Make Way For Movement
Talk of spring cleaning at this time of year flies right over my head. With a full-time job, writing in my spare time and managing my migraines, cleaning is low on my list of priorities; I do the bare minimum to keep the dust and germs at bay.
Instead, I use the start of spring as a reminder to make way for the new in other areas of my life.
My fitness journey began last spring and I wanted to share my tips for making way for movement in your life.
1. Find pockets of time
Grab a piece of paper and draw a circle.
Like the face of a clock, draw twenty-four segments.
In each segment write down how you spend your time on an average day. Remember (hopefully!) you’ll have at least 6-8 hours of that time blocked off for sleeping.
Put aside the time that is not your own (work, caring commitments, parenting/home schooling etc) and identify how you spend your pockets of free time.
Could you walk the 15 minutes to the shop instead of driving there? Look for the opportunities for movement throughout your day. Maybe you’re too tired after the working week. Could you plan a Sunday bike ride instead, or take the kids to the local park or woods for the afternoon?
2. Build a habit
About 40 per cent of a person’s daily activities are performed each day in almost the same way. Great if you’re happy with your life right now. If not, can you change one habit?
Make it easy for yourself. Prepare for tomorrow’s healthy breakfast by leaving the bowl and porridge on the kitchen counter after your evening meal. Block 30 minutes in your work diary so that no one can book a meeting so you can take a daily lunchtime walk.
3. Find something you love
Endless cardio bores me. Running on pavements would be hell on my knees. Instead, I tried a lot of different exercises till I found ones that I loved.
With Tabata and HIIT sessions, the short burst of exercise means the time passes in a flash. Jessica Smith’s You Tube channel has lots of free beginner workouts.
You’ll always have demands on your time, that much is certain. The cleaning and washing will always be there but everyone has at least 10 minutes of the day to themselves. And it’s about using those 10 minutes in the best way for you.
Instead of using these demands as a get out clause, ask yourself if the way you use your spare moments is really what you need. After a stressful week, perhaps flopping in front of Netflix is all your tired brain can cope with, yet you might find one day you try 10 minutes on the exercise bike instead and it takes you out of the mind slump.
Be open to making way for the new in your life.
Image ‘New Shoots’ by A_Peach, licensed under CCBY 2.0