Can you relate to this scenario? You wake up with the sun, and thus begins the parade of feeding kids, getting yourself ready for work, getting them ready for school, out the door to the bus, off to put in a full day of work, back home to cook dinner, help with homework, get the kids bathed and ready for bed, only to fall into the couch, exhausted, at the end of the night.

Who has time to fit exercise into all of that?

The first step is to change your thinking. You have to make exercise a priority. That’s not easy, right? We know. It’s not. There are certain things in your life that are non-negotiable, but there are some things that can, and should, take a backseat to your health. It’s time to evaluate where things can be pared back so you can make time to get in a little exercise. Once you have blocked out some time, it’s time to get moving! Here are some tips on how you can incorporate physical activity into your day.

Make it fun!

Let’s face it: If exercise isn’t fun, no one is going to want to do it. It’s much too easy to turn down exercise if it feels like another chore on your list of things to do. Find something you love to do! Take a dance class! Learn to Zumba! Play a sport! The activity itself doesn’t matter as much as your level of commitment to doing it regularly. If you find something you enjoy doing, you’re going to be much more likely to want to do it.

Make it social

Let’s say spending time with your friends is a priority for you (as it should be) and you simply aren’t willing to sacrifice your time with them, why not combine your social time with your exercise? Take an exercise class together, schedule a regular gym date with a friend or two, or simply strap on your running shoes and go for a walk with your friend. It’s the ideal way to catch up on the weekly gossip while getting in some physical activity.

Make it a family affair

Finally, there’s no need to sacrifice time with your family to get some exercise. The whole family can benefit from more activity, so why not incorporate family time with physical activity? Instead of gathering around the TV five nights per week, get outside in the fresh air and move around! A simple game of catch in the fresh air can be just what the doctor ordered. Or, why not go for a family bike ride? You can cart along a picnic, ride to the park, and enjoy a delicious (and preferably healthy) meal together in the sunshine!  In the winter, skating, tobogganing, or skiing are great options. Alternatively, you can join the local YMCA as a family and take advantage of the many classes and facilities they offer.

There you have it: A few easy ways you can start to incorporate more physical activity into your life, no matter how many other obligations you have. Click for more information about how you can life your healthiest life yet.