How-to: Busy Stay-at-home Mom Escapes from Home

I have a great arrangement, that while my husband is feeding my child breakfast, I take off and go for a walk. It is just 20 minutes (ok, I often stretch it to half an hour), but it is enough to give me a few moments of peace at the beginning of my day, and get my endorphins pumping. It also lets me escape the chaos of breakfast time, so it is a double hit of peacefulness! A great start to my day.

Ingredients:

• a talk with your husband or partner;
• a pair of walking shoes, runners, or hiking boots; and
• commitment

Steps:

• talk with your husband or partner. tell him you want to get in better shape or lose weight. even if he his too politically correct to admit that this is a good idea  (or keen to keep his foot out of his mouth!) he will secretly support this idea. alternately, tell your partner that you need some time for spiritual renewal so you can give your best to your child.
• get dressed as soon as you get up, so that you are ready to go. have your shoes at the door. as soon as your husband or partner walks into the kitchen, GET GOING! your husband or partner CAN take care of whatever crisis is going on: change a diaper, make breakfast, take care of an owwie, make a lunch, etc.
• escape and enjoy! throw on a raincoat if it is raining (nothing more wonderful than walking in the rain!) or boots if it is snowing. i love these few moments in my morning. and hey, i am in better shape too.