Being a mom is one of the most thankless jobs in the world. Maid, tutor, chef, chauffeur are just some of the duties in the job description that make even the most intrepid multi-taskers freak out a little bit on their first day.
But the hugs, the kisses, the unconditional love make it all worthwhile. But there are days -- no matter how experienced you are in life in the Mother 'Hood -- when you need someone to share the laughs, the tears, the drama, the doubts. So Patch, with the help of NJ Moms' Guide co-founders Kate Motz and Christina Castro, will provide a forum for questions and answers from your friends and peers in the front car of the emotional roller-coaster.
Q. Working from home is a challenge! What are some tips for being more productive?
Find out what's happening in Westfieldwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
New Jersey Moms Guide: Ah, working at home... conference calls in pajamas, multitasking, being home for your children... differences between work life and home life soon blur. “I can throw some laundry in the wash before I write that proposal.” “I must remember to call that client back right after I make the beds”. Here are some challenges when working at home: unexpected distractions, a lack of structured time, and, especially for moms, a loss of identity. Don't give up! By putting a few simple strategies into place, you can be well on your way to being a successful “work from home mom”. Here are 3 simple ideas to help you stay on track.
Separate Your Space.
Find out what's happening in Westfieldwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Keep a separate work area in your home, and know that when you're in it, you're in "work mode." Make sure your family is aware of this as well.
Structure Your Time.
As your business and personal time come together, it's so important to have structure to your day. For example, if you have a regular exercise program you follow, try to do it every day at the same time. Honor that appointment with yourself - even when you're very busy. It will actually help you keep your business on track!
Stay Focused.
Make your ‘home office’ off-limits to family members (especially children) when you're working. Keep all personal paperwork (read, "other distractions) — bills, field-trip permission slips, overdue thank-you notes — out of sight.
Q. Where are some places I can go to work out that will really be instrumental in losing those last five pounds?
NJMG: Shedding those last few pounds can be a chore. Try these fun, high-impact workouts to help you get into your skinny jeans and give you plenty of energy to keep up with the kids!
Zumba which combines fitness and fun, using almost every muscle of the body as you shimmy, shake and stomp your way to fit. If you are looking to lose weight Zumba high calorie burning exercises will do the job of taking off pounds and inches. You can dance your way to fitness at Dancers Pointe in Westfield.
How about combining Zumba fitness with the Curves circuit? The class mixes the moves of Zumba with the proven strength of training of Curves for an effective workout. You'll tone up and burn hundreds of calories. You can drop one whole size in ten days. Curves circuit classes are offered at Curves gyyms throughout Union County.
Breathe Fitness in Mountainside offers Bar Sculpt: A strength and flexibility class incorporating principles of Pilates, Yoga, and the Lotte Berke Method approach to total conditioning
The Bar Method incorporates Pilates, Yoga and ballet all in one hour. You can get a great work out at The Bar Method Studio in Summit.
Q. Where are places in Union County that offer babysitting programs where I can take my children and also get in a workout?
New Jersey Moms Guide:
Making exercise a priority is a challenge for everyone. And for parents it can be especially difficult to find time to workout with children in tow! But moms don’t despair there are some great places in Union County where you can get your workout and bring your child to their childcare services.
1) YMCA: 170 Elm Street Westfield; Phone: 908-654-8460; The Kids Club Room Hours: 8:30 a.m.-2:30p.m., Monday-Friday; 6 p.m.- 8p.m.; 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Saturday. Reservations are required. Cost and length of childcare services depends on membership level. Please visit website for details.
Lifetime Fitness: 25 Connell Drive Berkeley Heights; Phone: 908-665-5911; Their child center is a safe, active environment supervised by certified professionals offering fitness fun, storytime, bubbles, games and so much more. The Child Center is available Monday – Friday for you to drop off your child for 2 hours. Reservations are required for infants (3 months - steady walkers). Cost: $10/month per child.
Bally Total Fitness: 99 Route 22, Springfield; Phone: 973-376-6889; 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. – 9 p.m., Monday-Thursday; 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Friday; 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Saturday. Reservations are required a day in advance. Cost varies by membership.
RWJ Fitness & Wellness Center: Address: 2120 Lamberts Mill Road, Scotch Plains; Phone: 908-232-6100; Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., Monday-Thursday; 8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.- 7 p.m., Friday; 8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. Reservations are not required. Free for members.
