Working Around a Busy Schedule
Jmb037
Posts: 24 Member
Hey Everyone! I'm new on MFP, just looking for some tips to maintain a routine and stay disciplined around my busy schedule - full time job (+40hrs/wk), grad school, & not-so-social-anymore life. My main problem is that my hours are crazy and I don't have a set schedule, so it's hard for me to plan ahead for exercising and meal prep. Any suggestions? Messages and friend requests welcome! Thanks 
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You simply have to figure out what works for YOU. Everyone is different.0
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teresadutton wrote: »You simply have to figure out what works for YOU. Everyone is different.
Thanks for your insight! I'm having trouble finding what works for me. Lost about 30 pounds at the end of last year/beginning of this year and wound up gaining it all back within 4 or 5 months, so I'm trying to get back in the zone! Lol0 -
If you're looking at exercise as part of your routine, 5:00 AM is often a good time. Best of luck.0
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I have a very busy schedule as well: working about 60+ hrs a week. I just force myself to make time for fitness. It's not always easy, I miss parties and things etc a lot but if you really have a goal you can achieve it! I do a lot of crockpot meals for when I'm out of the house for hours and hours.. I have a pumpkin chili started now for dinner tomorrow! I find if I try to stay a step ahead it really helps me from going astray. 0
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Packerjohn wrote: »If you're looking at exercise as part of your routine, 5:00 AM is often a good time. Best of luck.
That sounds rough lol I've been working on going at 5:45 in the morning. I just have to get used to it. Thanks for the advice!
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sherrilynndolan wrote: »I have a very busy schedule as well: working about 60+ hrs a week. I just force myself to make time for fitness. It's not always easy, I miss parties and things etc a lot but if you really have a goal you can achieve it! I do a lot of crockpot meals for when I'm out of the house for hours and hours.. I have a pumpkin chili started now for dinner tomorrow! I find if I try to stay a step ahead it really helps me from going astray.
The crockpot is definitely a life saver on my extra busy days. I'm only off every other weekend, so I'm used to missing parties & such lol thanks for the advice
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Oh, I know your pain with a full time school schedule combined with work and a kiddo. Sometimes I don't have much time due to needing to study. One of my study methods are note cards and instead of sitting and going through them, I walk! I got over 5 miles one day from just walking around my house.
Top it off, I aced that exam! So maybe something like that? I hope you find what works for you. Good luck!!!0 -
Oh, I know your pain with a full time school schedule combined with work and a kiddo. Sometimes I don't have much time due to needing to study. One of my study methods are note cards and instead of sitting and going through them, I walk! I got over 5 miles one day from just walking around my house.
Top it off, I aced that exam! So maybe something like that? I hope you find what works for you. Good luck!!!
I sometimes have trouble focusing on other things when I'm exercising, but it shouldn't be too hard if it's just walking. I'll try it out! Thanks for the advice & keep it up!
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Hey Everyone! I'm new on MFP, just looking for some tips to maintain a routine and stay disciplined around my busy schedule - full time job (+40hrs/wk), grad school, & not-so-social-anymore life. My main problem is that my hours are crazy and I don't have a set schedule, so it's hard for me to plan ahead for exercising and meal prep. Any suggestions? Messages and friend requests welcome! Thanks
http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10212746/your-neat-tips-non-exercise-activity-thermogenesis-ways-to-increase-your-activity0 -
Hey Everyone! I'm new on MFP, just looking for some tips to maintain a routine and stay disciplined around my busy schedule - full time job (+40hrs/wk), grad school, & not-so-social-anymore life. My main problem is that my hours are crazy and I don't have a set schedule, so it's hard for me to plan ahead for exercising and meal prep. Any suggestions? Messages and friend requests welcome! Thanks
http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10212746/your-neat-tips-non-exercise-activity-thermogenesis-ways-to-increase-your-activity
Thank you!! 0 -
Hey Everyone! I'm new on MFP, just looking for some tips to maintain a routine and stay disciplined around my busy schedule - full time job (+40hrs/wk), grad school, & not-so-social-anymore life. My main problem is that my hours are crazy and I don't have a set schedule, so it's hard for me to plan ahead for exercising and meal prep. Any suggestions? Messages and friend requests welcome! Thanks
Maybe you should focus on some less-specific goals? Some people work out at the same time every day. Other people work out in the same range of times, and some people, myself as an example, just work out when there is spare time. So maybe you don't set yourself a schedule, maybe you just say "I'm going to work out for 30 minutes every day" and then do it whenever you can depending on your busy schedule. It could be a different time every day! Maybe it's between classes, or between work and classes. Maybe on days when you don't also have time to shower and such in addition to your 30 minutes, you choose to do gentle exercises that can be dealt with with a change of clothes and some hardcore men's deodorant. It's just a matter of doing SOMETHING, if you make a commitment to do it, the times will work themselves out:)0 -
CoffeeNCardio wrote: »Hey Everyone! I'm new on MFP, just looking for some tips to maintain a routine and stay disciplined around my busy schedule - full time job (+40hrs/wk), grad school, & not-so-social-anymore life. My main problem is that my hours are crazy and I don't have a set schedule, so it's hard for me to plan ahead for exercising and meal prep. Any suggestions? Messages and friend requests welcome! Thanks
Maybe you should focus on some less-specific goals? Some people work out at the same time every day. Other people work out in the same range of times, and some people, myself as an example, just work out when there is spare time. So maybe you don't set yourself a schedule, maybe you just say "I'm going to work out for 30 minutes every day" and then do it whenever you can depending on your busy schedule. It could be a different time every day! Maybe it's between classes, or between work and classes. Maybe on days when you don't also have time to shower and such in addition to your 30 minutes, you choose to do gentle exercises that can be dealt with with a change of clothes and some hardcore men's deodorant. It's just a matter of doing SOMETHING, if you make a commitment to do it, the times will work themselves out:)
Thanks so much! This is generally what I've been doing, it's just harder for me to get myself to actually do it if I don't plan it specifically. Usually if I don't wake up and work out right away then I don't do it at all. I've been a lot more dedicated this week than i have been lately, but I usually make excuses for why I can't work out in the middle of the day (obviously I should stop that lol). I have to work on my commitment and motivation! I think now that I'm on MFP and I have people that will hold me accountable and be supportive that it'll work out better for me this time around. Thanks for the advice! 0 -
Yep I'm another working studying mummy. It's so hard! I get up at 4am and I'm at the gym at 4.30. Then after an hour I go home, get the kids up and ready for school. I study three days a week and work the other four.0
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I for one do not take my own advice. Lol However, as hard as it sounds, you have to find balance. I would recommend not to overload with goals. Take it one day at a time. You can meal plan, pre log (and follow what you logged as much as possible), pre cook. Whatever works best in that department. As for exercise, I'd try for a minimum of 3 days a week. But again no overloading. Overloading causes crashes. Um if 3 days doesn't work, do simple things such as parking far from entrances, walking around the store a little bit more, getting up and moving (cleaning, dancing, cooking, anything), yaking the stairs.
Sometimes we don't realize how much those little things add up, and ultimately you will be leading a healthier life.
I was going to school full time, working full time, being a parent full time, and a wife full time. It is HARD. Anyone, who says that it is not is full of crap. I withdrew for a few valid reasons.
Please feel free to add me.0 -
Packerjohn wrote: »If you're looking at exercise as part of your routine, 5:00 AM is often a good time. Best of luck.
That sounds rough lol I've been working on going at 5:45 in the morning. I just have to get used to it. Thanks for the advice!
Why do you have to "go" anywhere? Are you commuting to a gym? With all the workouts available online, you can roll out of bed onto a yoga mat and have your workout done and be in the shower in no time. Look into HIIT workouts. Higher intensity means shorter duration, which would be perfect with your schedule,
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Hello! I totally feel you on getting into a routine with a busy schedule. I agree with working with what works for you. Its no easy task. I am a busy body myself. I plan out my week knowing whats ahead, and make my meals then and keep them in the fridge with labels on it. Also keeping fresh fruit on hand has really helped too. Its a struggle and I get it. Keep up the good work. It sounds like your heart is in the right place 0
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marykate_1203 wrote: ». It sounds like your heart is in the right place
I'm busier than I've ever been in my life. Have a demanding career. Two grade school kids. Husband. House. Blah blah blah. You get the idea. But yet I've successfully logged my food and lost weight for the last 620+ days.
My heart always wanted to lose weight but my head is in the game this time. I used to literally forget what I'd started doing (which was probably unsustainable anyway) and drift back to the 'old habits' which were much further engrained.
Your heart won't get you there. In my experience.0 -
mrsfitzyv8 wrote: »Yep I'm another working studying mummy. It's so hard! I get up at 4am and I'm at the gym at 4.30. Then after an hour I go home, get the kids up and ready for school. I study three days a week and work the other four.
Oh, if I had kids, I'd probably weigh twice as much as I do now. I have no free time as it is! It sounds like you're dedicated, so YGG! I have an odd schedule. I only have every other weekend (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) off, and then the only afternoons I have off are Monday's and Wednesday's when I have class. And I sometimes have to do overnight shifts if someone calls out or is a no call no show, so that always messes me up too.0 -
ImOneStepCloser wrote: »I for one do not take my own advice. Lol However, as hard as it sounds, you have to find balance. I would recommend not to overload with goals. Take it one day at a time. You can meal plan, pre log (and follow what you logged as much as possible), pre cook. Whatever works best in that department. As for exercise, I'd try for a minimum of 3 days a week. But again no overloading. Overloading causes crashes. Um if 3 days doesn't work, do simple things such as parking far from entrances, walking around the store a little bit more, getting up and moving (cleaning, dancing, cooking, anything), yaking the stairs.
Sometimes we don't realize how much those little things add up, and ultimately you will be leading a healthier life.
I was going to school full time, working full time, being a parent full time, and a wife full time. It is HARD. Anyone, who says that it is not is full of crap. I withdrew for a few valid reasons.
Please feel free to add me.
Well you certainly sound pretty busy! I think everyone knows what they "should" do. It's just actually doing it that's the problem lol which is exactly my problem. I make a lot of excuses for myself, I know that and I'm working on it. Thanks for the advice! You're right the little stuff does add up. I'll keep this in mind throughout my day
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frankiesgirlie wrote: »Packerjohn wrote: »If you're looking at exercise as part of your routine, 5:00 AM is often a good time. Best of luck.
That sounds rough lol I've been working on going at 5:45 in the morning. I just have to get used to it. Thanks for the advice!
Why do you have to "go" anywhere? Are you commuting to a gym? With all the workouts available online, you can roll out of bed onto a yoga mat and have your workout done and be in the shower in no time. Look into HIIT workouts. Higher intensity means shorter duration, which would be perfect with your schedule,
I actually used to do a lot of HIIT at home workouts and I enjoyed them (as much as I can enjoy a workout at least). I guess I haven't considered it as much since I've moved because I have much less space here, but if I find the right workout, I'm sure I could do it. You're right, that would be a time saver, doing HIIT at home. Thanks for the advice!
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marykate_1203 wrote: »Hello! I totally feel you on getting into a routine with a busy schedule. I agree with working with what works for you. Its no easy task. I am a busy body myself. I plan out my week knowing whats ahead, and make my meals then and keep them in the fridge with labels on it. Also keeping fresh fruit on hand has really helped too. Its a struggle and I get it. Keep up the good work. It sounds like your heart is in the right place
I love fresh fruit. It's a struggle making time, but I know I can do it. Everyone's suggestions are so helpful. I should really get back into meal prep because it used to work for me, and seems to work for a lot of people. Thanks for the words of encouragement! 0 -
marykate_1203 wrote: ». It sounds like your heart is in the right place
I'm busier than I've ever been in my life. Have a demanding career. Two grade school kids. Husband. House. Blah blah blah. You get the idea. But yet I've successfully logged my food and lost weight for the last 620+ days.
My heart always wanted to lose weight but my head is in the game this time. I used to literally forget what I'd started doing (which was probably unsustainable anyway) and drift back to the 'old habits' which were much further engrained.
Your heart won't get you there. In my experience.
I know exactly what you mean. I feel like my heart is always in it, but my actions don't reflect that. I know what I need to do, it's doing it that's the problem. I lost 30 pounds at one point, so I know I can do it. I just have to get back into the lifestyle change and the right mindset. I think MFP is going to be a big help in that. Having a community of people with common goals and struggles is great. Thanks! 0 -
You need a multi-prong approach! Having a fireproof workout time like 5:00 am is good because little else gets scheduled then, but working in a little additional activity all day helps too. Walk whenever possible. 10k steps a day should burn a 200-300 calorie pad for you.0
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You need a multi-prong approach! Having a fireproof workout time like 5:00 am is good because little else gets scheduled then, but working in a little additional activity all day helps too. Walk whenever possible. 10k steps a day should burn a 200-300 calorie pad for you.
Thanks so much for the advice! I have a misfit tracker for my steps but the battery died a couple weeks ago. That helped a lot with my steps- adding battery to shopping list now, lol.
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I also default to a weekly calorie total when my days are chaotic; it makes over eating or under exercising on one day seem less important. I actually have a range: 11,500 is my MFP goal for weight loss but 15,000 is the maintenance TDEE for my goal weight with my activity level at 100k steps and a few classes. If I am eating within that range and my weekly activity AVERAGES 600+ calories burned a day I know I will still steadily lose weight at a slow pace despite a few rough days scheduling wise.0
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I work 7 days a week as a school sub & weekend morning caregiver, manage my own small vacation rental business, and while my husband is back east on a job assignment I'm a single mum. I hear you on the busy days! I could sit around and come up with a dozen brilliant perfect 'plans' but it is only the flexible, adaptive, responsive plan that I am able to modify and still execute during even my worst weeks that is ultimately any good to me.0
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You do not have to do a major meal prep. For example, when we cook we make enough food to have for two more days later in the week. Focus on getting enough sleep. When you are well rested, you can handle things.0
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