One of my resolutions for 2025 is to exercise more. At a bare minimum, I aim to get a quick cycle in or walk at my desk (treadmill) for a while. I have the equipment, but I failed miserably in 2024.

Perhaps the reason for this failure is that I either scheduled my workouts first thing in the morning or late in the day, after work.

I find that in the early mornings, I don’t want to get out of bed, and when I’m finally ready, my mind is already working, writing, or occupied with some activity that I want to start right away. So, I tend to skip the workout, telling myself I’ll do it in the evening.

In the evenings, more often than not, I just keep busy with something right through my scheduled workout. Then, I’m exhausted and tell myself, “I’ll exercise in the morning.”

Over the past few days, I’ve tried a new technique. Mid-afternoon, when I start to get tired and still have things I want to accomplish, my brain begins to slow down. This seems to be the perfect time to get some exercise.

Forty-five minutes on the bike, and my blood is flowing, and my focus is back.

I’m fortunate enough to work from home and have a fairly flexible schedule that allows this mid-day break. If I have meetings, I can place the walking treadmill under my desk and at least get some steps in.

When I exercise regularly, I tend to eat better, sleep better, and feel better overall. No surprise.

I’m also hoping that talking about it motivates me to exercise more. I’m at the age where I need to do this NOW, or it will be too late.