Fit and Busy: Can they Coexist?

Time moving slowly is a rare occurrence in my life. I can count on one hand the types of instances I have noticed time moving slowly. On a relaxing camping trip with my husband in Canada time moved wonderfully slow. But then there are the times where I am sitting in the car late for an appointment waiting for a train to pass--a little bit more frustrating than wonderful! But other than those types of instances, time seems to slip away with a blink of an eye.

With long 'to do' lists and many responsibilities, most of us find ourselves feeling short on time, especially when it comes to doing the things that we would like to do for ourselves (i.e., reading a good book, taking a relaxing bath, and EXERCISING!). I am sure that you have felt like you need just one more hour in the day. But, in reality, if you had that hour, would you use it wisely or for those 'self-care' activities?

Lack of time and busy schedules seem to be two of the biggest excuses I hear when I talk to people about why they are just not taking care of themselves. Whether you need to exercise more, do regular stress relieving activities, or simply take time out to talk to a good friend many of you have probably used the 'time' excuse not to do those things that your mind and body crave.

Unfortunately, time is never going to change. We cannot get it back, create more of it, or manage it (despite the popular seminar titles referring to 'time management'). It ticks by and it is our responsibility to use it wisely. So, if time is one of the reasons that you have neglected yourself, here are some pointers to get healthy even with a busy lifestyle:

• Change Your Perspective: If you continue to tell yourself that you just cannot fit self-care in, you never will. Let's face it, if it's important enough, it gets done. So, adopt the perspective that taking care of yourself is near the top of your priority list. All successful behavior change starts with how you THINK about it.
  
  
• Manage Your Energy: Reserve some energy for YOU. Learn to say 'no' if it means that you will be all tapped out and not have the energy for taking care of yourself. Make sure that you do energy producing activities that rejuvenate you (like deep breathing, brisk walks at lunch, yoga, eat well, etc) so that you are not too exhausted at the end of the day.
  
  
• Prioritize your wellness goals: You know what your mind and body need to be healthy and fit in order to live life to it's fullest. I do not need to tell you that. You just have to take it seriously and start (or continue) acting on it. Make taking care of yourself non-negotiable!
  
  
• Be Realistic: You are not perfect and you will never be able to it ALL (despite the claims of many self-help books). Personal wellness is about growth. It is a process, a journey. Gradually try new things. For example, maybe belly dancing won't work for you but dancing in the privacy of your living room will!
  
  
• Realize Your Responsibility: You are the only one who has the ability to improve your health and fitness. You HAVE to do it yourself. You may be able to hire a personal trainer or nutritionist but YOU still have to do the work. How will you be able to work effectively, take care of your children with the energy they deserve, or do anything else to your full potential if you are not taking care of YOU?
  
  
• One Thing at a Time: Instead of trying to climb a mountain, start simply by taking little steps. You may think of lots of self care activities that you would like to try. But research shows that those who focus on small objectives rather then an overwhelming goal are more successful than those who bite off more than they can chew. That is why we help our clients set small and realistic goals while progressing towards the big win!
  
  
• Plan Ahead and Organize: Sit down and actually have a self care planning session. Get out your calendar and schedule yourself in. I know, you have heard this all before--well, this time do it!

 

Hopefully the above points have hit home with you. Maybe you were hoping that I was going to somehow explain away the need to carve out time for fitness and taking care of yourself. Nope! There is just no way to get healthy, feel fit, experience energy and practice prevention without putting in the time. But with that said, here are a few ideas for those of you who are just not ready to sacrifice some of your time in the name of health:

Kill Two Birds with One Stone: Include your kids in your pursuits to get active by holding a dance party in the livingroom. Listen to a relaxing book on tape as you drive. Make cleaning an energetic job to get extra movement. Have your kids pick out healthy recipes to try with you.

Get Creative: Okay, you might think I am crazy but if you want to do it, you will make it happen! Try incorporating exercise into your regular daily activities by using an exercise ball as a desk chair, doing squats as you fold laundry, including some standing pushups on the counter edge while working in the kitchen. There are hundreds of ways to incorporate wellness into your normal routine, just get creative!

 

Katie Oldham

MS, LWC, President
MissFIT Complete, Inc.

Katie's passion is to help women connect the 'how to' of personal wellness with the deeper issues of changing habits and behaviors. Her education in exercise physiology and health psychology is indicative of this perspective.
Katie has spent her entire professional career in the fitness and wellness industry beginning as a group exercise instructor, then a Personal Trainer, and then moving to management in a medically based wellness center. She found her niche when she began pursuing Wellness Coaching with women and then decided to start her own company where she can offer the types of programs not widely available but greatly needed. Katie works hard to provide all of the MissFIT clients and anyone she encounters professionally with a fresh and optimistic perspective on achieving wellness goals. Find out More >