You’ve probably heard the usual excuses for not hitting the gym – work, kids, and the ever-growing list of adulting responsibilities. But it turns out, there’s a new culprit in town: your smartphone.
According to a recent study, the average adult has at least 5 hours of free time each day that could be spent exercising instead of scrolling through Instagram.
Yes, you read that right. You thought you were too busy to work out, but it turns out, you’ve just been spending your time on your phone.
And don’t even try to blame your schedule or lifestyle – the study by the Centers for Disease Control and Rand Corporation included people with small children and long work hours.
So, how do you manage your time more effectively and get that body moving? Here are a few tips to help you cut down on screen time and get your sweat on:
Track Your Time: Before you can make any changes, you need to know how you’re currently spending your time. Use a free app or a paper journal to keep track of your daily activities.
Disable Notifications: Stop being a slave to every social media update and email notification. Set specific times to check your phone and remove any time-wasting apps.
Prioritize Sleep: Turn off your devices at least 2 hours before bed to avoid disrupted sleep.
Eat Mindfully: Pay attention to what you’re eating instead of relying on your phone for entertainment.
Be Selective: Only watch TV when there’s something you really want to see.
Find Other Hobbies: If you’re going to cut back on screen time, you need to replace that time with something else. Try traveling, reading, or going back to school.
Now that you’ve got some time to spare, let’s talk about exercise. The solution probably has more to do with motivation than with your schedule. Here are a few tips to help you fit more exercise into your day:
Remember Your Purpose: Focus on why you want to exercise in the first place. Is it to lower your blood pressure or feel more energetic?
Develop Habits: Make exercise a part of your daily routine. Wake up early to go for a run or sign up for a weekly Tai Chi class.
Find Enjoyable Activities: Choose workouts that you actually enjoy. Whether it’s playing tennis or climbing mountains, find an activity that gets you moving.
Invite a Friend: Find a workout buddy to share encouragement and laughs with.
Set Goals: Challenge yourself to achieve weekly targets or train for a marathon.
Move While Browsing: If you’re going to spend 5 hours a day on your phone, at least make it productive by streaming fitness videos or riding a stationary bike.
So, there you have it. The great phone swindle is over. You do have enough time to exercise, and it’s time to start making the most of it.
