How can I include active living in my busy lifestyle?
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People often say that they think about exercising but don't get around to doing it because they don't have the time. Both active and inactive people have to deal with this issue, but people who are make it a priority in their lives. They find creative ways to fit physical activity into their commitments to family, school and work.
Making physical activity part of your daily life can make it easier to do the other things that compete for your time. The secret is to plan to be active and to find activities that work for you and fit your busy schedule.
Here are some ways to fit active living into your busy day:
- Go for shorter, more frequent periods of activity instead of doing a few longer exercise sessions every now and then. Try lifting weights for 10 minutes before you go to work, walking for 10 minutes at lunch and playing frisbee with your children when you get home. Short, 10-minute activity sessions can offer as much benefit as one long session.
- Track your daily activities for one week, and identify times you could be physically active. Book your active break into your daytimer or calendar just as you would any other meeting or medical appointment. Like anything else, if you don't schedule active living breaks, they probably won't happen. You'll simply find that other things have filled the time.
- Keep an extra set of workout clothes and shoes in your car or at the office, so they’re ready to use when you have a few spare minutes.
- If you often cancel your workout because you’re too hungry after work, pack a snack.
Look for ways to be active at work:
- Stretch at your desk.
- Take the stairs instead of waiting for the elevator.
- Sit on a balance ball instead of a chair when you work at your computer.
- Book a walking meeting instead of meeting at your desk.
Look for ways to take active breaks:
- Do something active by yourself or with other parents while your children attend soccer/dance/music practices (e.g., go for a walk around the playing field or arena, shoot some baskets in the school yard or gym).
- Get off the bus one stop early. Take walking breaks on the airplane during long flights.
- Go for a brisk walk or wheel during lunch.
- Walk around the airport while waiting for your connecting flight.
Work physical activity into your errands:
- Use a basket instead of a cart to carry your groceries if you're just buying a few things.
- Dance to some lively music while you cook.
- Mow your lawn using a push-mower instead of an electric- or gas-powered mower.
- Park your car in the back row at the shopping centre. Walk briskly to the doors.
Be more active in your leisure time:
- Sit on a balance ball instead of your sofa when you watch TV or play video games.
- Take your pet for a walk to the movie store, and return your rental movies at the same time.
- Plan activities that include being physically active on the weekend. Organize a weekly Saturday morning bike ride with your children or a Sunday afternoon hike with friends.
Resources
- Active living FAQs (Canadian Health Network)—Check out the FAQs under the "Staying active" section for more ideas on how to make active living part of your life.
- Physical activity challenge: exercise strategies for two real working moms (The Heart & Stroke Foundation)
