I had just cleared 4 bags of overdue statements, notes, brochures, etc that were stacking up like mountains on my study table. It took about 40 minutes but at the end of the clearance, I must say it is worth it. Isn't it interesting? We tend to think it does not matter months ago when it was lying there. We probably think we might use it someday and someday has become months and months turn to years. And we still did not touch it from the time we file it away. Gosh!
Declutter these unwanted items is a healthy way as it definitely makes the mood lighter and relieved. Why wait till year end or CNY to come before doing it? We should do it from time to time before it adds up. The higher the mountain, the more motivation we need to overcome ourselves to do this simple yet necessary task.
Isn't it the same when comes to maintaining our physical body? It is recommended to do light to moderate exercise 20 minutes 3 times a week. Yet many busy people tend to defer it for reasons or excuses like work commitment, running errands, etc. So, how can one despite all the busy schedule we have still find time to exercise?
Here's 3 easy ways you can use to kickstart the exercise you sorely need but been procrastinating :
1.Buddies
You may find people with the same interest to join in the sports activities that you like. Unless you are well disciplined, sometimes, it become tough to do it all by yourself. Having a buddy helps as he/she could motivate you and cheer each other on towards your health goals. I used to run with a colleague twice a week to Marina Bay in my corporate days. It was something that I looked forward to each week. We pushed each other on during the journey and our working relationship has improved because we have a common interest.
Alternatively, you could join classes organised by various agencies as well. That way, you would be able to make friends with same interest , eg Yoga, Boxercise, swimming, etc and keep fit at the same time.
Resources : Find out more from your HR department if they have any employee wellness program. If not, you can visit those in community centres.
Community Centres in Singapore
2. Monday
It is the first working day and to me it is the best day to start the exercise regime rather than pushing it to mid week. Throughout the day at work, keep reminding yourself that you will be going for a light run after work. Then on the way home, keep thinking of the run. The breeze that you will feel , the scenery along the way and the after exercise feel you get. Here's the most important part : 5 minutes to reaching your home, picture yourself hitting to your room, to get changed to your running attire, put on your shoe. This must be done asap so that your mind does not wander and finds excuses you should not run.
It has proven to work like magic for me when I was in my corporate days. I walked faster than usual from the MRT to my home. Along the way, I would think which route I would like to run today. Upon reaching home, I quickly get changed and am out of the house within 2 - 3 minutes. The moment I am out , it will be too late to return without getting the exercise I thought of.
Resources : Put into your To do list on phone, PC, set alarm to remind yourself.
3. Weekends
Instead of falling into the usual routine of eating and shopping which most people do on weekends, plan ahead your activities. This is even more crucial if you have a family as your children will be influenced by what you do. Get into the parks, there are plenty here and there is no charge to it. Botanic Garden and the various reservoir are my favorites. Pack some fruits, light snack and water along.
Parks in Singapore
Beaches in Singapore
For a start, have it once a month before increasing the frequency. Nature has a natural way of communicating with us and one can find peace, calmness and answers to their challenges often times when they are relaxed. I have also like bringing my kids to the pool or beaches as well.
Resources : Plan ahead, by friday if you have not firm up your weekend plan, it is likely you will drift to what you usually do on weekends and when Monday comes, you will find it a chore to go to work. Why? Because your weekend is boring, doing the same old stuff over and over again.
So there you go, the 3 simple ways to kickstart your exercise program right now ! BMW which stands for Buddies, Monday and Weekends. I like to keep things simple than get myself entangled and unnecessarily busy with the latest gadgets, bootcamps and all. Once you get the habits going, you would be on your way to discover more interesting things to do like joining competition both local and abroad.
Get healthy before wealthy :-))