Guest Blog Post by Sheila Olson

For many Americans, the idea of finding the perfect fitness routine is a lofty one; it can be hard just to get through the day sometimes, with the stresses of work and family always over our heads. However, a great workout schedule will keep you motivated, healthy, and feeling good both physically and mentally, and when combined with a self-care routine, it can help you battle everything from depression to low self-esteem.

The key is to find a way to incorporate things you already enjoy doing. This will help you stay on track and allow you to reduce stress and anxiety all at the same time. Self-care can mean many things, but at its core, it simply means ensuring that your mind and body are in harmony and that you are able to find happiness even during difficult days.

Here are a few tips on how to balance a workout and self-care routine for a better you.

Do something fun

The term “working out” might bring to mind a gym full of expensive and intimidating equipment, but all it really means is getting your heart rate up for at least thirty minutes per day during an activity. This can be swimming, going for a hike with your dog, or forming a speed-walking group with some friends. The more fun you have doing it, the more likely it is that you’ll stick with it. This is a great way for individuals who have battled substance abuse to start down the road to recovery; however, it’s important not to overdo it. Start slow with something you know you like to do and work from there.

Practice yoga

Yoga is a great way to blend self-care with fitness, as it incorporates meditation and mindfulness into a workout that gets your entire body into shape. You can start off slowly and work your way up, as yoga has various levels of difficulty, and it’s a good way to learn how to focus your mind on the positive rather than worrying or becoming anxious over things you can’t control.

Spend time with your pet

Pets are wonderful for helping us stay motivated when it comes to exercise, as they love to be active everyday. Dogs, in particular, are always happy to get in some leg-stretching, so spend some time with your pet going for long walks, or introduce him to camping and go for a hike. If you don’t own a pet, consider getting one, or volunteer at a local shelter on the weekends. Just spending time with an animal can significantly decrease stress, lower blood pressure, and even lengthen your life by reducing the risk of stroke or heart attack.

Pick up a hobby

Having a hobby is a great way to get up and get moving. If you like sports, consider joining a local team, or simply getting outdoors with your kids on the weekends and playing kickball or tennis. Gardening is another great way to get outside, get active, and do something you enjoy. Balance out your workout with something fun and look for the benefits both physically and mentally.

Finding ways to stay fit doesn’t have to be stressful; if you have a busy schedule, consider looking for balance by sneaking in ten or fifteen minutes of activity during your lunch break, or get the family involved by having playtime in the backyard after dinner. However you choose to take care of yourself, make sure it’s something you really enjoy doing so you’ll get the full benefits.

Sheila Olson has been a personal trainer for five years. She believes the best way to achieve physical fitness and good health is to set and tackle small goals. She encourages her clients to stay positive and incorporates mindfulness and practices for reducing negative talk into her sessions. She created FitSheila.com to spread the word about her fitness philosophy.