Time: Obstacle or Opportunity?

For our first Move It Monday (the newest addition to H3 Daily), here is an article from Jessica Lynn, Director of Guest Programs, about making exercise a priority.  I love the title!

 

One of the greatest obstacles to maintaining a consistent exercise program is having enough time.  It’s extremely important for our physical and mental health to achieve a healthy, balanced lifestyle.  As society speeds into the fast lane, we need to be the defensive drivers of our own life.  It’s up to us to find the balance that will make us happy and healthy.

Time Management from the Inside Out, by Julie Morgenstern, can help you create a “Time Map – a budget of your day, week, or month that balances your time between the various departments of your life.”  This can be especially helpful for those of us who try to take on every task thrown our way.  According to the author, “saying ‘yes’ to the person in the moment could mean you are saying ‘no’ to someone whom you’ve already promised that time to.”  Keep in mind – that person may be you.

Some examples of Morgenstern’s “Life Departments” include: Self, Work, Family, Health, Friends, and Community.  When developing your own Time Map, you are encouraged to create an oasis of time for the one thing you find lacking (for example, Exercise).  It can be quite empowering to develop a schedule around something that is extremely important to you.  View your time as an opportunity to achieve your goals rather than an obstacle.

Scheduling your exercise time first will allow you to see adjustments that can be made in order to fill the void that has been missing without an exercise regimen.  There are so many benefits to exercise: increased energy, stamina, strength, and flexibility … as well as a decreased risk for disease, reduced stress, and a positive body image.  So many benefits that it’s hard to find a reason it should NOT be a part of your life.  So, if time is an issue for you, map your way to success by creating a personalized Time Map.

 

"You can't build a reputation on what you're going to do." -- Henry Ford