We’ve all heard the words a hundred times. As the plane prepares for departure, the airline attendant describes the safety features of the aircraft. “If there’s a sudden change in cabin pressure, the oxygen masks located overhead will drop automatically. Secure your mask first by pulling the cord, placing the mask over your face, and breathing normally.” Who’s mask do you put on first? Yours. Why? So that you can then take care of others who need your help.
It is hard to put ourselves first. How many times do we think about ourselves first when it comes to staying fit? For most Americans, the answer is probably not that often. Our daily lives are crammed with family and work responsibilities as well as social and community activities. Some days, 24 hours is not enough time to get it all done.
Just take a look at your typical day. It probably begins with a hurried routine of a shower, a bite of breakfast, but probably not, and a few household chores or car pool duties. You’re off to work early for scheduled appointments, meetings, and project deadlines. Lunch is often skipped or eaten on the run. At the end of the day, you have household errands to run, a quick dinner to pick up, and more work or another meeting. By the time you fall into bed, you’re exhausted, but you haven’t taken time for one important activity, exercise.
No one can maintain a lifestyle like this without jeopardizing their health. How can you break this cycle and get motivated to think about yourself first?
Make fitness a priority. Like all other appointments, fitness must be a scheduled activity. If you have more flexibility in your schedule in the morning, then set aside 30 minutes for exercise. Maybe you think you don’t have the time. Start small. Take 15 minutes and start your day with a walk around the block. Take another 15 minutes at the end of the day for a quick bike ride. According to Rosie Barretta, Ph.D. of the American Association for Active Lifestyles and Fitness, “Everyone needs 30 minutes of brisk activity daily…Make exercise as much a part of your life as eating or breathing” (Taking Care, 8).
Create support for your goal. It is difficult to accomplish an important goal without anyone else’s help. Family members can help you meet your fitness goals by sharing household responsibilities to give you the time to exercise.
Exercise, just like other life activities, should be fun for you. Choose an activity that is fun for you. For some this is biking or swimming and for others it is walking, dancing, running, or hiking. Some enjoy team sports and others like the a relaxing experience like yoga. If you choose something you enjoy, you are less likely to get bored.
Set a realistic goal. This is not as easy as it sounds. Women are bombarded with messages to lose 10 pounds before swimsuit season. Is that 6 weeks away? A realistic goal is to be active daily. If you lose weight in the process, that’s a bonus.
Start today. Don’t wait until tomorrow or for a more convenient time. Make yourself a priority so you can enjoy life with those you love.
Diane Scroggin
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