In today’s guest post Kathy draws from her own experiences and talks about adding exercise to your daily routine.

Recently I had the opportunity to share my weight loss success with a co-worker.  Needing to lose some weight and get healthier herself, we talked about how eating better and exercise is the best way to go.  She was interested to hear about the healthier foods and menus but she told me that she didn’t think that she could add exercise.  She is so busy when she leaves work that she doesn’t have the time.  Then she said that she feels so guilty being away from her children all day that she even hates to stop at the grocery store on the way home.  How could she find time to exercise and feel good about it?

Here are a few things that I told her from my own experiences.

Taking a little time for yourself is one of the best gifts that you can give to your family.  I know that it doesn’t seem that way but a 30 minute walk or run reduces stress and that is so beneficial!   Unfortunately I learned that after my children were grown and I can’t help but think about how much better I would have been for my family if I knew that before.

Exercising with your family can be fun for you as well as your family but taking that time as alone time helps to clear your mind, regroup and gives your the ability to handle those things at home a bit easier.

You will have more energy to handle any issues at home.  After a long day at work, nothing would be better than to go home, sit on the couch and put your feet up.  Actually doing a little exercise will give you that extra boost of energy to keep you going at home.  Making dinner, doing laundry, helping with homework will all be a little easier because you have more energy.

You will teach your children that taking time to take care of yourself is important.  There are more and more overweight children in our society and teaching them about exercise is a great idea.  When you have that “activity mode” in your brain, you will pass that on to your children!

Even though we don’t want to think about not being around to take care of our families it is a fact that exercise and being healthier can prolong our lives.

How do you go about doing this?  Planning is the key.  Most of us are very busy whether you work in or outside of your home.  A schedule is important.  Even if it is just a guideline. When figuring out everyone’s activities, make your exercise time a priority.  If you need help from a friend or family member to be able to take the time, ask for it.

Explain what you want to do to your family.  Tell them how important it is to you.  Show them that they need time for themselves as well.

So start moving and see how much better you feel.  Get rid of the guilt and enjoy your alone time…you will enjoy family time that much more!

How do you add exercise to your routine? Are you planning on adding it?

Kathy has been posting with us every Wednesday and sharing her story and ideas for weight loss and a healthy life. Miss any of the previous posts?

Find them here:

• An Olympic Workout
• Trigger Foods
• Healthy Foods for Summer
• Different Reasons for Weight Loss but One Answer
• Kathy and the American Heart Association
• Trying New Fruits and Vegetables
• Easy Meals
• Menu Changes
• Interval Running
• Tips for a Healthy Memorial Day
• Counting Calories
• Cauliflower Poppers Recipe
• Changes with Spring
• Healthy School Snacks
• Raspberry Lemon Muffins | Recipe
• Keeping a Food Journal
• Oatmeal Bars | Recipe
• Spring Cleaning
• Ingredients
• Nutritional Facts
• Restaurant Nutritional Facts
• Leap Day
• Fish
• Healthy Travels
• Eating a Variety of Healthy Foods
• A Healthy Lunch at Work
• Hitting a Plateau
• Vegetable Soup
• Making Pizza
• Eating Veggies and Orange Broccoli and Cauliflower
• Weight Loss New Years Resolution
• Eating Healthy as a Family at Christmas
• Smart Snacking
• Stress and Eating Around the Holidays
• Staying Hydrated
• Healthy Thanksgiving
• Healthy during the Holidays
• Having a Workout Buddy
• Eating Healthy While on Vacation
• Recognizing When You Are Full
• Ideas for a Healthy and Hearty Breakfast
• Exercise for Health and Weight loss
• Kathy’s Tips for Dining Out
• Healthy Salads
• Kathy’s Weight Loss Philosophy
• Kathy’s Story