Don't have the time to exercise? Does everything feel like it's just too much?

Do you ever feel like there just aren't enough hours in the day? I definitely do! I sometimes feel like I'm being pulled from all directions and trying to spin too many plates at once. Occasionally this will manifest in an overwhelming feeling that time is running out and I've still not done everything I set out to do that day. When speaking to my clients over the years, I know I'm not alone in this. Over the years I've learnt to prioritise what's important to me and to plan my diary around those things. I even do this for the weekends! I plan in time for work, family & friends, training, recovery and relaxation! It might sound a bit extreme to some of you, but it helps me to feel more organised and in control. No time to exercise? Time is one of the most common challenges people face when it comes to exercising regularly. Life is hectic for so many people. Looking after yourself is often way down the list of priorities. But is that the way it has to be? I would argue that everyone should and can move themselves up to the top of the priority list. If you're looking after yourself, then you're in a much better position to look after others. You're also likely to be more productive at work and happier in other areas of your life. What CAN you do? When it comes to exercise, to reduce the risk of heart disease or stroke, the NHS guidelines are 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity a week and strengthening activities twice a week. So that could be 5 x 30 minute sessions of cardio (e.g. a power walk/jog) and two 45 minute strength training sessions. For some people this is a breeze, but for others this can seem like a huge overwhelming mountain to climb with seemingly no time in which to do it! Instead of looking at the top of the mountain, my advice is to break it down into little summits. Rather than aiming for the top of the mountain, look at what you CAN do in the time that you have. Here are some examples:

• A 10 minute walk in the fresh air at lunchtime.

• A 10 minute stretching or mobility session when you wake up or before you go to bed.

• Walking up the stairs at work instead of taking the lift.

• Parking your car 10 minutes walk from work.

• Set an alarm or reminder in your phone every hour whilst working from home and do 20 squats or lunges and 20 shoulder rotations or pull aparts with a band.

• Every time you boil the kettle for a cuppa do 10 push ups (to the table or side board if you can't do them on the floor).

I think you see where I'm going with this! Start out with making just a small amount of time for yourself. Make it as easy as possible and do it every day. 10 minutes a day is over an hour a week which is 528 (ish!) hours a year. The better you feel, the more likely you will find a way to make more time for yourself. If you don't have the time or resources to get to the gym at the moment, you could try training at home. During lockdown we had to be pretty resourceful when it came to training. Below is one of the home workouts that I did with my clients over the dreaded Zoom app! Why not give it a try? 2 Questions for you: 1. How much of your time is taken up with unproductive tasks? 2. What 3 things do you want to accomplish tomorrow?