Time: 30 Minutes

STEP 1: Look at your schedule and determine when is the best time for you to get in some form of exercise – yoga, jogging, CrossFit, lifting weights, jumping on a mini-tramp, etc. Even ten minutes of sweat will be helpful to you, both physically and mentally. You will gain strength and confidence and feel more powerful, while working through stress in a constructive way.

STEP 2: Get your clothes out the night before – either by the bed or pack a bag and put it in your car. If you are prepared with everything you need to exercise, you are that much more likely to do it. Do your best not to make excuses.

STEP 3: If possible, have someone exercise with you, or tell someone you are doing it. Sharing this adventure with someone increases accountability and will make it a more enjoyable experience. 

STEP 4: MAKE IT HAPPEN! Try to exercise in some form or fashion, even if it’s only for ten minutes, 3-5x a week. If you can only get 1-2 in, that’s okay. Any amount of time is putting you one step closer to improving your mental health. Your forward momentum will motivate you to increase your workout amount.

STEP 5: Start with 25 jumping jacks, push-ups, sit-ups or leg lifts TODAY. It is great to do them in the morning before you shower to get the blood pumping for the day. If you start your day with exercise, you are ensuring that nothing will come up during your day to keep you from getting a workout in. Set an intention to develop this as a habit.