Finding the time for movement
Try playing sports again.
In the whirlwind of our lives as leaders, it's easy to overlook the most important aspect of our success: our well-being. The stress, long hours, and constant demands can take a toll on our physical and mental health and leave us feeling drained. I’ve been there, no time for me given the demands of work, kids and the home. Where oh where would I ever have time to fit in some movement or exercise? Let alone consistently!
I’m here to tell you it’s absolutely possible. In a previous post, I talked about the fact that it’s not time that is the issue, it’s prioritising yourself first. But how do you actually make that happen!?
In this weeks’ blog, I give you some pragmatic approaches to start to prioritise your movement in seamless ways across your busy day, busy week and busy you life.
1. Harness the Power of Small Choices:
Let's begin by acknowledging that small choices matter. It's not always about committing to an intense hour-long workout. Instead, it's about making mindful decisions throughout your day. Opt for the stairs instead of the elevator, choose a glass of water that needs refilling to encourage trips to the kitchen, go for more walking meetings. You can (believe me) actually squeeze in a quick 10-20 minute yoga session or even walk to your next meeting and ditch the Uber. These may seem trivial, but they add up over time and contribute to your overall well-being and you always feel better for doing it!
Do walking meetings.
2. Embrace Enjoyable Movement:
Exercise can sound like a chore and it doesn't have to be. Which is why I call it movement. You need to find physical activities that you genuinely enjoy, whether it's dancing, cycling, or playing a sport. When you have fun while moving, it doesn't feel like a burden, making it easier to incorporate into your routine. Hence why I love mountain biking, paragliding (you’d be amazed how many muscles you use!) and hiking (or tramping) through the bush. It brings me both joy and movement.
3. Block Time in Your Diary:
One of the most practical steps you can take is to block time in your diary for exercise. I block every morning from 6.30-7am for yoga. Treat this time as a non-negotiable appointment with yourself. Just like you wouldn't cancel an important meeting, don't cancel your movement time. Protect it with the same level of commitment and dedication. Be the protective lioness (or lion) around your ‘you’ time.
4. Stack Habits:
To make exercise a consistent part of your life, stack it upon existing habits. For instance, if you're trying to reintroduce walking into your routine, do it right after your morning coffee or as soon as you finish work. By associating exercise with something you already do regularly, you eliminate the mental friction that can deter you from taking action. As some may know, I now have a well oiled morning routine and once I finish my meditation, I’m onto my yoga mat! It’s now become so automatic I don’t even think about it!
5. Prepare in Advance:
Another pragmatic approach is to prepare the night before. Lay out your workout clothes, pack your gym bag, and have everything ready to go. If you are trying to get moving in the morning, it’s amazing how loud that little voice is in your head that says “oh…another 30mins in bed please!” or even over lunch “You are too busy to take time out, if you can just finish reading that board paper you’ll be better off”. Well you won’t, because more than likely you’ll crash in the afternoon with tiredness. By getting things ready in advance you minimise any excuses your brain might conjure up. I’ve got a friend who says she stacked her movement (swimming) at the end of the work day to separate work from home. Love it! When everything is set, it's much easier to follow through with your plans.
Remember, prioritising your health isn't just about feeling better physically; it has a profound impact on your leadership abilities too. When you're energised, focused, and healthy, you're better equipped to tackle the challenges that come your way and inspire those around you.
So, as you read this, I encourage you to take a moment to open your calendar. Find the time slots that work for you and block them out for movement. Make a commitment to yourself and your well-being. You are not just a leader; you are a leader of your own health and vitality.
By implementing these small yet powerful changes, you'll not only improve your own quality of life but also set a remarkable example for your team (and your family). Your journey to a healthier, more energised you begins with those first small steps. It's time to elevate your leadership by prioritising your health and well-being. You've got this!
Put the mask on you first, balance your movement between energizing and relaxing and thrive again!
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