When she was appointed chair of Chester County Board of Commissioners, Michelle Kichline had to trade evening yoga for early morning fitness classes at Paoli’s Purenergy Studio to keep in shape, writes Jen Murphy for The Wall Street Journal.

“When every day of your life is a special event, you will put on weight,” said Kichline.

During the first six months in the position she has held since 2014 she started to feel the constant eating and lack of exercise was sapping her energy. She had also just turned 47 and was struggling with perimenopause.

She decided to do something. She found a gym near her Berwyn home and despite not being a morning person began taking early morning classes.

“The first few months felt like I was in a constant state of jet lag,” she said.

But learning to prioritize her own well-being has been good for both her work and health.

“When you’re working in the public sector, it’s your job to say yes,” she said. “But to be my most effective, that means taking time for myself too.”

Read more about Kichline’s fitness plan and workouts at The Wall Street Journal here.