How to make time for exercise even on your craziest days

How to make time for exercise even on your craziest daysHow to make time for exercise even on your craziest daysTheres no shortage of science suggesting that exercise is good for yourmentalas well as your physical health - and yet for many of us, incorporatingexerciseinto our daily routines remains a struggle. Anew study, published in the journal Neuropsychologia, asks why. Shouldnt it be easier to take on a habit that is so good for us?The studys answer points towards whats holding us back According to the researchers, pickingphysically activebehaviors over sedentary ones actually requires mora brain power than picking active behaviors over sedentary ones. Whether its evolutionary or cultural, our brains seem to be wired to have an easier time lying on the couch than running on the treadmill - or evenout in the park.This means that its crucial to have structures in place that help you keep active, even when your brain is already tired out and would love some couch-lounging. Your brain will reap the benefits if you force it to youll find that moving around even just a little bit will leave you less stressed, in a better mood - and even more energetic.Here are a few microsteps to get yourself working outPick a regular (sedentary) part of your existing routine and switch it out for an active choiceA great bet for incorporating change into your routine is attaching it to an already familiar habit. You may currently be in the habit of taking the elevator up to your office, using the closer train entrance or parking lot on your morning commute, or standing in front of the mirror as you brush your teeth and floss every night. Instead of the elevator, take the stairs instead of using the nearest entrance or lot, budget a few extra minutes and walk to the farther one instead of standing totenstill as you floss, walk around your house. Small changes like these are a structured way to incorporate exercise into your daily routine without making any significant change s. Because they are attached to habits you already have, they should be easier to make routine.Pinpoint the most frustrating, stressful part of your week, and commit to movement right after thatThis could be a weekly meeting or work task, or a regular phone call with one of your parents - simply pinpoint a moment of peak stress in your week. Then, commit to some physical activity immediately afterwards. Hold yourself accountable by writing a note to yourself in your calendar or an iPhone reminder. Depending on where and when this moment of stress happens, that activity could be as quick as running down the office stairs for a walk around the block, or as comprehensive as scheduling in gym time or a quick run. Whatever the activity is, sticking to it in those moments of tension will have an outsize effect on your stress by catching it immediately and diffusing tension through movement.Work out while you watch TVThis is one of my favorites You get to indulge the part of your brain th ats telling you to lie down on the couch while actually circumnavigating laziness. There are tons of exercises you can do while sitting or lying down in front of a show - pilatesleg exercises are particularly great, because they often dont require moving your upper body and interrupting your viewing experience. And there are plenty of videos with clear instructions to get you started onYouTube- run a quick search and find some moves that work for you. Every time you settle in for an hour of TV, take the first twenty minutes to exercise, as well.Thisarticlefirst appeared onThrive Global.