Last year I shared some thoughts on creating and maintaining friend weekends. You can check out that post here: Friend Weekends. This year has been so hard because of everything going on, I honestly didn’t know if I would get the opportunity to see any friends. We have had 3 different trips planned throughout the year that were cancelled due to obvious reasons, however we were determined to see each other at least once.

I know I am not alone when I say that mental health has been a challenge this year. I think we all reached a point where we realized we were doing everything to be as safe as possible, and our mental/social health needed to also be a priority. It helped that our group was only 6 people too during this current climate.

I did not realize how good for the soul those weekends truly are. This year especially has completely given me a new lens and perspective on things, which I am beyond grateful for. I left feeling so full and refreshed, it was exactly what I needed!

I thought I would add some more take aways to making those weekends a reality and what I have learned this year….

• Everyone just wants to catch up and be together so you really don’t need anything fancy planned
• Take advantage of late nights and early mornings together….time is so precious
• Help host plan food/meal items to purchase and offer to bring something (split cost of purchased items)
• Designate sleeping areas prior to weekend
• Get fresh air
• Help/thank the host (card, small gift/gesture)
• Stay connected throughout the year– ex: weekly zoom nights, group chat
• Soak in the conversations, laughs, and memories

What is everyone looking forward to this upcoming year? I am definitely hoping for more than one girls weekend that’s for sure!

Blessings,

Jac

As I was running the other, I began thinking about exercise during pregnancy and how it can be difficult to make it a priority. I am so thankful I was able to exercise with my first pregnancy consistently until delivery and plan to do the same with this one as well. Having a rough first trimester really puts things into perspective on the ability to move and use your body. It truly is such a gift. I thought I would share five things that really have helped me maintain healthy habits and routines during pregnancy, especially when it comes to exercise.

I would love to know what has worked or works best for you!

1.Create Healthy Habits Pre Pregnancy

This is probably my biggest piece of advice when it comes to anything pregnancy related. Any habits that have been created pre pregnancy are so easy to maintain during pregnancy if they are part of your “norm” or lifestyle. This includes eating habits, exercise routines, water intake, and sleep. If you truly have created a specific lifestyle, it will easily transfer over to different seasons, including post partum!

2.Sweet Spot

Finding your “sweet spot” during the day to exercise will eliminate excuses and reasons not to do it. I typically workout when my son is napping because it is a consistent time I have to myself. Definitely consider working out earlier, before the exhaustion sets in! Also keeping a consistent time will help you maintain consistency.

3.Have A Plan

Going to classes or following a specific program will help you stay on track and accountable. It eliminates the guess work or reasons to not do something. I am currently writing weekly plans using the Peloton app, but it truly can be whatever keeps you accountable.

4.Realistic Expectations

Keeping realistic expectations in mind will help with the mental aspect of things. Recognizing your limits and listening to your body will help you adjust and adapt as your body changes. Typically, you can do any type of exercise you were doing pre pregnancy and modify as needed.

5.Prioritize

Just like with anything else, if continuing exercise during pregnancy is important, you will find a way to make it happen. Set weekly goals for yourself and stick to the plan you created, while also maintaining those expectations!

Blessings,

Jac