How to Find Time to Exercise

When Overwhelmed with Life

I remember my thoughts very clearly as I sat drinking coffee at 5:30 one morning at the start of a major life transition. It was the week before I went back to work from my maternity leave for my second child, Zach. We were now a family of four and I recalled the words of all my friends who informed me, "two kids changes things."

As I sat there, I became overwhelmed with all the things on my plate; a full-time job, new business, volunteer at church, new schedule with a kindergartner, new baby, and a desire to be a good wife. How would I find time to exercise, which I enjoyed?

I knew at that moment that it had to become a priority before I attempted to work it into my schedule, and the only way it would be a priority would be by identifying the right motivation.

As women, we can fall into the trap of exercising to look a certain way, but that is a motivation that can only bring highs and lows, disappointments, and unrealistic goals. As we seek God's heart and His will for our life, the more we understand that God cares about how we take care of the body He gave us. Our time of exercise is an opportunity to give back to Him and prepare our body to fulfill the work He has called us to do.

That pivotal moment 12 years ago was the beginning of a revolving door of new schedules and demands. When I begin to feel overwhelmed, I do a heart check to ensure my motives are turned to the right place, giving God control of my schedule and allowing Him to direct my steps.

I don't know what it looks like for you today, but if you seek the Lord and ask him to give you the right motives, He will show you where to find time to take care of the body He has graciously given to you. "All a person's ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighted by the Lord." (Proverbs 16:2)