Excuses. We all make them – for anything and everything that can seem like “too much effort”.
It’s especially easy to make excuses when it comes to anything related to keeping fit (especially during the holiday season!).
We know it’s better for our health and will make us feel better in the long run, but yet it’s such a chore to get to. We think of all the things on our to-do lists and somehow, exercise and “me time” just don’t fit in anywhere. You’d need more than 24 hours in a day to add that.
Before having children I would say “I’m too busy for this” or “I’m too busy for that”. And now after 2 boys (both under the age of 4), the word “busy” has taken on a whole new level. Now I’m really too busy (or at least I allow myself to think that).
However, 6 months after having my second child, I’m back to my pre-pregnancy weight and I feel great, healthy and happy. I’m even feeling sexy.
How did this happen?
Well, I came to the 4 points below, put it into action and came up with a “be fit and feel beautiful” routine that is working for me.
There is never a right or perfect time to start anything. So I decided my time was “Now” and I can already see it paying off.
4 Steps on How To Be Fit and Feel Beautiful When You Are Too Busy
No. 1: Get Your Priorities Right
When you’re working on a jam-packed schedule or have a long to-do list everyday, you have to be precise with your timing as you only have “X” amount of time to do something.
To be able to be spending time on what’s most pressing, you need to have a very clear idea of what’s important to you in that moment.
Prioritisation is key – the most important things get done in that day, and the ones that can wait a day or more, get pushed to the next day or a to-do list later down the line (let’s face it, if no one’s going to literally going to die if that one task is not accomplished, then it’s really not that important that it has to be done now).
Then ask yourself: Is my health important to me? If it isn’t, why not? Do I deserve to have good health? Do I want to look and feel good about myself?
Taking time out for you doesn’t mean hours out of your day. It could be something as short as 15 minutes. But what’s most important is that your start by prioritising and penciling it into your schedule. Just another to-do on your list for the day.
If you don’t, you’ll just never have the time for it.
“It’s not selfish to love yourself, take care of yourself, and to make happiness a priority. It’s necessary.” – Mandy Hale, Author
No. 2: Do What Makes You Happy
Exercise doesn’t have to be painful, boring or both. There are many options to choose from, so why torture yourself?
Find something that you really enjoy doing and then do it.
Even if you’re super swamped, there is a higher chance of you sticking to doing something consistently if that something is one you truly enjoy. That could be anything from a spin class to quick yoga to a jog around the neighborhood to speed cleaning your home to always taking the stairs instead of the elevator to dancing like crazy for 10 minutes – anything that keeps you moving and has your heart pumping a little is good enough!
NOTE: A health or fitness routine doesn’t have to cost you anything. Something as simple as a walk or jog is completely free. If you’re more keen on something a bit more intense with an instructor or teacher to guide you, head to YouTube. There are are tons of free workout videos you can explore.
No. 3: Make a Commitment and Be Flexible
Yes, you’re busy – but make a commitment to do you something to keep you fit which you enjoy, and one that makes you feel beautiful. Say it out loud or write it down, then commit to it.
It’s OK if you can’t give 100% everyday, even 30% means you’re doing your best – something is better than nothing.
So be flexible and easy with yourself. There will be days when your schedule will flip itself around, but manage accordingly, and give it all you got and never be hard on yourself. Even if all you have is 10% to give. And don’t quit.
No. 4: Love and Appreciate Yourself
No matter if it is a 10 min yoga routine, a long walk around the neighborhood or a full crossfit class, appreciate the fact you are doing it and that you’re giving back to yourself.
Really take that thought in and appreciate that too. The more you attach positive vibration, emotion and thinking into your routine, the more it will expand in your life.
You will find your mind more clear. You may have more patience and feel more positive; you might start feeling confident and exploring more into a new health practice; regardless, when a shift happens from this new keeping fit habit, what you put out to the world is also reflected, and you gravitate to fulfilling experiences and relationships.
Always remember:
“Beauty is how you feel inside and it reflects in your eyes. It’s not something physical.” – Sophia Loren, Actress
So by now you should have an idea of what you could start to do for yourself to keep fit and feel beautiful.
Based on these 4 points, I came up with my own time, I call it: My Me Time.
It starts every morning at 730am (while the kids are still asleep) with a 15 minute workout. Usually it’s yoga, but sometimes I mix it up with a few favorite YouTube videos on cardio workouts.
Then I take another 15 minutes to shower, pamper myself a little – start my day with nice soap and scents, and then I’m ready to conquer the world.
These 30 minutes is my most quiet time and I really love it. It allows me to take a moment, before any commitments for the day has begun, and connect with myself.
My first and most important commitment.
See? So simple – I love it, I’m at a happy weight and love what I see when I look in the mirror.
What are the things you do for yourself to be fit and feel beautiful? Please share with us below, we would love to hear from you!