08 Oct 2007 06:06 AM

Take Back Your 30 Minutes

by Heather Long | More from this Blogger

It seems like every day we have more to do and more to see and more places to go. Yet, we don't add any hours to our day, each day is just 24 hours in length and most of us need to spend at least 7 to 8 of those hours sleeping. That leaves 16 hours to get stuff done in. You spend 8 hours at work and that's 8 hours gone. An hour to get there and an hour to get back, yep, there are 2 more hours that are out of there. Meals take an average of 1 to 2 hours in total each day, so that's another 2 hours. That leaves just 4 hours for errands, housework, kids and any hobbies you might want to do and of course exercise. This is also only true if you don't work overtime and don't spend more time in transit.

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So What Do You Do?

I like to exercise and to work out, but my schedule, like everyone else's has been growing. Most of us throw our workouts out the window first. It's nothing to be ashamed of, it's just what happens. We don't have time, we have too much work, we're running late - there are a million excuses and they are all very valid. But when we throw our exercise out, we may have more trouble sleeping, we may have more trouble with stress, we may struggle to get things done in a timely manner. In other words - we may have trouble.

So losing those 30 minutes may seem like a good plan in theory, but if it makes the other 23.5 hours less productive, less satisfying, less anything - then that 30 minutes is something we all need.

Recently, I've been so busy that I've been skipping my morning workout every other morning. I didn't plan to do it, it just started happening. The days I got my morning workout in were far more productive. I was less restless when sitting down to write, I didn't constantly feel like I had fifty other things I needed to do. I was more focused, I was more on my game and to be honest, I was a lot more productive than I was on the days when I skipped the work out.

So tell me, do you think it's worth those 30 minutes? I do. Take back your 30 minutes and develop a whole new appreciation for the phrase of "Just Do It."

Learn more about Heather Long

Heather V Long`s avatar

Heather Long is 35 years old and currently lives in Wylie, Texas. She has been a freelance writer for six years. Her husband and she met while working together at America Online over ten years ago.

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5 comments so far

Tristi Pinkston (10789) 08 Oct 2007 11:39 PM

You know, I never ever ever ever thought I'd be saying this, but I'm starting to look forward to my 30 minutes at the gym. If I think it's not going to happen, I get all cranky. Well, I'm cranky anyway, but let's say, more cranky. :)

candycouturezzz (5) 31 Oct 2007 03:03 PM

"I don't have time to exercise." I wish I had a dollar for every client who's said that to me--I'd have a lot more money than I do now. I know you're busy and I also know you often feel overwhelmed by all that exercise you're supposed to be doing. Cardio 3-5 times a week for at least 20 minutes and strength training workouts that work all your muscle groups at least 2 times a week. How the heck are you supposed to fit it all in? I have the answer! Read on if you want to know how to squeeze in short, effective workouts. http://www.webyaa.com/category/exercise

Persistant (7) 14 Nov 2007 06:20 PM

I know that there is only 24 hours a day. I solved my exercise problem I joined a virtual Fitness Center. It is open 24/7 . The membership is free and they do all the work. I can exercise with anymember anywhere and at anytime. It has built in accountability with my schedule I need that. I have just completed 250 miles and am working toward my 300 mile award. I highly recommend it. Go to the ipodfitnesscenter.com and try it yourself. It is fun, it is free, and once you get started you will not want to stop.

FitBody2Day (15) 29 Nov 2007 09:15 AM

I agree. It seems that if I don't exercise and stay on my diet, everything else goes to pot to. We are all really busy, but I have made my workout time not an option. I do it and that is it. Like a job, it is my job to become healthy and lose the rest of this weight. I won't be doing that if I make excuses. Somehow, being in control of my workouts and diet helps me stay in control of everything else. Nice post!

Heather Long (16954) 03 Dec 2007 10:44 AM

That's fantastic to hear for all of you on how you are managing your time and taking back your fitness! Congratulations and what an inspiration.

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