in while my kids are playing at the playground instead of sitting on the bench scrolling my phone—win-win! They enjoy
