Life can be hectic. Adding children to the mix is even more demanding, and finding time for yourself can be nearly impossible. However, taking time to stay fit, both mentally and physically, is a necessity. Exercise is a great way to maintain your health and reduce stress; however, finding time to keep your body in shape is difficult. Following a few basic steps can help you find the time to take care of yourself.

Make Time

The key to maintaining your physical health is to create a routine and schedule. Making sure the kids are up for school and eat breakfast to be on time for school is stressful. When working from home, it is easy to get caught up with distractions aside from work, like cleaning the house and doing the dishes. Planning a routine allows you time for lat workouts and other exercises throughout the day. If you work for a corporation, you may have the opportunity to use a company gym. If your place of employment does not have a gym available, you can go for a walk during your break or make time to be active.

Workout

Adults are recommended to do 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week. This may sound overwhelming; however, this translates to just over 20 minutes daily. Tweaking some daily habits can help you improve your time getting the physical activity you need. Walking the kids to school or taking a bike ride can include the whole family in a fitness regimen. Working from home with children can make exercise difficult. However, you can incorporate your children into your fitness routine. You can teach your child how to do push-ups or planks and have them demonstrate next to you. If these options are not possible, you can work around your child's nap schedule, invest in a good baby monitor, and keep your body moving throughout the day. Joining a gym or taking classes is another option that can help you stay healthy. This option may be a bit more challenging time-wise; however, many classes are offered early in the morning. This allows you to exercise before your children wake up and helps you to start your day energized.

Benefits of Exercise

The benefits of staying active are significant. Exercise can reduce stress and help give you the patience needed to manage daily tasks. Regular physical activity can also strengthen your heart, help blood circulate, and allow your body to function normally. Strength training can also help with coordination, which allows you to move more efficiently. This training also makes your muscles stronger, so daily tasks like grocery shopping and picking up the kids are easier. Keeping active throughout the day promotes a healthy sleeping pattern as well. This means that your body is getting the rest it needs to manage the demands of each day. One of the underlying benefits of exercise is how it influences your children. Children develop habits based on what they see. The more active you are, the more active your children are likely to be. You are sending a message that health is important and physical activity is a family necessity.

Maintaining your health helps make your daily routines possible and allows you to get the rest you need to keep up with a hectic schedule. Being smart with your workouts can help you manage your time to focus on exercises that get the results you are looking for. Spending hours doing cardio may not be the most efficient use of time and may not give you the results you are looking for. Making time for exercise demonstrates that caring for yourself is caring for your family.