Exercising is a crucial part of staying in shape, but finding room in a busy schedule already filled to the brim with work and kids can be enough of a challenge in itself. How are we supposed to add another item to our ever-growing todo lists?

The key is multitasking; if you find inventive ways to get outside and get moving, you can accomplish other tasks simultaneously, saving you time and keeping you active! We suggest finding ways to get outdoors that involves the whole family.

One of the simplest ways to get out an exercise: head outside and take a walk! Take your kids, friends, or even your dog and go! You don’t have to go anywhere special. If you are crunched for time, just walk around your neighborhood and use it as time to catch up and chat about your day or to gather your thoughts and plan out your week.

If you have a little more free time, take a trip to one of your local parks. If you have a dog, look for one with a dog park or pet exercise area. Bring a yoga mat and get a session in while your kids play on a playground, or take a jog around the area together. There are endless options! You could even take some snacks with you and help your kids with homework outside after taking a walk through the park. Adjust your exercise schedule to meet your life’s many demands, and you can efficiently accomplish many things while getting much needed exercise and relief from day-to-day life.

Really wanting to get outside and take some time to focus on your health? Pack some water and snacks and hike a trail. There are trails for every level of experience, so don’t let it intimidate you! If you are just starting, pick a short trail with moderate terrain. If you are more experienced and feel like getting some exercise, find a more difficult trail on or near a mountain. The hard work will be worth the view! Take family and friends with you and make a day out of exploring a new place and taking some time to clear your head.

If you are really pressed for time, don’t worry; there are still plenty of things you can do. Head to your backyard and play with your dog for a little while, or do some yoga in the morning for a few minutes before you get ready for work.

The most important thing is that you get outside and exercise in a way that’s fun for you and works with your schedule.