Four Kids, Four Times the Stress: The Gym Saves the Day

by Anonymous

I have four kids, ages 8, 5, 3 and 1. In many ways I feel lucky that I can stay home with them, but it takes a real toll on me in terms of stress. It's particularly difficult at the moment because my two older boys are fighting constantly, while the baby is already climbing and into absolutely everything. My anti-stress lifesaver when it gets to be too much: the gym.

I know it could be considered a luxury, but for me the gym is an absolute necessity. The gym we belong to has a child-care facility with a great play area for the kids. I can leave them in good hands for two hours while I work out and de-stress; when I pick them up, I'm a whole new person.

I know other women who save up to have a housecleaning service come in once in a while, but personally I'd rather have a messy house and those hours of me-time, especially since it also makes me feel better physically, not just mentally. I found a gym where no long-term contract is required, so the cost is not exorbitant. This is my miracle cure for those times when the stress is too much--I throw the kids in the car and head for a nice, peaceful workout.