Find a way to prioritize fitness in your daily routine

I was considering posting on a health topic every 3^rd week of the month and it sort of aligns .. because this week we hosted the National Sports day in Qatar

Though I shyed away from sports all through my life, what has intrigued me the most about sports is the mental strength and endurance that a sportsperson develops. Of course, regular sports brings in fitness, offers a better physique and health benefits, but I honestly admire the grit, perseverance, determination and team play of a true sportsman.

Studies indicate that our mental firepower is directly linked to our physical regimen. Some of the cognitive benefits of incorporating regular fitness into our routine include Improved concentration, Sharper memory, Faster learning, Prolonged mental stamina, Enhanced creativity and Lower stress.

After a serious heath incident at work, I was talking to my colleagues about what prevents us from exercising regularly. Most of the time the answer is laziness or lack of time! But the underlying truth is actually a lack of priority. It at times takes a front seat as a knee jerk reaction to some health hazard.

But If we look at the other side of the coin; Don’t we feel more productive, more efficient and more lively after a good fitness routine?

Isn’t it time to revisit our priorities and include fitness as part of our daily rituals?

With a shift in mindset, we can successfully incorporate fitness into our routines, below are few research-based suggestions

• You are far more likely to stick with an activity if you genuinely enjoy doing it .. be it tennis, swimming, dancing. True; Zumba and Latino are some of my favorite classes at the gym. Woo hoo
• Become part of group if that suits you. Go with a friend plus its more fun. Yes, I love the energy  of our group; it can light an entire stadium 🙂
• Refrain from over thinking and overanalyzing. Everything else will in place. I sometimes face this problem but once I push myself the feeling is powerful, the energy that is still left at the end of the day is incredible
• Commit and Push yourself to stick to the daily habit because the long term health and happiness benefits are larger than the short term discomfort that you experience. Agree.. It’s hard at the beginning but you will love yourself for the choice you have made. For me, regular exercise is a great stress buster. I get more clarity, feel happy and energetic after a good workout. 

Remember Muhammad Ali’s words “I hated every minute of training, but I said, ‘Don’t quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.'”

Don’t you want to live your life like a champion? If yes, Here is the Call to Action

1. Set your intentions and Take the first step – See what time of the day suits your schedule and devote time for an activity you enjoy doing
2. Make it a deliberate practice and Have an accountability partner – I have one at work and we check in with each other every day
3. Be self compassionate – Once in a while it’s ok to break the rules but remember to bounce back

So what activity have you thought of including in your daily routine? Let me know how it feels

Keep Smiling,

Until next..