Best Ways to Include Exercise in Your Daily Routine

As cliché as it may sound, it is vital for all of us to treat our bodies like a temple. As an ardent fitness freak who relishes every workout that I engage myself in, it is also equally important to narrow down the reasons why incorporating an exercise routine in our daily lifestyle is vital. Regular physical activity not only strengthens our muscles, but it also boosts our endurance. Exercise delivers oxygen and nutrients to your tissues and helps your cardiovascular system work more efficiently. And when your heart and lung health improve, you have more energy to tackle daily chores. Not to mention, having a fixed, simple and balanced routine also exercises your mind, keeping it fresh. Saying that you don’t have time to incorporate a simple routine is too old of an excuse. 

I don’t mean to sound condescending as I’m fully aware that we all have busy schedules that prevent us from having some quality time to ourselves. Saying that you don’t have time, means you aren’t creating that space that will enable you to rejuvenate your mind, body and soul. We all have time. If you have time to check your WhatsApp text messages, play video games or watch tv, then you surely do have time to go out for a purposeful evening walk. Even if it’s for fifteen minutes or half an hour…you are leading a balanced and simple lifestyle. You are getting something done and it’s effective. So, in order to make this happen, what can we do to incorporate exercise in our day-to-day routine? 

1.Get into the habit of putting your workout schedule in your calendar. Adapting this method will not only make you more mindful, but it also enables you to be sharper, both; mentally and physically as well as making you understand what your priorities should be. Noting down your fixed workout routine in your calendar is highly beneficial in making you schedule your time around your routine. Further enhancing your drive will surely make you say ‘I need to get my body moving.’ 

2.Correct your mindset. This is where most people go wrong. When it comes to working out, most of them think it’s a tedious and tiring job and yet they end up complaining that the manner in which they are leading their lives is not right. I hate to break it to you, and I have to let my inner Samuel L. Jackson out…but ladies and gentlemen…complaining isn’t going to land you anywhere. The first step in incorporating a balanced workout routine is by viewing exercising as a gift. A gift that is here to stay and make you enjoy it. Think of it as an exciting and enjoyable activity that will make you yearn for more. Often at times when I’m working out, I see myself as Captain America or a member of The Expendables (if Sylvester Stallone is looking for a member in the fourth installment…they know exactly whom to call;).  Having this mentality only makes exercising for me all the more enjoyable. Whichever gym I walk into even if it’s a park…I treat it as my personal film set straight out of an action movie. My personal kingdom. Never think of exercising as something you have to do, but instead as something you want to do. 

3.Run Your Errands. Even if it’s a trip to the supermarket, it’s counted as a more relaxed, yet slightly intense form of exercise. If you have kids, put them on a stroller and run 1.25 miles to their designated daycare and then come back running home to your empty stroller. Running to the stationary shop, buying groceries (the bags act as dumbbells… LOL) and even walking to the post-office…all these simple activities are mobilizing every inch of your body. You are moving, and you are doing it with a combination of fun, purpose and excitement. 

4.Get into the habit of waking up early. Get into the habit of waking up early, every day. It’s not that difficult to adapt to, as once your body-clock gets used to the idea of embracing discipline and simplicity, you won’t even have to use your alarm clock as your own mind and body will know that it’s five-o-clock, time for you to get you moving. It’s simple. Sleep early and start your morning with a simple prayer filled with gratitude and happiness. 

Note: Don’t just simply read this and nod your head, saying that you will do it. Actions speak louder than words. Say it, do it and embrace it. Happy Exercising!