Physical activity has many health benefits and is essential to our wellbeing.
Exercise is good for us, but we don’t always follow through on our plans.
Starting a routine is difficult, but maintaining it can be more challenging. This is especially true when you have a busy schedule.
You can still get some exercise in during the day, even if you do not have time to complete a full-on workout.
Small Activities With Big Benefits
It’s not necessary to spend hours in the gym to increase your physical activity. Making small adjustments to your daily routine can be the most effective way to increase your physical activity.
Use the stairs instead the elevator.
If you want to walk, park further away from the destination.
Use your phone’s timer to remind you to move every hour.
Take your dog on a longer, faster or more frequent walk.
Do a quick stretch or exercise during commercial breaks or while watching television.
Dance when you are cleaning or cooking.
Stand up and work instead of sitting down at a desk.
Get more sex.
These small tasks can make a big difference to your daily stress level and increase your physical activity without taking too much time. These small breaks from inactivity or sitting can reduce your daily stress.
Removing Obstacles and Increasing Motivation
Consider the emotional and psychological influences of your exercise routines as well.
Ask yourself:
Why do you want to be more active in your life?
Why do you not exercise more?
Why don’t you make time for it?
Do you have emotional blocks or negative thoughts that prevent you from achieving your goals?
Do you have valid and rational excuses?
Do you choose physical activities you enjoy and find sustainable?
Do you do things that feel too easy?
Do you do things that are difficult and discouraging to you?
Which activities could you improve on and still feel satisfied with?
Are there people who encourage you and will help you achieve your goals in your life?
What fun activities can you do with your family or friends?
What are some of the ways you can expand your definition of physical activity to include other forms of healthy movement?
Write your answers down in a notebook or journal. Consider other questions that you could ask yourself in order to evaluate your emotional relationship with exercising and start making changes.
While there is no perfect solution to everyone’s problem when it comes time to exercise more, by examining what holds you back you can begin taking small steps in the direction you want.
