Exercise is key to a long, happy, and healthy life. However, if you’re just starting to create an exercise routine, it can be overwhelming especially if you already have a full and busy schedule. You may be wondering if it’s even possible for exercise to fit into the mix? The short answer is yes. Here are five ways to introduce exercise into your weekly schedule.

1. Have Fun with It

One of the biggest mistakes that new exercisers make is taking their workout routine too seriously. Of course, you want to improve your wellbeing, lose weight, feel more confident, and so forth. But if you’re just focused on the end result, you may lose sight of the enjoyment aspect. If your exercise is going to be sustainable, it has to be something you like doing. Instead of treating your exercise like a “must-do,” approach it as a “want.” You might decide to exercise with a friend to help keep things light or opt for a dance or yoga class, instead of a more intense session in the gym.

2. Just Do It… First

Another potential obstacle is time. Many people who want to exercise worry that they don’t have enough time in the day to fit in their workouts. The truth is, everyone has time, if they decide that exercising is what they want to do. If you fear you’ll skip a workout later in the day, be sure to exercise first thing in the morning. Early in the day, there are fewer excuses, so you’ll be less likely to bail on your health.

After your morning workout, don’t be afraid to reward yourself. After all, you got yourself out of bed and into your workout gear! Whether that reward is a few more minutes on social media or your favorite cup of coffee, allow yourself a little celebration for each exercise milestone.

3. Focus on Your Chores

Despite what you may have heard, there’s no need to even put on your workout clothes to increase your heart rate. According to House Method, you can get your heart rate up by doing certain chores around the house such as gardening, vacuuming, and even washing dishes. You’ll be taking care of your health and your home in one fell swoop.

4. Set Realistic Goals

Many new exercisers want to jump into the most intense and results-oriented plan possible. While their ambition is commendable, it’s likely just going to lead to burnout. Instead, set realistic goals for each week, month, and quarter. If you’ve never run before, don’t try to run a mile in your first month. Begin with simple changes like taking the stairs at work or opting for a longer route when going to the bathroom. It may feel pointless, but it’s these incremental changes that will support you in developing a fitness routine you love.

5. Establish a Wellness Mindset

If exercise is going to be part of your weekly schedule, one of the most important things you can do is shift your mindset. Instead of looking at exercise as something you do to fix a current problem, think about it as helping you prevent health concerns in the future. When you consider how a simple exercise routine could exponentially improve your quality of life down the road, it becomes a lot easier to find even a few minutes each day to put toward your wellbeing.

Introducing exercise into your weekly schedule may seem daunting at first, but by breaking it down into manageable goals, keeping it fun, and making it a priority, you’ll be on your way to full-body wellness in no time.