Working exercise into a Busy Schedule

We are all busy, and we are all pressed for time. But there is no better time to get more exercise than when we are burning the candle at both ends, and stressing out over it. Our bodies were meant to move, not sit at a desk. The mental stress we endure is not what we were meant to have on a continual and daily basis. It will rob you of good health and in these uncertain times, one thing we really need to preserve at all costs is our health, both mental and physical.

Most of you know that I work fulltime as a nurse and do the health counseling on the side. I also am tending to my very ill dog, Bolo. I know I don’t have much time with him left, and the time I do have I spend near his side either reading or just loving on him. Needless to say, exercise has taken a backseat these last several weeks. But I notice that the emotional stress I feel needs to be dealt with, and exercise I must. So I have taken my own advice and tried to work in exercise every which way I can—-and you can, too!

Normally, Bolo and I would take a 40 minute hike in the mornings, but that hasn’t happened in a month now. So I get up each morning, leaving Bolo in bed with Sandy. I either ride my bike in the basement or I go out and run up and down our hill in the back yard, either way it’s 15 minutes of pure exercise that I can get in before I start my chores. In the event that I actually get a lunch break of any length, I eat my salad and then I go for a brisk walk. I love getting outside for a bit at lunchtime. It really helps to give me a fresh perspective on the rest of my day, and I urge you to try it for yourself. We all need a real break from our work days, even if it is only a 15 minute stretch break outside. What’s important is that we clear our minds, stretch our bodies and look around us and see what is out there waiting for us. Our lives are not all about work!! At the end of the day, it doesn’t always happen, but I try to get another 15 minutes in on the bike. That concludes my makeshift work out during this stressful time.

I know that at some point I will resume my morning runs like I was used to. I know that by cramming in 15 minute mini workouts here and there, it will keep me in shape while I deal with a heavy work schedule and a dying companion. I also know that it is paramount in keeping me from getting overwhelmed with these issues. I hope that you will try to squeeze in moments of exercise in your busy day, too. You will reap the benefits of a clearer mind, a more centered nervous system and better sleep. You will have a better perspective to deal with uncertain issues, and a better functioning immune system to keep you well.