Where does the time go? There are periods in life (usually the same time every year) that we don’t have time to attend to our own health in the form of relaxation and exercise. Use this as a prompt to reflect on where you are at currently. It is important to make time for both. The benefits are immense from ability to concentrate, problem solve and make better choices down to feeling better both mentally and physically.
The usual tips on getting active and managing stress at the same time are: listening to music and podcasts whilst on the gym cardio equipment, walking or jogging; exercising with a friend always helps keeps us going; playing a regularly scheduled team sports is an easy way to keep active; or starting a routine group exercise class like pilates.
I came across a different way of thinking recently which was not to focus on the time I had available as the problem but my response to being busy. It was called the 90:10 rule and challenges you to alter your mindset and increase control. 10% is what happens; 90% is how we respond. I have lots to do but I still choose what I do each day. If being busy in life is currently taking you away from routine exercise or some ‘you’ time then stop and think about the response.
Remember the exercise will make you feel better once you are in a routine. A 10 minute dose of exercise counts but 30 mins is ideal. If you find the right exercise routine you should feel more energised and relaxed rather than tired and tense. If you want to hear more about the 90:10 rule and its relevance to stress management, listen to this video from Dr Mike Evans at Evans Health Lab.