As a mom, a pharmacist, and an Indian-American woman, my life is a whirlwind of responsibilities, commitments, and, let’s be honest, a bit of chaos. Add to that my desire to stay fit and healthy, and it sometimes feels like there aren’t enough hours in the day. But after a lot of trial and error, I’ve learned to carve out time for my workouts, and more importantly, I’ve learned how to make it work in a way that feels sustainable.
The Challenge of Juggling It All
Let’s start with the obvious: life is busy. As a pharmacist, I’m constantly on my feet, whether I’m consulting with patients, managing prescriptions, or keeping up with the ever-changing regulations in the healthcare industry. There’s no such thing as a “typical” day, and many times, my shifts extend longer than I plan. On top of that, as a mom, I have to be present for my kids, handling their needs from school pickups to cooking dinner to helping with homework. And, being an Indian-American mom, there’s always that extra layer of cultural expectations—making sure I’m maintaining traditions, supporting family, and making sure my home feels like a sanctuary.
So, when do I find time to hit the gym or get in a workout? That’s been the million-dollar question for me.
Changing My Mindset About Fitness
I used to think of fitness as something that had to be an hour-long, high-intensity session. If I couldn’t get that, I felt like it wasn’t worth it. But over time, I realized that fitness doesn’t have to be all or nothing. It’s about consistency, not perfection.
I also had to let go of the guilt that comes with carving out time for myself. As a mom, it can feel selfish to step away for a workout when you’ve got little ones who need you. I’ve had to remind myself that taking care of my own health and well-being benefits everyone in the long run. When I’m stronger and more energized, I can show up better for my family and my patients.
Integrating Fitness into My Routine
One of the most important things I’ve learned is to make fitness a non-negotiable part of my routine, just like any other task. For me, mornings work best. I wake up before the kids, do a quick 30-minute workout, and by the time they wake up, I’ve already got a little boost of energy. Whether it’s a quick home workout, a yoga session, or even a brisk walk around my neighborhood, I know that doing something—anything—is better than doing nothing.
I’ve also become creative about squeezing in exercise. For instance, if I’m cooking dinner (which is usually an all-hands-on-deck kind of activity in an Indian-American household), I try to make it a mini workout by doing squats or lunges while I stir the curry or prep the veggies. Little things like that have added up over time, and now, I don’t feel the need to block off hours to get my workout in.
A Cultural Perspective on Health and Fitness
Being raised in an Indian household, fitness wasn’t something that was always at the forefront. Growing up, meals revolved around family gatherings and rich, flavorful foods. Physical activity wasn’t a big part of the conversation. But as I became more aware of the importance of health—not just for myself, but also for my children—I realized the need to lead by example.
As an Indian-American, there’s a unique pressure to embrace both cultures and honor my roots. I love the food and traditions of my heritage, but I also know the importance of balancing them with health-conscious choices. It’s about creating a space where my family can embrace both worlds, where we enjoy our cultural cuisine in moderation and prioritize movement as part of our daily lives.
For example, when it comes to eating, I’ve learned to make healthier versions of traditional dishes. Whether it’s using less oil in the sabzi or opting for whole grains in place of white rice, I’ve found ways to merge my cultural identity with a healthier lifestyle. My kids have even started to enjoy these healthier alternatives, which feels like a win all around.
Making Time for Myself (Without Feeling Guilty)
One of the biggest hurdles for me, and many moms I know, is finding the time to focus on yourself without feeling guilty. It’s easy to think that every moment spent away from your family is selfish, especially as a mom. But I’ve realized that time for myself, whether it’s a quick workout or even just a few minutes of quiet reflection, helps me be a better mom, a better pharmacist, and a better person overall.
I’ve started to view workouts not just as a physical activity but as a form of self-care. It’s my time to reconnect with my body, to relieve stress, and to clear my mind. Whether I’m lifting weights, doing yoga, or going for a run, I come back feeling rejuvenated and ready to tackle the challenges of the day.
The Power of Small Wins
The key to making it all work has been focusing on small wins rather than expecting perfection. If I only manage 20 minutes of exercise today, that’s still a win. If I make a healthier choice at dinner instead of reaching for something more indulgent, that’s progress. Life can get overwhelming, but breaking things down into manageable chunks has made it all feel more doable.
In the end, it’s not about finding the perfect balance. It’s about finding what works for me in this season of life. Some days I nail it, and some days I fall short, but I’m learning to be kind to myself in the process.
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