It’s often been said that a healthy body leads to a healthy mind. That’s one of the main reasons I’m so focused on getting in my daily exercise. A good workout helps me clear my mind after a stressful day and makes me feel good. If I don’t get in my daily workout, I start to feel like I’m missing something important in my life. After a few days, I’ll even start to feel sluggish.
There’s this old notion that a cluttered desk leads to a cluttered mind. I’ll take it a step further and say if your body isn’t right, your mind can’t be right either.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and incorporating daily exercise can be tough for most. It’s why it keeps coming up as the #1 New Year’s resolution. Even on my busiest days, I still try to find a way to stay active. And if you really stay committed, after a while it becomes a positive habit rather than a time-consuming chore. I think it’s really important to take care of your personal health. Along with a daily workout, that means eating well and getting a good night’s sleep.
Getting a Great Start!
Now that you’re ready to work out, here are some words of wisdom I want to share with you. The first few days are when you will feel the most motivated, particularly if you’re starting a new workout at your gym. The adrenaline will be pumping and you will feel ready to tackle any fitness routine set in front of you. That same spirit applies if you begin a daily workout at home or on the job.
Fast forward a few days, and that mental edge may be wearing off. You may be tempted to skip a workout or two. I have found that this tendency is often a result of unrealistic expectations. Remember there are no overnight results. Everything good in life takes time, and this is no different. It’s about dedication and showing up every day to put in the work, not the amount of work you put into one day.
So, set realistic goals for yourself at the beginning. Maybe it’s as simple as increasing your mile time by the end of the month. Let yourself have these small victories. They’ll keep you excited about getting back to it again the next day.
You should also think about your personal routine. Is it easier to do a daily workout before you start your work day, during the day or after work? Finding the right time for a workout can help you turn it into a daily habit. As many of us are now working from home full- or part-time, why not use some of those former drive-time minutes for your daily workout? You can step outside for a walk or run to get some fresh air during your lunch break or even convert a room in your home into an indoor gym. You don’t have to invest in a bunch of fancy equipment. Start small and simple – just set aside an area to use and designate a specific time. Don’t allow yourself to get distracted by chores around your home. Get into your workout gear and get to work. There are plenty of online exercise apps that you can follow or go back to the basics – push ups, sit ups, jumping jacks – anything to get your heart pumping.
Whether you choose to work out in your home or elsewhere, you should ease into your workout routine instead of going full-speed from start to finish. Remember to stretch before every workout. Something like a pulled hamstring from not stretching can keep you on the sidelines for weeks.
Finally, try and change up your workout routine from time to time. Don’t let your body and your muscles get complacent by doing the same thing every day. Challenge yourself and the end results will feel even more gratifying.
Ideas For Workouts On The Go
Some days we’re constantly on the move. If anybody understands this, it’s me. I can’t remember the last time that I looked at an empty calendar. Yet just because you’re on the go, it’s important to fit in a little time for yourself.
There are tons of ways to incorporate fitness into your day, without altering your schedule.
Here are some of my favorite go-to workouts for when I’m on the go.
Going for walks:
Did you know walking is considered one of the best workouts for the human body? It’s true. Oftentimes, I’ll go for a nice long walk and sometimes just listen to music or return a few calls. This is my favorite way to get in a quick cardio workout while I’m being productive.
Taking the stairs:
Okay, hear me out on this one. If you have to go up 40 flights of stairs, please feel free to catch the elevator. But whenever I’m going up just a flight or two, I always look for the staircase. After a while, it just became a habit. It’s a great way to stimulate the muscles in your legs and calves. If you increase the speed a bit, you can really get the blood flowing.
Desk workouts:
If you can’t get away from your desk, that’s okay. There are plenty of great videos on desk workout routines available for free. Even a five-minute routine can do wonders when you’re stuck at your desk.
Meditation:
Exercising your mind is just as important as your body. Sit in peace for a few minutes, take deep breaths, or listen to calming music and focus on yourself. I see exercise as a sign of recognizing your self-worth and recognizing how wonderful you are. Spend time reflecting on yourself and remind yourself that you are a special person.
Sticking With Your Workout Routine
The best advice I can give anyone who wants to stick with their workout routines is to believe in themselves. I mentioned before that I view exercise as investing in yourself. We all have days that we may feel too tired to lace up our jogging sneakers and hit the road. That’s normal… But in those moments ask yourself if you’re worth it, because the answer is always yes! Use that as motivation to take that extra walk, or do those extra crunches, or do one more set of weights, whatever it may be.
Believe in yourself and stay focused on improving your body as well as your mind and emotions. That includes maintaining a balanced diet. We all have cravings for something – for me it’s candy. So, I’m not telling you to never have a slice of chocolate cake or a scoop of ice cream. I’m just suggesting eating in moderation. Be aware of what you’re putting into your body and how it makes you feel. I’ll bet that eating healthy also improves your daily workout routine!
Another piece of advice is a simple one: Always have your workout gear organized and easily accessible. Whether you’re at home or in the office, you never know when you may have a burst of energy or some extra free-time to go for a run or take off on your bicycle. I like to keep an extra bag ready to go with a change of workout clothes and some essentials in case I can squeeze in time for an extra gym session or an at-home workout.
Finding a way to incorporate a daily workout into your busy schedule can be a challenge. But look at it as an opportunity to invest in yourself and get a great ROI in the process. I believe that a healthy mind and body will make you a stronger leader as well as a happier, well-balanced person. So, use these tips to get a jump start on a daily workout, and remember to maintain a healthy balance in all aspects of your life.
Nowak, C. (2020, April 2). 5 tips for working out at home. Retrieved from https://www.sunlife.ca/en/tools-and-resources/health-and-wellness/fitness-and-family-health/6-tips-for-working-out-at-home/
