How to Balance Your Fitness and Self-Care Routines
Guest post by Sheila Olson
Above photo courtesy of Pexels
Feeling tired? You’re not alone. CNBC reports that recent studies show that 76 percent of people -- over three out of every four individuals -- report feeling fatigued throughout the work week. In addition to seemingly being tired all the time, a separate CDC study found that most Americans are struggling (and failing) to find time for fitness.
No wonder only 3 percent of Americans are living what is considered to be a “healthy” lifestyle. Luckily, even with the busiest of schedules, you still have many options for working more self-care and fitness into your daily routine. If you’re looking for tips on how to balance your fitness routine with your overall self-care, you’re in the right place.
Here are some of our favorite expert tips and tricks.
Make Self-Care and Fitness a Priority
First, it’s important to make a shift in your mindset in order to find lasting success. As Lifehacker says, “When something really important comes up in our lives, we find a way to fit it into our schedule.” We make time for the things that are most important. Start by prioritizing your fitness and committing to make time for it each day. Even if you only have five minutes to spare at first, that’s better than nothing. As you get into the habit of exercising and maintaining self-care, you can gradually increase the amount of time.
Consider the Benefits of a Home Gym
Just the thought of going to the gym may keep you from wanting to work out. However, if you designate an area of your home for exercising, you won’t have to worry about spending extra time for a workout. In fact, you’ll save time by investing in your own equipment, since everything you need will be readily available to you 24/7. Think about what you want your home gym to include, and if there’s anything you’ll need help with -- such as replacing the flooring or adding a ceiling fan -- look for a handyman. You’ll pay an average of $247-$762 for a handyman in Baltimore, MD.
Create a Daily Relaxation Routine
Chronic stress is a real problem in our overworked, sleep-deprived society. If you’re feeling overwhelmed and hopeless, the American Psychological Association suggests that you can start recovering from chronic stress by taking baby steps. For instance, you might commit to making one health-related commitment to start with. A daily relaxation routine is the perfect example of a way to combine fitness and self-care to reduce stress and boost your mental and emotional health.
First, find a space in your home that can function as a meditation space. For instance, if you have a spare bedroom, you might turn it into a “zen den” with candles and a meditation pillow. If you have an outdoor patio or porch, you might add some soothing plants, windchimes (can be ordered online for $15.99), a yoga mat (available for as low as $8.99), or other items that bring you a sense of peace.
Another option is to include a daily yoga or tai chi practice in your relaxation routine. If you’ve never done these activities before, it’s a good idea to start by taking a class so that you can learn proper alignment and safe postures for beginners. Once you get the hang of it, you can practice from the comfort of your own home. Every little bit helps, whether you devote just five minutes or 60 minutes per day.
Get a Hobby
Hobbies are more than just fun and games; they’re also an excellent way to reduce stress, bring some relaxation to your day, and -- depending upon the hobby -- get fit. Yoga and tai chi, as mentioned above, can make excellent hobbies that boost your fitness and self-care at the same time. However, there is no limit on the types of hobbies you could incorporate into your life. If you’re stressed but yoga just isn’t your thing, you might consider other stress-reducing activities, such as coloring books, reading, or knitting.
Get Enough Sleep
This one goes without saying. If you’re feeling fatigued and are having trouble getting enough sleep at night -- or if you are waking with insomnia throughout the night -- there are some things you can do to help your situation. Start with good quality pillows to ensure your maximum comfort while sleeping. Enhance your body’s circadian rhythm, which is directly related to a healthy sleep cycle, by keeping your bedroom as dark as possible.
Use Technology
If you tried everything above and still struggle to find time for self-care, you could set a daily timer on your phone. Whenever the timer goes off each day, pause whatever you’re doing for a few minutes to just sit and breathe. Struggle with insomnia? Invest in a white noise machine to prevent waking throughout the night. By using technology to your advantage, you can slowly build healthier habits for life.