Your day is filled with back to back meetings, you’re feeling the tension. Rationally, you know that exercise is good for you and will help to tackle both the physical and mental stress, but just how do you make time in a packed schedule to fit in some exercise, when it feels like life and work are getting in the way?
Tips to help you work in a work out.
- WHEN POSSIBLE, GET IT DONE FIRST THING..
Your willpower is strongest first thing in the morning after sleep. This is when you are less likely to talk yourself out of exercising. Set the alarm half an hour earlier (bonus points if you take out your workout clothes the night before). The time invested will give you increased focus and problem solving ability for the morning ahead. You’ll be able to power through your to-do list that bit easier.
- KEEP IT SIMPLE…
Choose an activity that doesn’t need a huge investment of time or money on kit. – yoga, brisk walking, running, online fitness classes. You’ll have fewer excuses not to get active than opting for a sport or activity that needs a raft of equipment and getting things ready before you can begin.
- CHOOSE EXERCISE YOU ENJOY…
Choose an activity that you find enjoyable. If the very thought of a dawn run is enough to make you pull the duvet up and shut the world out – try dancing to two or three songs from your epic playlist while making your coffee. That won’t even seem like exercise!
- DO SOME EXERCISE RATHER THAN NONE…
Yes, we all have those days when 30 minutes is hard to find. Don’t break what will quickly become a great habit just because you don’t have time one day. Do 10 squats, run for 5 minutes, do 1 yoga pose, do something rather than nothing. It reminds you and your muscles that you ARE someone who exercises.
- GET AN ACCOUNTABILITY BUDDY…
When you commit to exercising with someone else, virtually or in person, you’re much more likely to show up – physically and mentally. You’ll be less inclined to half-ass your workout or worse, not do it at all! Find someone who loves the same activities as you, who also needs that push to get them out of bed in the morning. Agree dates, times and go for it. Hold each other to a forfeit if either one doesn’t show, for example, for every “no-show” you need to make a donation to a cause that you really dislike. Most of us feel more negative emotion at the thought of losing money than positive emotion at the prospect of finding cash, so this type of forfeit works really well.