I mean it! Just put on your runners or some other form of comfortable shoes and get moving!
We all know that exercise should be an important part of our daily routine but we don’t always do things that are good for us. Years of research have proved that regular exercise can be highly beneficial to individuals experiencing mental health conditions such as Anxiety and Depression.
How is exercise beneficial? I am sure you know most of these reasons but lets put a list of reasons together:
Regular exercises helps regulate the release of chemicals such as Serotonin and Endorphins (I call them happy chemicals) which help uplift our moods
Exercise makes us feel good about doing something purely for ourselves
Helps you get some ‘Time Out’ from the demands of daily life
Companionship can be good if you have an opportunity to exercise with somebody else
Exercise increases your energy levels
So lets start with some of the excuses that most of us have in-stored for not exercising:
Its too hard! I haven’t done it in years..
The weather is too hot or too cold to be exercising
Classic – I just don’t have the time!
I don’t have financial resources to be joining a gym or buying equipments at home
I cant do it alone, its boring!
I wouldn’t know where to start
Here is where you can start:
Pick a form of exercise that you can eventually undertake everyday for at least 30 minutes. (you can choose activities such as Yoga or Pilates for additional exercises during the week but don’t tell yourself you will do yoga for 30 minutes a day unless you have the means and ability to do so)
Start with something simple – walking or jogging are great!
Find the time of the day that is most suitable to you. Even though research says start of the day is the best time to exercise, you can pick the time that is most convenient to you!
For the first week, allow yourself levy and start by walking for 15 minutes. And then slowly build up to 30 minutes by the following week.
Ask a friend, neighbor, work colleague etc to join in!
Most communities have a walking group. Even though they get together and walk once or twice a week, its a good start.
If you have a baby or a child, put them in the pram and get moving. Being outdoors is good for the both of you.
Bribe Yourself: This works well with me personally
Write in your calendar/diary the days you have achieved your exercise goals
Reward yourself daily, weekly and monthly for undertaking exercise despite your mind coming up with different excuses not to do so
Examples of daily reward: Watching favourite TV show, or browsing the website you really like! (be your own disciplinarian and do not allow yourself to indulge in any rewards if you have caved in to the excuses)
Make your own list of weekly and monthly rewards depending on your preferences and start looking forward to them!
Other benefits of exercises:
Helps maintain a healthy weight range
Therefore reduces the probability of other associated health conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol or blood pressure
More likely to help your concentration abilities and memory
Improves sleep and allows you to focus on healthy appetite
No body is worth more than Your Body! – Melody Carstairs