As a T1D mom, you’re juggling so many responsibilities—from helping manage blood sugar levels to keeping the whole family on track. It can feel like there’s just never enough time for yourself.

I can only imagine how tough it can be at times, and I know that caregiving in any form takes a lot of energy and focus. Between school drop-offs, doctor’s appointments, and everything in between, the idea of squeezing in time for exercise can feel like a distant dream.

But what if adding just a little movement to your day could actually help reduce stress, lift your mood, and even support your overall health? Sounds like a win, right?! And let me remind you Mama – you deserve some YOU time!

So in this post, we’re going to dive into four super simple, low-stress strategies to move more without adding to your to-do list. A little movement for T1D moms can help you feel better physically, mentally, and emotionally. Let’s dive in!

Why Movement is Essential for T1D Moms

Taking time to move your body can recharge your energy, boost your mood, and give you the strength to keep going.

Here’s why movement matters:

Boosts Mental Health:

Physical activity releases endorphins, reducing stress and helping to lift your mood. When you move, you feel better—mentally and emotionally.

Supports Blood Sugar Control:

Did you know regular movement improves insulin sensitivity for both you and your loved one with T1D? When we don’t move, we risk insulin resistance, making it harder for insulin to work effectively. Movement is a simple yet powerful way to help stabilize blood sugar and improve overall health.

Increases Physical Resilience:

Exercise helps improve strength, flexibility, and endurance, making you more resilient in your caregiving role. Whether it’s carrying groceries or chasing your little one, movement keeps you physically prepared. My daughter recently learned to crawl, and I’m constantly on my feet! I’m prioritizing balanced movement even more to stay strong for both of us. Plus, I want to be able to keep up with her!

So what about you? What is one way exercise will support you in your current life chapter?

Let’s Get Started with Movement!

Luckily, you don’t need hours of free time or a gym membership to stay active. In fact, it may surprise some to learn that as a health coach, I don’t even have a gym membership! In this season of my life, it doesn’t fit, but I’m still able to stay active at home—whether it’s going outside, tuning into workout apps, or lifting weights. The most important part of any movement routine is finding what works best for YOU and your family.

Movement for T1D moms can fit into your day in small but impactful ways. And it doesn’t have to feel like a chore! Here are some simple, enjoyable activities you can easily incorporate into your routine starting today:

Strategy #1: Start Small

Begin with just 5-10 minutes of movement each day. A short walk or stretch can add up over time! Think about when movement works best for you. For me, I try to get some structured movement no later than 10am. Getting moving in the morning feels best for me, but I know some clients prefer the evening. Tune into what feels best for you!

Strategy #2: Incorporate Daily Movement

Can you take the stairs, walk during lunch, or stretch while watching TV? Or maybe you can park a little farther away at the grocery store or do five push-ups when you first wake up. Small changes make a big impact!

Strategy #3: Set Realistic Goals

It’s easy to get caught up in comparison, but try to avoid measuring yourself against others. Instead, set goals that make sense for you! Remember, movement for T1D moms is about creating sustainable habits. In the past, I tried to train for a marathon when it didn’t fit my life (hello, pregnancy!). Instead of pushing through, I focused on small goals like 10,000 steps or 10 minutes of yoga every morning. What movement goals feel realistic for you in this season of life?

Strategy #4: Find an Accountability Buddy

Can you partner up with a friend or use a fitness app to track progress and stay motivated? My husband has been my accountability buddy. Even though we don’t work out together, we check in with each other and share our progress. Virtual buddies work too! I love using the DP Fit App—Danielle’s quick but effective workouts are perfect for busy moms!

Key Takeaways

As we wrap up for today, remember that getting active doesn’t have to be complicated! Whether it’s a walk around the block, a quick yoga session, or even family fun (like chasing your crawling baby!), movement is a simple way to boost your energy, reduce stress, and support your overall health as a T1D mom.

When you make time for yourself, you’re better equipped to handle the ups and downs of T1D caregiving and show up with more energy, balance, and a positive mindset.

If you’re ready to dive deeper into how movement, mindset, food choices, and teamwork can work together to help you thrive, check out my self-paced video coaching course – Thriving With T1D™! Inside, we go into detail on how to balance these strategies to help empower you even more on your caregiving journey.

You’ve got this, mama! Keep moving, keep thriving, and take care of yourself—because you and your family deserve it.

Until next time, sending you and your family so much love!

Allee

This blog is made for informational and educational purposes only. It is not medical advice. The information in this blog is not intended to (1) replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified licensed healthcare provider, (2) create or establish a provider-patient relationship, or (3) create a duty for us to follow up with you.