If only there were more hours in a day! Life is hectic and frequently exercise seems to be the last thing we have time for with everything else we have going on in our lives. With all the benefits we get from regular exercise, we all should make it a priority to squeeze in some physical exercise into our daily routine…. Your body and mind will thank you for it!

Here are some ideas for helping to fit some physical exercise into your day.

Bring a home lunch to work. Instead of spending your time and money buying food at work, pack a sandwich and take it with you on a walk or run. This way you can get some exercise in and eat when you get tired. If you usually eat with your co-workers, get them to pack a lunch and tag along with you. An added benefit is getting out of the office in the fresh air will help give your mind a break.

Work out instead of vegging out. We all have one or two television programs we just can’t miss. Just because you’re watching TV doesn’t mean you have to be sitting on your couch. You can exercise and do stretches, sit ups, or even lift weights. If you’re really ambitious, you can try aerobics or jogging in place.

Cut back on coffee breaks. Tomorrow, use a clock or stopwatch and add up how much time you spend on coffee breaks. If you reduce your coffee intake, you could use the extra time to walk around the office or climb the steps of your building. Plus, the endorphins from exercise are considered more energizing than most stimulants,

Get your friends involved. If you spend a lot of time during your week chatting with one of your friends, encourage them to become your workout buddy. Instead of sitting at a diner or a coffee shop to chat, spend the time jogging or going to the gym.

Do some housework. No, your husband/wife did not pay me to put this in here. Cleaning the garage, cutting the grass, tending to the garden, and even dusting are all great ways to get a work out. Housework lets you stretch, uses your muscles, and gets your heart pumping; all essential for staying in shape.

The most important part of any exercise plan is perseverance. Make a plan and follow it. If you build up slowly, you’ll eventually have a great exercise plan that fits into your busy life.