With 27% of the EU population taking part in three hours of exercise per week, it’s clear that many people prioritise a regular fitness routine. However, if you are just beginning a new internship, part-time job, or are taking time to volunteer, fitness can easily take a backseat in terms of priorities. Luckily, there are a few simple things you can do to ensure you stay physically active while still managing your daily obligations.

Keep a schedule

Managing work, whether it be volunteer work or an internship, can be a difficult task, especially when you have other responsibilities and things to do — like making time for physical activities. For such reasons, keeping a written schedule in a planner or typed up in your phone’s calendar can allow you to successfully budget your time with ease. Keeping a visual of all of your daily events and commitments is also a great way to get a feel for how your day will look well ahead of time, and can make it far easier to rearrange your fitness schedule in accordance with your work schedule when need be.

It’s important to keep in mind that scheduling time for fitness doesn’t have to make things difficult or stressful — in fact, even 10-15 minutes can be sufficient enough for a workout. And, you don’t have to necessarily hit the gym to get physical activity in either — simply taking a short walk or jog outside while on your lunch break will work just fine, and is better than no workout at all. However, if you are keen on going to the gym, a 24-hour gym membership might be your best bet for getting a workout in on an especially tight schedule. In any case, making time for fitness can not only be a great way to maintain your own fitness goals, but can help to reduce stress that may come with work as well.

Plan ahead

Another great way to successfully manage your fitness routine and work schedule is to plan ahead. One way to do so is to pre-pack a gym bag with the necessities (like gym clothes, accessories, and snacks), so that you can bring it along with you to work and head straight to the gym afterward. Planning ahead can also help in other ways as well — for example, determining what exercise equipment you’ll use depending on your needs can save you from future troubles, like bad knees or back problems. By planning ahead in several different aspects of your fitness lifestyle, you’re sure to not only reduce stress surrounding the issue, but save time and future issues as well, all while achieving your fitness goals.

Make a like-minded friend

Connecting with another individual while at work who also prioritises having an active lifestyle can be a surprisingly great way to successfully maintain your fitness regime. For example, talking with someone who is also working on managing a fitness routine with a similar working style can potentially give you insight on tips and tricks that you haven’t thought of, or finding out what works well for them can give you a new option to try. And, if your schedules permit, they could be a great workout companion as well. Whether you workout together or not, finding a like-minded person can be a great source of motivation for anyone starting a new internship.

Starting a new internship, part-time job, or other project is always an exciting endeavor. However, it can be difficult to manage when you lead an active lifestyle that includes going to the gym or working out regularly. With that said, keeping a schedule, taking measures to ahead, and finding a like-minded person can be a great help.