In today’s hyper-connected world, the line between our work and personal lives has become blurred. After a long workday, it can feel like we have little time and energy for anything else.

Sandy Sanjna, a 39-year-old Senior Media Manager, recounted her experience, “When there are tight deadlines, I would sit at my work desk the whole day and order fast food for dinner. After leaving the office, I just wanted to go home and sleep.”

Similarly, 29-year-old Radhika Agrawal, a Service and Experience Designer, has to work up to 11 hours a day when things get busy.

For Sharmishta Sivaramakrishnan, a 29-year-old Management Consultant, work can stretch up to 17 hours during peak periods.

Find time to find your groove

Initially, Sandy found it tough to overcome inertia but knew that her lifestyle had to change. “I was getting tired easily and was putting on too much weight,” she reflected. “So I decided to find time in the morning to jog or cycle before work. I’ve never been an early riser, but once it became a habit, I have no difficulties starting my day earlier now!”

Radhika prefers to work out in the evenings. “I am not a morning person, although I have tried to be,” she laughed. “So I try to slot in a 45-minute session before my dinner or bedtime. Over a week, I try to include a variety of exercises such as yoga, brisk walking, indoor cycling, and boxing to improve my cardiovascular fitness, strength, balance and flexibility.”

As far as Sharmishta is concerned, where there’s a will, there’s a way. “I make sure I have time to exercise by treating it as a non-negotiable priority in my life,” she explained matter-of-factly. On top of her work and other commitments as a youth leader, she attends boxing classes at least three times a week, practises yoga twice a week, and schedules a rest day to stretch and recuperate (“It’s important!”). As a tennis lover, she also enjoys playing the sport recreationally with friends.

Related: How Much Exercise Is Enough for a Healthier You

Get turbocharged for your day

Exercising regularly helps me to maintain mental and emotional clarity and keeps me agile,” Sharmishta enthused. “It makes me feel fresh and energetic every day — especially on long days when there’s a lot going on.”

Sandy concurred, “I feel that I have more energy to do more things in the day, which helps me to be more productive at work. Instead of always looking and feeling tired, I feel more radiant and refreshed now.”

Small steps to get you started

For those who need a little more motivation, it helps to join group workout sessions or have an exercise buddy for support and accountability. Sharmishta shared, “Some of my best friends are the ones I've met through my workouts, and they form an essential part of my health and wellness journey;

Related: Take the first step with your loved ones

Sandy recommends getting started with simple physical activities like brisk walking or taking the stairs. It also helps to do something related to your interests so exercising doesn’t feel like a chore. “I wanted to make exercising fun for myself so that I would look forward to it,” she elaborated. “Recently, I signed up for an aqua aerobics class from ActiveSG just to try something new and interesting. I also installed the Healthy 365 mobile app and can’t wait to sign up for one of the free workout classes near my home!

Radhika quipped, “Exercise can seem intimidating, but it always helps to start small and then, it all seems more achievable!

Fit in exercise and get fit

Trying to fit exercise into your daily routine may seem daunting at first, but with a little perseverance and support, you’ll soon find your momentum and celebrate a healthier, happier you.

Click here for more inspiration and tips to stay active. For a list of free workout activities to kickstart your journey — whether it’s at your workplace, malls, or in the community — check out a wide variety of workout classes on the Healthy 365 app.