We all know that exercise is good for us. We know we should do it. Exercise makes us healthier, mentally and physically, more energetic, and happier. However, new research shows exercise also impacts the way we think.

An article in the Harvard Business Review states that there’s a direct link between our “mental firepower” and our daily physical activity routine. The author, Ron Friedman, says, “nowhere are the implications more relevant than our performance at work.” He attributes this to the benefits that exercise has on concentration, memory, learning rate, stress, mental stamina and creativity.

All of these are compelling reasons to work out. Knowing we should exercise is one thing, but figuring out how to fit it into our crazy schedules is a totally different issue. That’s what I want to help you do.

Here are my five steps to incorporating exercise into your crazy schedule:

Step No. 1: Make the mind-set shift from luxury to priority.

Most of us think of exercise as a luxury that we do for personal benefit when we’re able to carve out time from work. Friedman challenges us to start thinking of physical activity as part of work itself. How innovative is that? Research has proven that exercise improves our performance in the workplace. It’s a fact. Now it’s time we adjust our thinking and make exercise a necessity, rather than a luxury. It’s an investment in better work performance.

And the benefits transcend work. They enhance our performance in all areas of our life.

Step No. 2: Find an activity you enjoy!

I love working out now, but when I was young, I hated it. I felt so uncoordinated, and was honestly embarrassed to be seen doing anything athletic. It wasn’t until I started experimenting with activity in the comfort of my own home that I started to experience how good exercise makes me feel. I also learned that exercise doesn’t have to involve activities that you don’t like. It can involve a type of movement that feels fun and comfortable to you.

The day I figured out that I could reap the benefits of physical activity and actually enjoy it was when my feelings toward it began to change. My resistance began to dissolve and, over time, my passion for exercise took root because of the difference I felt both emotionally and physically. I went from feeling like I should exercise to wanting to exercise.

The beauty of exercise is that the options are endless. I encourage you to experiment until you find something that you truly like and look forward to doing.

What type of activities do you enjoy? If nothing you’ve been doing lights you up, look for something new you’d like to try.

Step No. 3: Schedule it.

So often we start the day with the best intentions. We may even have a gym bag full of workout clothes in the car. But when unexpected things come up, our exercise plan is often the first thing to get pushed aside.

How do we make sure that we treat exercise as a necessity? We put it on our calendar like other important appointments. A scheduled workout becomes a priority and a commitment to yourself.

The recommendation is for 30 minutes of activity a day, whether it’s all at once or broken into smaller chunks of time. If you don’t have a regular workout routine already, I invite you to take out your calendar now and make a plan. What window of the day makes the most sense for you tomorrow? What about the rest of this week? Maybe start by scheduling 10 minutes for yourself today!

Step No. 4: Be proactive.

Now that you have a plan, the next step to setting yourself up for success is to be proactive. Take a few moments to consider any obstacles that could throw you off track. Write them down with some space after each one. Then go back and write solutions for each obstacle.

Once you have your solutions, get yourself armed and ready by being prepared. Here are some tips to help get you going:

  • Lay out your workout clothes the night before.
  • Have a water bottle ready.
  • Prep any pre- and post-workout snacks needed.
  • Try to go straight from work to your workout location rather than stopping at home on the way.
  • If you work out at lunchtime, set a reminder on your phone to alert you when it’s time to go. Then put your phone on silent to avoid interruptions.
  • Register for classes in advance.

Step No. 5: Get support.

Finally, the recipe for success in business is to have managers who provide support, accountability and inspiration to their teams. The same is true for a successful workout program. Whether it’s a coach, trainer or workout buddy, finding someone who will support you, keep you inspired, and hold you accountable is a vital component to your long-term adherence. And having a cheerleader in your corner is fun!

In my next article, I’ll teach you how to work out more efficiently and effectively so you can burn more calories in less time. I’ll even provide you with a few short workout templates that you can modify and do at home or when you’re traveling.

If you’d like a someone in your corner to hold you accountable, create doable strategies, and celebrate your successes, email me at pamela@wellroundedwellness.com. For more articles like this or to sign up for my emails that include information on mind-set, motivation, nutrition/recipes, and exercise tips, visit my blog at http://wellroundedwellness.com/blog/.