December 23, 2024

Find Time for Exercise with a Little Multi-Tasking

Step by stepWhen there are so many things to do or things we want to do, exercise may become last on the priority list.  However, have you ever considered there are things you can get done while exercising?  Before dropping your workout for the day, think about how you may  find time to exercise with a little multi-tasking.

  • Get Organized

For me, before I can get my home organized, my work and daily “to do” list done, I have to prepare what and how it needs to be done in my head. I cannot tell you how many times I have developed a new plan of doing things after thinking about it during a long walk. I get things done, in my head that would not have been done without exercise.

  • Time with a girlfriend

Do you have that girlfriend who sends a quick message, “We need to get together for girl time?”  Then life gets crazy and there is no time to sit and talk.  Oh, the things we get accomplished when I go for a run with my best friend.

We get to catch up on each other’s lives and I usually get help and encouragement with something I have needed, but had not taken the time to stop and ask.

  • Quiet Time

So often I hear women say they struggle to have daily quiet time with the Lord.  Let me give you a little secret.  Jesus does not just wear sandals, He wears tennis shoes.  I know this because He has joined me so many times for a run.  There have been times when I felt Him and heard from Him the most while praying during a walk right outside my front door.

How would you view your time of exercise if you looked at it as time with God and a way to honor Him?

  • Get Creative

Do you have a job that requires creativity or volunteer where someone is looking to you for inspiration? Taking a walk can be an opportunity to clear your head and get inspired with new ideas.  Perhaps you struggle with being productive as I do.  If that is the case, bring your phone or a small notepad and pen in a fanny pack and jot down those ideas on your walk.

These are all things that can be done while exercising.  Think of it as a bargain—two for the price of one.  You may be surprised to learn that you can find time for exercise with a little multi-tasking!

 In Good Health,

Crystal

Running or Walking with Jesus

My morning quiet time with God is my favorite part of the day.  I have a special chair and perfect side table for my coffee and Bible. I feel so close to the Lord by praying and studying His Word. But I have to be honest, there are times when I get up from “my chair” that I don’t talk or listen to Him for the rest of the day.  A few years ago, I heard a pastor share how he talked to Jesus while riding in the car. If he were driving alone, he pictured Jesus sitting next to him and he would pray.  So I thought…that is it!  I will invite Jesus to ride in the car with me each day.  I never once thought about running or walking with Jesus.

JESUS WEARS NIKE’S

That week, after my morning coffee and quiet time, I put on my tennis shoes to head out for a run.  While running, I said a quick prayer,  “Lord, help me remember while driving that You are riding right next to me and to pray.” It was at that moment, I felt like He took me by my shoulders and shook me right in the middle of MY RUN.  I know He said, “Do you not see me running right here next to you?”  Friends, he was not in sandals, I believe He was in Nike’s.

Now, there is nothing that can replace the quiet and still moments of kneeling at the feet of Jesus to pray. But, the Lord has shown me so many things while running circles around my block giving Him praise, sharing my concerns, and listening to His voice.

The Struggle

I completely understand the struggle to find time for prayer and exercise, which is why I am so passionate about designing exercise programs for busy women. However, I believe before starting a new fitness program, we have to discover how to have balance in our life. I believe real peace and balance can be found by spending time with the Lord Jesus.

THIS WEEK

We have been talking about how to start an exercise program and use our time wisely.  If you are struggling to find time to exercise and pray, try doing them together. You can improve your health physically, mentally, and spiritually by running or walking with Jesus.

To Your Health,

Crystal

*****

If you have a question for Crystal, related to health and exercise, please email them to:

Crystal@girlfriendscoffeehour.com