Amidst a busy schedule, running and exercise are often the first components to be discarded. However, with proper time management and special attention to the most convenient times for exercise, runners can ensure that their daily routine is not compromised by a busy schedule. In fact, runners may find themselves more readily able to handle a busy schedule with the built-in stress relief that a running routine offers.
Time Management
Even runners with the best of intentions can sometimes suffer from poor time management, or at the very least, make excuses for why they have no time to run. According to Deidre Johnson-Cane, author of The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Short Workouts (Alpha Books, 2000), many people assume that exercise will cut into their “free” time, and fail to realize that exercise only takes a small amount of time. Furthermore, exercise increases productivity throughout the day and could enhance the efficiency of one’s free moments.
Johnson-Cane advises that people record the amount of time they spend for one week on such activities as surfing the Internet, watching television and socializing, and at the end of the week, determine where time can be dedicated to exercise instead. In addition, the Mayo Clinic of Rochester, Minn., recommends scheduling runs as any other appointment would be scheduled. Consciously devoting time to a running routine will ensure that it sticks.
Running in the Morning
Adhering to a running routine often involves deciding when the most convenient time will be to run, which is different for each runner. If a runner prefers morning jogs, certain measures can be taken to create time before work.
The Mayo Clinic suggests waking up 30 minutes earlier to make time for running, adding that research indicates morning exercisers as the likeliest to stick to their schedule. Johnson-Cane maintains that morning runs add energy to the entire day, and that no matter how busy the day becomes, the run will have already been completed. Johnson-Cane also offers tips for making morning runs easier, such as setting out both running and work clothes the night before, making the day’s lunch the night before, and purchasing a timed coffeemaker.
Running at Work
The lunch hour can be an excellent time for running, as a mid-day workout breaks up the day and adds productive energy to the afternoon hours. Johnson-Cane advises joining a health club near the workplace that provides showers, and bringing a lunch that can be consumed at the office either before or after working out. If the lunch hour proves too hectic, however, running can be incorporated into daily commutes to or from work, according to the Mayo Clinic. Runners can either bring their running gear to work and jog home, or they can stop at the gym before heading to the house. This way, their daily run is complete by the time they arrive home, and the rest of the evening is free.
Running in the Evening
Though the commute between work and home may be the best time to fit in a run, some runners prefer to exercise in the evening. The Mayo Clinic recommends fitting runs into leisure time, such as purchasing a treadmill to use while watching television, or planning activities with family and friends that are active. Running with a friend before or after dinner allows time for both running and socializing, as does joining a running group that meets on weekday evenings. Such choices will depend on a runner’s preferences.
Ultimately, runners must decide what time of day works best for them, and what routine they will follow regularly. With proper time management, excuses can be eradicated and runners can look forward to their daily routine as a means of better handling the stress of a busy schedule. As a result, running will no longer need to be fit in, but will instead be an essential part of the day.
