WW: Move More, Stress Less: The Magic of NEAT for Moms

Hey, Supermom! 💪

If your days feel like a non-stop marathon of errands, laundry, dishes, diaper duty, carpool, work, and somehow managing a decent dinner—you’re not alone. But here’s the great news: all that hustle and bustle is actually working in your favor when it comes to your health and energy. Let me introduce you to your new best friend: NEAT.

What is NEAT, Anyway?

NEAT stands for Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis, which is just a fancy term for all the calories you burn through everyday movement outside of structured workouts. We’re talking about walking the dog, chasing your toddler around the house, unloading groceries, fidgeting, folding laundry, gardening—you name it.

Here’s the real kicker: NEAT can burn hundreds of extra calories a day, improve your mood, and even reduce your risk of chronic illness. And the best part? You don’t need to carve out extra time or put on gym clothes.

Why Moms Should Care About NEAT

As a mom, your time is precious—and probably in short supply. Structured workouts are fantastic when you can squeeze them in, but NEAT helps you stay active and energized even when life gets crazy (because let’s be honest, that’s every day).

Adding more movement to your daily routine can:

• Boost your metabolism

• Improve your posture and mobility

• Reduce stress and anxiety

• Increase your daily energy (yes please!)

• Set a powerful example of healthy habits for your kids

Easy, Sneaky Ways to Boost NEAT (Even with Kids Around)

Here’s where the fun starts. You don’t have to overhaul your schedule—just sprinkle movement into what you’re already doing. Here are some NEAT-boosting ideas that fit perfectly into your mom-life routine:

1. Dance it out while cleaning

Turn up the music and make cleaning a party. Dance while vacuuming, squat to pick up toys, do lunges across the living room. Get the kids involved for an impromptu dance-off. You’ll be shocked how many extra steps you rack up.

2. Take the long way (on purpose)

Park further from the store. Walk to the mailbox instead of waiting until tomorrow. Take the stairs—even if it’s just one flight. These tiny decisions add up over time, and every bit of movement counts.

3. Play with your kids

Instead of sitting on the bench at the park, get up and climb, chase, or kick the ball too. Jump on the trampoline, build a fort, do jumping jacks during a commercial break of Bluey. Not only will you get moving, but you’ll also create fun memories together.

4. Make phone calls a walking activity

Talking to your sister or catching up with a friend? Pop in your earbuds and pace around the house or stroll around the block while you chat. You’ll hit your step goal before you know it.

5. Stand up more often

Sitting for hours can zap your energy and slow your metabolism. Try standing while folding laundry, prepping meals, or during homework time. A small stool in the kitchen can help you alternate between sitting and standing comfortably.

6. Turn chores into fitness

Scrubbing tubs = arm workout. Carrying laundry baskets upstairs = leg day. Vacuuming = cardio. Who knew your home was a full-body gym?

7. Set a NEAT timer

Set a reminder on your phone every hour to stand up, stretch, and move for 2–3 minutes. March in place, do some shoulder rolls, or walk around the house. These movement “snacks” wake up your body and brain.

A Little Movement, A Lot of Impact

The beauty of NEAT is that it’s sustainable. You don’t need 60 uninterrupted minutes or a fancy gym membership. You just need to look at your everyday activities a little differently—with the mindset that movement is medicine.

And mama, let me remind you: you’re already doing so much. Adding NEAT isn’t about piling on another “should” or pressure to be perfect. It’s about giving yourself permission to feel stronger, more energized, and more alive—without the guilt or the grind.

So the next time you’re folding that fifth load of laundry, chasing a runaway sippy cup, or pushing a cart through Target—know that you’re not just surviving the day, you’re doing something good for your body and mind.

Here’s to moving more, stressing less, and celebrating the everyday wins. You’ve got this. 💃✨