suma-ya-c's Journal, 22 Aug 23

When I worked shifts my routine was either as soon as I finished or just before I started. However, I worked in pools and gyms so that was easy to do. When I worked 9 - 5 I went to the early morning swim sessions before work. Now, I try to be in pool or gym before 10 am.  

Thanks Anne. Might try waking up earlier. Don’t think I’ll do it if I keep trying to do it after work. 

I much prefer earlier in the day, Suma, ideally before I eat.  

I’m on for 32 hours and then again for 24 hours so will hold off until I’m home. Might have a coffee before workout though. I think I push myself more when caffeinated, whether that’s true remains to be seen😆. 

Those are killer shifts! I always have 2 cups of tea before workout (thats what I am doing now, a bit of downtime after dog walk and before out the door) 

I find mornings the best for exercise you ought to try the 5,4,3,2,1 method when you wake up you just say I'm going walking or ? in 5,4,3,2,1 then get up & straight out the door it really works & there's a book on it too 

Managed to do 30 minutes this evening. It took all my will power not to lie horizontal. Thank you for the motivation Anne and Shirley. Will look up the book. And going to reread Atomic Habits.  

Don’t be too hard on yourself-our lives are busy in different ways - if you can’t fit it in don’t fret Suma - I’m not dissimilar In the sense I get anxious if I miss my cycle but then that becomes totally counterproductive so I walk up the stairs in a hotel or around a park wherever I am and try to make the best of it :) 

Good stuff, Suma. A little and often works well. You don't need to do a lot of exercise to benefit from it. 10/15 mins every other day will work. Like Hump says, get creative within your day.  

You’re right HumpT. It is anxiety I associate with things I didn’t do, but feel I should have. I’ll try to be opportunistic with my activity. As Anne mentions, grabbing small blocks of time will work better than trying to find longer chunks and never actually doing anything. Really appreciate the support and the suggestions😊. 

I love early morning. Gets it done for the day and you feel it’s behind you! Instead of coming home late, exhausted and dreading it and having less energy.