How to Make Time For Your Health
Allow me to offer a bit of insight into my daily life routine. On the outside, you all know me as a girl who likes to travel when I have the free time, eat and review foods from different restaurants, and ramble on about it. But how many of you actually know what my week days look like? What I do for a living? How I make the money to do what I do and go where I go? I don’t talk about this much, but I think its apparent that I also enjoy taking care of myself, eating healthy, and exercising regularly. (Some of the things that I do would be ridiculously difficult without it, to be honest). So let me give you some insight on how to make time for your health (because its so so important, I promise).
For starters, I do have a full time 40+ hours a week job. I work as a quality assurance coordinator at a local doctors office, and I am here Monday-Friday. Typically, I come home, work out, make myself dinner, work on my blog, read to unwind, and then go to sleep and repeat the next day. On the weekends, I spend my free time with friends, exploring new places, trying out new restaurants, and gathering new content to share with all of you. For extra cash I review web products, mystery shop, and tutor.
Feel like a lot? It’s hard to remind myself that there are only 24 hours in a day and 7 days in a week. Without to do lists and planners (which I’ll cover at a later time) it can often be relatively difficult to balance and manage sometimes, so I’ve developed a decent amount of self-control and self-discipline to make the time for everything that I do on a weekly basis.
We often get caught in the daily repetition of our daily to do lists. We all work, we all need to eat, we all need to sleep, shower, etc. But one thing that I’ve noticed is that for some reason, exercise doesn’t seem to be at the top of many individuals’ to do lists. A lot of people really don’t seem to value the importance of daily exercise. We often claim that we need to start, mentally note that, shove it into the back our minds, and state the all too popular proclamation “I’ll just do it tomorrow”.
No matter how busy you are, no matter how busy your schedule may be, STOP SAYING YOU’LL DO IT TOMORROW. You never, ever will. We are creatures of habit, and it’s often said that once you do something for 30 days routinely, it just becomes part of your habits. I’m here to tell you that that statement is so very true. I’ve been the person who’s said every single day of the week “I’ll just work out tomorrow”, and I didn’t stop saying that until I just forced it into my schedule for days and weeks at a time. In fact, now when I don’t work out daily, I feel incredibly guilty, and that guilt puts me right back on track. So here is a step by step how to, on adding exercise and healthy eating into your daily routine (modeled after my very own).
1) Create a schedule.
Monday through Sunday, write it out. Start small. I promise you that although you see individuals on Instagram (god bless them) who literally employ 3 hours of gym time into their daily schedules, that yours does NOT have to look like that. In fact, I slide in only about 20 minutes of exercise per day, and I’m completely content with that. Insight into my schedule? I chose 4 things that I enjoy doing, and I include one of those into my daily workout routine and then alternate. Therefore, an example of my workout schedule for the week often looks like this.
Monday – Run 2 miles
Tuesday – Online yoga workout routine
Wednesday – Run 2 miles
Thursday – Online pilates routine
Friday – Run 2 miles
Saturday – Express workout section at Planet Fitness
Sunday – Rest day
And I repeat this routine on a weekly basis.
2) Find the right tools to use for your routines. For me, I use youtube for all of my online programs. Why? Well, it’s free, and just as good as taking a class, but without all the judgement (or feeling like you’re being judged), time commitments, and having to actually get into the car and drive there. Some of my favorites are Yoga with Adrienne and The Balanced Life Pilates with Robin Long. So find some that resonate with you, and get at it!
3) My running routine was found via Pinterest. I found a routine someone re-pinned where I essentially run and walk in alterations. For instance, the first week I will run for 1 minute intervals and walk in between those intervals for 2 minutes. Each week, the run time increases, and I build up my resistance. Great for those who find themselves out of shape and need to get back into it! There are plenty of pins available for this, but I’ve shared mine below.
4) Special bonus about the pin I shared: There is also a daily inhome work out that you can replace the Planet Fitness section with. These sets change daily, work on various regions of the body, and are easy to do right at home.
5) Eat a healthy, balanced diet. (Some great ones to follow in my opinion are Mediterranean and keto, but beware of the specifications with keto to ensure you are dieting on this safely).
6) Drink plenty of water! (The recommended amount is 64 oz daily).
7) Make it FUN! We all like making money right? Well, I checked into Sweatcoin recently, wondering what all the hub-bub was about. Turns out, it’s actually a really cool deal! Everytime that I go for a run or walk outside (yes ladies, this includes walking around outdoor malls shopping), I add in a workout, and I get PAID TO WORK OUT. There’s literally no catch. If you’re interested in checking this out (which I highly recommend because why the f*ck not? Sign up today!
In addition to a daily exercise routine, fitness is not the only key to your health. You must also ensure that you are eating healthy, getting proper sleep, and taking time each day to unwind and relax. For me? I follow a keto friendly diet during the week, and take cheat breaks on the weekends. Now, on the weekends I’m careful not to go insane, as it has and WILL make you feel like total crap. I know there is quite a bit of controversy over Keto and Paleo and all of those restricting diets, but I do believe there are really great health benefits to keto AS LONG AS IT IS NOT A PERMANENT DIET CHOICE. If you decide to start one of these, please, please, please, do the research and pay attention to the how tos and warnings. They’re there for a reason.
With that being said, my diet throughout the week consists of healthy portions of meats, cheese, and veggies. I’m careful to make sure I take a daily multi-vitamin to ensure I’m getting all of my proper nutrients. I drink AT LEAST 64 oz of water per day to remain hydrated (often more when I’m in the middle of ketosis, as your body requires more water in this state).
It is for all of these reasons that I have plenty of energy to get through my weekly activities without feeling dull, tired, or stressed out. Exercise is a great relief for any of your daily work stressors, and eating healthy provides the proper nutrients to nourish your body and give you the proper energy that you need, all day long, without reaching for those terrible energy drinks, and sugary coffees everyday.
We all try to find excuses to opt out of things like exercise, because it’s just not the most exciting or entertaining part of our day, but if I can find 15-20 minutes daily, you can too. Not only will it pay off in the long run, you’ll also find that eventually those 20 minutes are your favorite part of the day. It never fails that after a run (despite being exhausted from work) that I wake back up enough to finish out the rest of my day, and I feel awesome about it too.
If you need some extra help setting up a daily health schedule, feel free to reach out to me at retracethesesteps@gmail.com. I’d love to help get you started. And of course, if you all have any questions about anything mentioned above, I’d be more than happy to help with that too.
Before I close, I just want to add one more thing. I know that when I’m head to toe in gear that makes me feel cute and ready to hit the gym, I am MUCH more obligated to get myself outside and work it out. Therefore, I encourage you to check out some of these adorable products from Adidas that will make you want to get into that gym and show it on off.
With summer wrapping up, I know we’re not as concerned without “summer bodies” and are preparing for that winter hibernation state. But why not try something different this year? Work less hard for that summer body next year because you’ll already have one, and leave room in your New Years resolutions for something else. So now that you’ve got more insight on how to make time for you health; You can do this, I believe in you!
Like hiking? Check out some of my favorite places in the US to hike in the travel section of my blog!
Until next time,
– C
36 Comments
Tren
A schedule is everything to me. I hand separated from my hubby (military) for over a year with 13 year old twins and our foster child. My twins were involved in every sport possible. I was working full time and going to school. Without a schedule, I would completely overwhelmed. I remember when the twins were first born, I didn’t use a schedule/calendar. I have taken the wrong twin to appt or showed up hours earlier, lol.
Sonja Hoff
Love this! Having a routine has been vital in my overall well-being. I had no idea about the sweat app! I’ll have to look into that!
Mira
great tips , will definitely keep them in mind ! thanks for sharing
Kendra
Great post! I love all your tips! I agree that exercise HAS to be made a priority by all of us. A daily routine and consistency is definitely the way to go!
Joanna
I know how hard it is to maintain a balance between in life. I am trying as much as possible to keep my healthy routine and go to the gym every morning. However, lately I have skipped the gym because I live in a very touristy area and parking has become impossible. And I do miss it…
Rochelle
I love this! I cannot function without a schedule and a daily to-do list. Accountability and discipline is very important. I’ve never heard of sweatcoin before, I’ll check it out!
Tracy @ Cleland Clan
A schedule is really helpful. It can motivate you when you’re not busy or keep you on track when you are. I like checking off items on a list, so a written schedule helps me be able to do that.
Michael
For some people such things are a waste of time.. What they don’t know is that things like these brings you more than the outer appearance. 😉 With you on this.
Krysten Quiles
I struggle with making time. Some days I work 11 hours. Some days I wrestle with dogs for 11 hours. Some days clients scream at me all day. Which makes me not want to work out my body unfortunately.
Viano Dee
I am a victim of “I will do it tomorrow”. Schedules never work. Frankly speaking, I think it’s because I just never set my mind to do it. This is a reminder.
Sara | mshealthesteem.com
A schedule can be such a big help! And it’s truly so important to create a balance that works for you. Thanks for the awesome tips ♡
nicole walker
This is such an important topic. Without setting a specific time for self-care it can be so hard to do stuff that’s necessary. It’s something I still struggle with, so I loved this post!
tweenselmom
Most people who are passionate usually forgets about themselves. I don’t know why. Maybe because sometimes, when you do something for other people, you feel that happiness that you think you are already doing it for yourself. But it’s not always the case.
Jarrid Jack
Having a workout schedule is so very important to have as it gives structure to everything else needing to be done throughout the day. Great post!
Backpackingcouple
These tips are great! We try to spend time outside in nature as much as possible. With a child it’s not always easy to make time for yourself but we will try your schedule!
Lohas Canada
There is no tomorrow, only today! I love making schedules and sticking to them as it is a guideline on what I need to do for that week. Love your transparency on what your day looks like as it is the back end of things that keep driving us forward and not all about the appearance of the lifestyle.
Heena
This is great post. Cant agree more on this. Health is Wealth. Can’t imagine my life with out schedule as it helps me to stay fit by reminding me to go to gym, take kids to activity class, cook and do other chores at home. Thanks for reminding
Heena
Ching
We keep the same crazy schedule. I have a full time job then attend so many events as an influencer. I’m frustrated im inconsistently going to kickboxing classes because of my crazy schedule. But I promised myself to create a schedule to ensure my classes are there too!
Kuntala
I need this inspiration from you. I am so irregular in my workouts. Your post has boosted my energy and I am going to follow religiously
Maysz
Such a lovely post! It’s so important to save time to ourselves to enjoy life your post motivates me to do some workouts HAHAHHAHA!
Emily Fata
Making time for your health is super important. We need to do so in order to live our best and healthiest lives. Who doesn’t want to extend their lifespans?
Melanie Frost
I hate working out. I just find it completely boring and monotonous. But now that I’m getting older I can’t keep the weight off by diet alone anymore. I’m going to check out that site. Getting paid to workout might be all the motivation that I need!
Bindu Thomas
Totally, with you on this. I love to hurl myself into problems, so task lists keep my sanity in check. and Yes, exercise.
Jeannette (Jay Joy)
I really needed this. I am not taking care of my health at all. I go to sleep at 3 a.m. and wake up 7 a.m. every day. I want to cry.
Owen G
Good tips. I personally find joining a club or group works well as it gives you a greater impetus to discipline yourself to do things at set times.
Mudpiefridays
Definitely needed this today!!! Thank you for posting and allowing us to start our day right
twinspirational
We always have to take an eye in our health, it is so important, that’s why I love reading blogs, always reminds me of things I often forget..
Debra Schroeder
You’re right, it’s so important to make time for exercise or self care because as you get older your body really suffers (I know 🙂 I’ll have to check out Sweatcoin, love the idea of getting paid to work out. 🙂
Fatima Torres
Your health is wealth– I firmly believe this. Staying active is a great way to make time for it — even if it’s just walks around your community.
Laura
At the moment I just concentrate on healthy eating, but I should start working out x
Laura
https://pinkfrenzymissl.blogspot.com/
SOMGOLIBE
I feel so judged by this post😂😂😂. I never indulge willingly in any form of exercise probably because I’m hiding under the cloak of a trim teenager and maybe also because I’m used to taking long walks to and back school (does that count as exercise?) But I’ll try to be conscious about it from now on, especially as regards running.
Marie
It really is amazing what you can fit into your day when you actually lay everything out in an organized schedule. It’s almost like magic! This post has inspired me to schedule exercise time back into my schedule. Start out small and work up! Thanks for sharing!
Sarah Horton
Wow! That last bit really resonated with me. We should focus now, and that’s one more New Years Resolution I don’t have to make and break again.
Phil
It’s so true that what we don’t do today, we aren’t going to do tomorrow either. We must prioritize what’s truly important each and every day, not putting off what we truly value (or we probably don’t really value it). Thanks for the great reminder. Now I need to go get after it TODAY!
Melissa
This is a great reminder about the importance of health and fitness, even amid everything else on our to-do lists! Thanks for sharing.
Riza Khamal
I love self care. This is a good reminder for everyone who is too busy to take care of themselves.