Finding A Balance through Group Activities
I’ve never been a fan of exercise. I’ll wake up one morning and tell myself I’m going to start going to the gym every day. I’ll be so diligent for about a week and then just get bored. It’s always been a challenge for me.
Then I moved to Chicago. And what happens when you put someone who loves to eat in a city like that? I think we all know the answer. Chicago is full of delicious food that I just can’t resist. So once I moved here I was faced with a serious dilemma. How could I continue to try every type of cuisine Chicago has to offer, but still stay in shape? Add in a sedentary work day, not being able to afford a gym membership and being away from my family and things get a bit tricker.
Luckily, the solution came fairly naturally. I left my car at home and I bought a bike. I LOVE riding my bike! I never thought I would have the courage to ride a bike in the street next to cars, but I did it and it felt great. Plus, my roommates love biking, too, and as long as I am away from home, they’re my new family.
Speaking of my roommates, they’ve really made moving to Chicago a positive experience. We get along wonderfully, and it’s great to live with people who want to share groceries and cook meals together. They also work full time jobs and understand how difficult it is to find a balance when you’re on your own for the first time, getting used to the 9-5 routine and trying to stay healthy at the same time. We always find reasons to ride our bikes together, and by cultivating a level of camaraderie in our house, we’ve managed to save time and money— AND stay in shape!
I am sure a lot of people can relate to my circumstances. It’s not easy to move away from your family to a new city for your first job and still stay in shape, especially when you’re under stress or if you don’t enjoy exercising. Just remember that you’re not alone. Creating a family amongst your friends and finding a physical activity that you enjoy doing as a group will keep you happier and healthier!
What’s your fun group activity you enjoy doing with your friends?
Natalie Unger wrote this post for Together Counts on behalf of Edelman Digital.