If your Calendar has a tendency to fill up quickly with a combination of work duties and family responsibilities, then it can be difficult to make time for exercise. Many of us choose to push exercise to the bottom of our priority list, but maybe it is time to change that!
Exercise can be an important part of a productive day, but it is important to find a specific time to make it happen. Otherwise, it will continue to fall to the bottom of the priority list.
One way to make exercise easier to schedule is to find a reason that resonates with you. Of course, some of the reasons are very standard but others may surprise you. Find a reason, or combination of reasons, that gets you motivated to find time for exercise even with your busy Calendar.
Reasons to make time for exercise
You will not magically find time to exercise unless you find a reason and stick to it. Whatever your reason, it should motivate you enough to make time on your Calendar each and every week.
1. A healthier body
The first reason to exercise is to build a healthier body. When your body is healthier, then you are typically able to be more productive. Many of us strive to get the maximum amount of productivity out of our bodies. Exercise is one way to take care of your body.
When you take care of your body, then it may be able to reward you with higher overall productivity.
2. Sleep better
Sleep can be elusive to many people. Although most of us recognize that sleep is important, it can be difficult to get a good night’s sleep every night.
One way to improve your sleep schedule is through regular exercise. The physical exertion required tires your body out which can allow you to sleep better.
When you are able to get a good night of sleep, the next day is typically more productive.
3. Socialize
Many types of exercise also offer a great opportunity to meet new people in your community.
For example, you could sign up for a regular tennis clinic and meet some new friends while exercising at the same time. It is always fun to meet new friends and exercise classes are an enjoyable way to branch out.
4. Healthy mind
Exercise is linked to the release of many healthy chemicals in your brain. These chemicals, endorphins, signal to your brain that you are happy.
If exercise is the key to a happier life, then it is definitely worth a try! Science has shown that there is a link between exercise and happiness. Although it is not a concrete formula that exercise leads to happiness it could help you.
5. Stress relief
A busy Calendar might cause stress to pile up by the end of the day. Just jumping from task to task can be stressful. It is important to find some way to relieve stress and exercise is one option.
Hitting the trail or taking a Zumba class could help you to unwind from your day and reduce stress at the same time. Stress can be a killer. The simple act of exercising can help to significantly reduce your stress levels.
When you are less stressed out, you will likely be able to perform the other important tasks on your Calendar better.
6. Weight loss
Some of us have weight loss goals that can seem impossible to reach with a busy schedule weighing us down. However, it is important to make room on your Calendar for exercise if weight loss is important to you.
Make it a priority to be a healthy version of you. A healthier you may be able to accomplish more.
7. Energy boost
Although you expend energy while exercising, it can boost your overall energy levels to compensate for that. When you commit to exercising in your Calendar, you are likely to build energy levels that could be sustained throughout the day.
Other tasks on your Calendar may seem more manageable when you have more energy.
8. Improved mood
Many studies show that exercising can improve your overall mood. The mood that you conduct your life with can significantly impact your entire life.
Think about the times that a bad mood has put a damper on your productivity. Exercise may be able to improve your mood and therefore help to increase your productivity.
9. Enjoyable activity
Not everything on your Calendar should feel like a chore. It is important to have fun things to look forward to throughout the week. If you choose an activity that you enjoy, then it is a break that is both fun and healthy for you.
10. Improve your memory
Exercise has the ability to improve your memory over time. Most of us wish our memories were better and exercise can help!
Think of all the embarrassing moments we could all forget if our memories were a little bit better! A better memory could also help to improve your work habits.
11. Creativity boost
If you wish you could improve your creativity, then exercise may be the answer. A recent study found that exercise has the ability to improve your creativity over time. Although you may not become the next great Picasso, exercise can lead to more bursts of creativity.
12. Reduces allergies
Everyone hates allergies. If you have an annoying allergy, it can significantly reduce your overall productivity because you are constantly tending to your symptoms.
13. Adds years to your life
Through exercise, you are improving your body’s health which can add years to your life. Although it is not a guarantee, exercise can help you add the years you need to accomplish all of your dreams.
14. Strengthens your bones
Exercise can allow you to build stronger bones. The base structure of your body is obviously an important part of your body, so adding additional strength is a great idea.
15. Contributes to a higher self-esteem
When you exercise, you are contributing to higher self-esteem because you are helping to improve the way you look and feel. When you feel better about yourself, you will have more confidence and potentially be able to take on large
[Related: Get Your Calendar and Schedule Physical Activity]
Bottom line
Exercise can lead to a healthier body and a happier mind. Make an effort to find time for exercise in order to enjoy the rewards. Even if you have a very busy schedule, you can still benefit from regularly scheduled exercise.
Sarah Sharkey