The Busy Season Solution: Making Time for Health and Fitness
As a coach, one of the most common things I hear is: “I don’t have time to work out.” And I get it—life is busy. Between work, family, social commitments, and the daily whirlwind of responsibilities, carving out time for exercise can feel impossible. But here’s the truth: making time for your health isn’t just about fitness—it’s about giving yourself energy, focus, and resilience to tackle everything else in your life.
And as the holiday season approaches, that balance can feel even harder to find. Between travel, gatherings, shopping, and endless to-do lists, your schedule can easily become packed from morning to night. But the holidays are also a time for connection, joy, and reflection—and keeping movement in your routine helps you show up for those moments with more energy and less stress. Prioritizing exercise now can help you feel your best, manage stress, and stay grounded through all the festivities.
Here are some practical strategies to help you fit fitness into your busy holiday season:
1. Get Up Earlier
I know—waking up earlier isn’t anyone’s favorite idea (I still struggle with it myself!). But starting your day with movement is a game-changer. It doesn’t have to be a 5 a.m. marathon—try just 30 minutes earlier than usual. Go for a brisk walk, enjoy some fresh air and quiet before the day’s festivities begin, or do a short at-home workout or yoga session. Morning exercise gives you a sense of accomplishment before the day even begins, and there are zero distractions: no calls, no meetings running late, no traffic. Plus, you won’t miss out on those cozy evenings with family, friends, or holiday lights.
2. Incorporate Exercise Into Your Daily Routine
Movement doesn’t have to happen in a gym. Can you run to the store instead of driving for last-minute gifts? Walk part of your commute, get off the bus a few stops early, or take a family walk after dinner to see the neighborhood lights? Even a 10–15 minute walk during lunch counts. Look at the movement you’re already doing and find ways to boost it—it all adds up!
3. Embrace Convenience Tools
Yes, treadmills and home equipment might not be glamorous, but they’re incredibly practical for tight schedules. You can exercise safely at any hour, avoid cold or icy weather, and stay close to your family. The convenience factor alone often makes the difference between skipping a workout and getting it done—especially when your calendar is packed with seasonal events.
4. Treat Exercise Like an Appointment
One of my golden rules for clients is this: schedule your workout like any other important appointment. It deserves a spot in your calendar just like a doctor’s visit or a holiday party. Prioritize it, protect that time, and commit to it. Treating your workouts as non-negotiable shows your body—and your mind—that your health matters.
5. Be Flexible and Forgiving
Life happens, and sometimes your planned workout will fall through. That’s okay—it’s not failure. Kids get sick, plans change, traffic happens. The key is flexibility: if your full hour run gets derailed, can you squeeze in a 20-minute strength session, a walk with your dog, or a quick stretch before bed? Any movement is better than none, and consistency over time is what truly matters. Give yourself the same grace you give others this time of year.
The Bottom Line:
Finding time to work out isn’t about perfection—it’s about making it a priority and being creative with how you fit it in. Even when life feels overwhelming, small, intentional choices can help you stay active, energized, and resilient. Especially during the holidays, keeping your health front and center is one of the best gifts you can give yourself.
Remember: you don’t need hours at the gym to make an impact. A few thoughtful minutes each day will keep your body strong, your mind sharp, and your energy high—so you can fully enjoy the season’s celebrations, traditions, and moments that matter most.
