Easy tips to get your exercise on.

Every time I grab an unhealthy snack I tell myself that I don’t need it.

I silently promise myself and the snack that I’ll work it off when I have a few minutes. I even get a quick mental image of my schedule for the day in the middle of the junk food carnage. Hmm, maybe I’ll pencil that in for tomorrow.

If I had a snack for every time that happened…oh, wait.

Here are a couple of tried and true tips for you to find the time to get yourself and your body moving. You’ll not only feel less like crap, but you might even enjoy it (not feeling like crap).

To answer your question, yes, you have the time. Keep reading and I’ll tell you where to find it.

Disclaimer: Check with your physician before attempting any new exercises and always properly hydrate.

The 20-minute mile

The fastest mile ever run by a human was done in less than four minutes.

(Cough)overachiever.

I kid, of course. I’m pretty proud of my steady and consistent 20-minute mile. I actually walk at least a couple of miles a day…on purpose. As soon as I leave my house, it’s downhill for the first half mile. This means that the last half on the way back is, well, you know, uphill. Phew.

Notice I didn’t say that I run a 20-minute mile. I understand the importance of exercise, but unless something is chasing me, 100 steps per minute are just fine with me.

20 minutes, that’s it. Trust me, I’m in no rush. I’m just putting one foot in front of the other, swinging my arms a bit, and taking a look around at what nature or the neighbors have put in front of me to feast my eyes upon.

Walk with me. Put on some sneakers, pick a direction and head that way for 10 minutes, and then turn around.

Grab a water bottle in case you get thirsty. Pop in some earbuds and listen to a bit of your favorite playlist or choose to leave your phone at home so you can’t Uber your way back. Whatever works.

Boom. Just like that, 20 minutes of unadulterated, good, wholesome gettin’ your groove on. Maybe you even worked up a sweat. Feels good, huh?

The dreaded workout

I’ve said it before, I hate working out.

I’d much rather sit and find out which house that couple chose out of the three that were presented to them during the 30-minute TV show that left me hanging on each shiny new kitchen before every commercial break.

Who knew that a good daily workout can be done in right around the same amount of time?

If you do a web search for a 30-minute workout, I’d be willing to bet my snacks for the week that you’ll find one that suits you pretty well. The funny thing about time is that it goes by no matter what you’re doing. Why not kick yourself in the sweatpants and give it a try?

It’s completely fine if you have to take a few breaks in the middle of it or can’t quite do everything on day one. The important thing is to try. Since you’re trying, why not make it a habit?

I will admit that the sense of satisfaction that goes along with my happy and energized body after working out is a pretty good feeling. Sometimes I even celebrate with a protein shake if I wanna get real crazy.

Where does your time currently go?

How much time did you spend on your phone today looking at social media? Not sure? Well, your phone knows.

Dig in and you’ll most likely find a setting that not only shows you your screen time, but it breaks it down to show you that you may have spent more time on viral video clips than stock trades.

I’m going to make a fairly valid assumption that some of that time could be better used for a little jumpin’ jack action.

The benefits of exercise

If you didn’t already know, exercising regularly gives you more energy.

Physical activity can improve your brain health, help manage weight, reduce the risk of disease, strengthen bones and muscles, and improve your ability to do everyday activities.

You may feel overwhelmed with life and feel like you just need to rest, and that’s certainly understandable.

But don’t discount how taking a simple break from everything around you and either working up a good sweat or making a little time for yourself to get out and smell the roses, or the neighbor’s roses can be good for your mind, body, and soul.

Go for a walk or do a quick workout. Life’s crap will be there when you get back, but you’ll have the energy and mindset to better deal with it.

Click here to read my article on why (and how) I meditate for 10 minutes each day.