Being active can be simpler and take less time than you think.
When you’re busy with work, childcare or family commitments, it can feel like it isn’t possible to fit anything else into your routine. Between school pick-ups, work, a tight budget and all of your other responsibilities, there might be no free time or money to fit in a gym session or an exercise class. But that doesn’t mean you can’t get active!
“I know [being active] would be good for me but I struggle to fit it in my routine around work and children.” – Community member, Stoke on Trent
Even something as simple as swapping the lift for taking the stairs, getting off the bus a couple of stops early to walk, or taking a 10 minute stroll on your lunch break can make a big difference.
When it comes to being active, a little goes a long way – even five minutes of walking or dancing in your kitchen counts!
Be as creative as you like. We can’t all be gym bunnies and not everyone can afford pricey classes on a regular basis – and that’s ok! Taking time to think about the small changes or swaps you can make to fit more activity into your day can have a big impact on the health and wellbeing of you and your family.
You can experiment with micro workouts and try taking five minute breaks from whatever you’re doing to do some stretches, sit-ups or other exercises. You could try marching on the spot, or doing some gentle side steps while the kettle boils. Even small movements help!
Remember, there’s no ‘right’ way to be active – you can choose what works for you, your body and your schedule.
Making time to get active isn’t selfish.
In fact, it’s the opposite!
Being active improves your physical health, mental wellbeing and your ability to support and be there for the people you care about. Taking care of yourself is a really important part of being able to care for others – even if it feels like there’s no free time.
Activity is also proven to boost your energy, make you more patient and improve your focus and attention span – making work feel easier and leaving you with more energy for others.
“I find being active to be rather liberating. It gives me a sense of purpose and ambition. It allows me to support others in ways that without this, I would not be able to.” – Community member, Cannock Chase
But guess what?
Science shows that getting active – especially when you’re feeling low or lacking motivation – actually gives you MORE energy, not less. But how does that work?! Getting active is proven to:
😴 Improve sleep
Making you feel more rested and ready for the world.
🧠 Release ‘feel good’ brain chemicals
These lift your mood, boost your self esteem and make you feel more energised.
💪 Build strength and resilience
The more active we are, the better our bodies are able to cope with doing day to day tasks and activities.
😶🌫️ Reduce brain fog
Activity increases blood flow to the brain, reducing tiredness and improving mental focus.
Together this all helps to improve our relationships as well as health and wellbeing – giving us the tools we need to better manage our responsibilities and schedules.
Remember – you deserve to feel good!
You deserve to be healthy and happy. Making time to get active will benefit you and the people around you. Even adding a little more activity into your schedule can go a long way. Remember, making simple swaps and small changes to your routine comes with loads of benefits – from having more energy, to feeling better about yourself.