Chaotic. Stressed. Tired. Excited. Motivated.
That’s what I’m feeling this morning.
My husband and I are moving from one home to another, and anybody who’s moved knows that it’s not the easiest process. At this moment, I have paint splattered on my glasses, arms, sweatpants, and sneakers from waking up at 6am to paint the hallway before getting my work day started. We’re painting every room in the house and trying to get it done by Friday, because that’s when we’re installing hardwood floors into practically the entire house.
Whenever we move, we get really ambitious about what we can accomplish, because it’s so much easier to paint and do things like put in hardwood floors when the house is still empty. But, that usually entails lots of early mornings and late evenings.
That brings me to today’s video.
This is the perfect week for me to say, “Screw it. I don’t have time to exercise. I have to paint all the rooms in our new home while keeping up with my business.” That’s the exact opposite of what I should do. Taking short workout breaks throughout the day will keep me energized, so I can focus on writing blog posts, working with the lovely ladies in my Six Weeks to a Creative Business ecourse, and preparing for my next ecourse. It’ll also help me stay energized, so I have the stamina to paint this evening.
It’s easy to put off things like exercise when you’re having a super busy, stress-filled week, but exercising will actually help you deal with that stress. Watch today’s video for more {and to see the beautiful snowy backdrop!}.
Video posts mentioned in this week’s video: No Time to Work Out? Try This via Marie Forleo and My Happy Magic Pill Revealed via Mayi Carles.
Do you have ways that you sneak exercising into your busy days and weeks? Share them in the comments below.
If you enjoyed this week’s video, please share it:
The Importance of Exercise for Your Business http://bit.ly/A6uRfv New on @blacksburgbelle {click to tweet}
beautiful backdrop! you’re so right — I’m much more productive after I work out. on the days when I am pressed for time, I love to hula hoop right in my work area for 10-15 minutes at a time OR sneak out for a little 15 minute walk/sunshine break.
How fun!!! I never thought about hula hooping! I need to get one and try that out…I think that would be a fun, quick break.
Ooo! What pretty snow! Looks like you guys got it way better than we did!
I think I’ll go out for a job today, thanks to you! 😀
Our power went out for a few minutes on Sunday night…and I thought, “Oh no. This isn’t going to be good.” But, it came back on and stayed on. Thankfully!!!
Yay for a jog!
OMGoodness! Daily exercise? What’s that? LOL!
No, this is something that’s definitely something I’ve been trying to incorporate more into my daily schedule especially after having another baby. You’ve got to work hard to get that pre-baby body back & I’m on it!
For me, the gym is out of the question just from being the primary care giver for my 3 kids. I don’t have the time to go so what I do instead is rotate through things I enjoy depending upon what I’m in the mood for each day.
So one day I may pop in a fun workout video. Pilates, kickboxing, aerobics, dancing {my new fave… bellydancing!}. I can do the full video or one of the segments. Just depends on the time I have. If I’m not up for a video, I may do some housework with some extra umph! to it. Sweep fast, wipe cabinets or walls, wash windows… things like that. One new thing I’ve been doing is sitting on my exercise ball whenever I’m watching tv & bouncing to help my legs & bum or tightening my abs & moving in circles to strengthen them & my back. My man thinks it’s hilarious looking, but he likes the results so the ridiculousness is worth it!
Anyway, as a busy mom… that’s what I do. Staying motivated & getting to it is the hard part, but if I do it consistently it gets easier & seeing results from my hard work make it all the more worthwhile. Thanks April!
It’s so encouraging to hear from someone like you who has a newborn and young children and still makes time for exercise, housework, and your business. It’s possible ladies! You heard it here.
I’ve started working out more from home than at the gym, and my husband and I are thinking about putting a treadmill in the third bedroom of our new home which will really help with that. I really enjoy taking 10, 15, and 20 minute workout breaks throughout the morning and early afternoon. I’ve found that I’m more productive throughout the work day, and I get some really good ideas when I’m working out.
Thanks for sharing how you make it happen!
Yeah, no doubt that it’s a struggle at times. For me, the key is to keep things prioritized & stick to a schedule. I have a time everyday that I do housework, I have work hours set for my business, & I exercise throughout the day. So for me it works. My schedule is really nice, but with small kids it changes frequently. Being flexible is a must. And you know, for me, it takes a bit longer to get things done & my business doesn’t grow as quickly as say someone who has more time to invest in theirs would, but I’m okay with that.
I do like the idea of having a room just for exercising. Maybe one day I’ll have a room set aside as a home gym. I’m hoping for a studio first!
Um, that was supposed to be “jog.” But, I’ll work too, of course.
Hahahahahaha 🙂
I love to play video games, and lucky for me there are a whole bunch of “work out games”. I have the Wii and I can track my progress through Wii Fit. There’s even a Hula Hoop game 😉 So that’s what works for me.. but I do need to try harder. I’m almost there! With everyone talking about it, it’s got me to eating better!
That’s fun! I like to play tennis with my husband on the Wii. I’m one of those people who thinks I need to use my whole body even though I really don’t, so I work up a sweat.
Thank you for this video, April! I’ve been struggling to incorporate exercise into my daily schedule. I love the idea of taking 10 minute breaks and MOVING!
I have found that when I’m not feeling motivated to work, if I take the dog for a short walk, I feel refreshed and ideas start flowing. It does work!
10 minute breaks are doable. I think too many of us set unrealistic goals like working out at the gym for 60 minutes every day and then life gets in the way. I like when I can devote 60 minutes straight to exercise, but it’s not always realistic. However, 10 minutes of dancing in between writing sessions is realistic.
Walking my dogs is one of the best things I can do for my business. I get such good ideas and my doggies love to be walked. So, it’s a win-win.
Great video post! Your suggestions of fitting exercise in when you don’t have a lot of time are great. The health stats were quite the eye openers as I too worry about the same things in regards to ageing. Having a dog is another great way to get exercise! I walk my dog one-two times per day. Thanks for the very informative post!
Thanks Kathleen! Having a dog is a great way to get exercise–I totally agree. I throw tennis balls for my dogs after lunch and dinner each day and walk them. It helps to get me up and moving regularly.
Thank you for this much needed reminder. I used to run daily but took a bad fall on a graveled hill & tore myself up pretty badly. The following week, I had planned surgery on my right shoulder – the one area of my entire body not mangled by the fall. I was such a mess! Basically, I sat on the couch for 6 weeks unable to move & feeling sorry for myself. By the time I could run again, I’d lost the urge.
I miss the incredible feeling of focused, happy calmness running gave me & would like to get back to it. Can’t seem to force myself back into the habit though – which is also another reason to not allow stressful events to prevent you from exercising. If I’d simply limped up & down my driveway instead of sitting on my butt, I wouldn’t have had any trouble getting back into the routine.
Thanks again for the guilt trip. 🙂 Think I’ll go dig out the shoes & at least go for a walk.
That’s tough Jeannie. When I had surgery this past September, I caught pneumonia and it took a really long to recover. I got out of the habit of exercising and it was a struggle to get back into it. So, I completely know what you mean.
I didn’t realize how much I missed it until I started up again.
I’m glad this video motivated you to dig out those shoes and walk! It’s worth the effort.
Thanks for this April, I need constant pushing to exercise – even though you reap the rewards very quickly! I need to get over the hump of it seeming like a chore to the ‘it’s doing me all kinds of good’ place.
I have little rebounder that I have a bounce on whenever I’m waiting for things like the kettle to boil, the computer to start up, ad breaks in tv shows – things like that. I think I keep doing it as it doesn’t seem like ‘serious’ exercise because it’s so fun!
Yes, make it more fun Dani! Whenever I’m not feeling it, if I turn on a song that I love, I get more into the mood or I’ll turn on a show and workout for a couple segments.
Hi April – great video/information! I’m part of the Community Health program at the hospital where i work. Can we put a link to your video from our facebook page? what are the rules?
thanks a bunch! I needed this reminder for myself personally too!!
Hey Vicki! You can definitely put a link up–thanks for sharing it! No rules.
You’re so welcome.
You guys are so funny 🙂
I’m taking note of some of the ideas posted here like the exercise ball, I definitely want to get one of those.
I never thought that there would come a day that I wouldn’t have time to play, take care of myself, etc. I don’t know what happened, but I can’t believe that I still feel guilty sometimes when I take a break, let alone take a break to exercise. Am I that much of a slave to my job?? 🙂
Well anyways, I’ve worked in some exercise breaks into my schedule so that I’m not sitting all day long. I’m sure the herniated disk I have in my lower back comes from my sedentary job 🙁
-taking a 1/2 hr. break to do errands before lunch that doesn’t require me to drive. Just getting out of the house with the fresh air clears my head and when I come back, I’m happier and more energized. I also get my errands done+get a good 1/2 hr. walk in.
-having my mat open next to my bed so that when I get up I’m ready to do my daily meditation and yoga even if it’s a short session.
-taking 5-10 min yoga break during the day to relieve tension and to get some fresh blood to the brain, get that energy flowing
-I also go to a free tai chi class on Mondays and since I’ve become friends with the ppl. in my class it motivates me to keep going and it breaks up the weekly routine. And since it’s a day that I dedicate to doing errands in the city, I maximize my time and I don’t feel “guilty” about taking an hour out to exercise.
You’re not alone! Lots of us struggle with guilt on spending time on ourselves. It looks like you’ve got a really good plan in place. Thanks for sharing all the ways that you fit exercise into your busy day. I know it’s helpful for other people and gives us all ideas.
Again, you seem to be in my head! I just got some serious exercise last night for the first time in a long time. I almost didn’t go because I felt like I had too much to do, and I was so overwhelmed (because I’m out of practice) that I wondered if I should have gone at all. Thanks for encouraging me!
It’s so worth it JP! I’m glad you went.
Does walking to my bed, resting then walking back to my office count? It’s working really well for me. I think. How about if I walk r e a l l y slow and it takes me 10 minutes each way?
Unless it’s a long walk, I’m gonna say no 🙂
Thanks for the shout out my dear! You’re DA BEST!
I also LOVE working out with David. Makes me even happier + much more likely to get it done. I can only motivate myself so much each day, know what I mean?
But I hate squads. HATE em’ badly. But they do make my butt look good when I do manage to do them hehehehe!
By the way, your snowy backdrop made me want to come + visit you like today!
Of course! No, you da best!
You hate squats?!?!? I don’t know why but I’ve always loved them–my favorite exercise for legs and butt.
Come and visit anytime my friend…we’ve got a room waiting for you 🙂
Your post came on a perfect day for me!!! I had foot surgery in October and was cleared to start exercising and start slowly back to running and it has been tough. I took last week off, had a bug and just vegged, but after reading your post realized I really did exercise but didn’t count it as such. I guess walking the dog whether its for 15 minutes or an hour does impact your life a lot more than what you realize.
Today not feeling motivated, but sometimes you just have to shake it off and do it and you feel so much better after!
thanks for all the blog help and personal life help!!
Yes, count those 15 minute walks! They all add up.
I feel ya–I don’t always feel motivated either. That’s when I try to do something that I really enjoy as opposed to running on a treadmill.
Exercise .. aint that super important ?! Who needs exercise the most – moms ! I have 2 kids and to keep up with them, I need the energy . Its tough to fit it all in especially since Im the primary caregiver. But, waking up an hour early is great for me to fit in my workout. The things that I love about my morning walk/run – its my ME time, energy , fresh air and I feel good .. its also when I get most inspired by all that surrounds me .
Now that my kids are slightly bigger – 6 & 3 , I find that I can fit in exercise WITH them … They bike and I walk fast or jog with them . We have running races or play soccer and a bunch of other things.
And I miss the snow..oh so pretty !
I’m sure you’re right! I don’t have any kids, but I can imagine from teaching preschool when I was in college that you would need lots of energy to keep with young ones full-time. That’s so fun that you can include your children in exercise!
You and that backdrop look gorgeous April! I am once again in the same boat with you:) We are moving…yes again! My husband got offered a job 2.5 hours a way and its a goodie so as of next Friday we are off! I know your pain and find it hard even to blog right now let alone exercise…thank you for the reminder!
It seems like you’re moving every time I turn around! Congrats to your man and good luck with the move!
I taped seven videos in advance, because I knew I’d be super busy with the move. And, we are! I don’t know why–but my husband and I always decide to take on big projects like painting an entire house and putting in hardwood floors in less than a week. Last night, I thought to myself, “We’re seriously crazy. Who does this?”
i’m not really into exercising, I just watch what I eat. 🙂 Anyways, good luck on your moving out! 🙂
Watching what you eat is great for your weight, but exercise provides you with different benefits like I mentioned in the video. You get different benefits from eating well than you do from exercising regularly. If you try adding it in small increments, you might be surprised by how it improves your mood, cognitive ability and creativity.