Exercise the mind.
We all know that exercise improves our health. It can lead to increased muscle tone, improved heart and lung capacity, a faster metabolism and weight loss. What is often overlooked is the positive psychological benefits that exercise can have.
Did you know that a workout can release endorphins that promote a feeling of euphoria and happiness?. Have you ever had a bad day, then gone to the gym or for a run, and come back feeling like you can cope with life again? A few times when I have been in a really bad mood, my husband will look me lovingly me in the eye and say very gently, “Darling, why don’t you go for a run, it’s a lovely day”. Subtext…please go for a run, get rid of all your frustration and come back a nicer person! Exercise is a mood lifter. One of my favorite sayings is “your only one exercise session away from a good mood”.
Exercise can reduce stress. Getting hot and sweaty can boost the body’s ability to deal with mental tension. You not only get a work out, you get to release all the tension of the day at the same time, it’s a win-win!
Exercise can increase your self-confidence. When you do a work out you are acknowledging that your health is a priority. In a way, you are achieving a goal. When you achieve a goal, you feel good about yourself and so improve your self-esteem. Its very hard to walk away at the end of a workout and not have a feeling of satisfaction.
My husband and I experienced this last weekend when we did the China Coast half marathon. It is winter here in Hong Kong, and the start of the race was about an hour away from home. We had to get up at some ungodly hour on a Sunday morning and line up in the freezing cold with only our running gear on. As we huddled together for warmth we were both questioning our sanity at being here when we could be snuggled up in our warm bed. Two hours later, the sun was shining, the sky was blue, we were warm, happy and both pleased with the times we had run. As we joined the bus queue to head home, David must have said about 5 times what a great way it was to start our Sunday. It was complete change of attitude to how we were feeling only a few hours before.
Exercise helps you sleep. I love my sleep. Its very rare I don’t get 7-8 hours a night, and I’m usually asleep as soon as my head touches the pillow. I attribute a lot of this to exercise. When you do a work out you use up energy, fatigue your body and mind and so sleep better.
Exercise helps you sleep. I love my sleep. Its very rare I don’t get 7-8 hours a night, and I’m usually asleep as soon as my head touches the pillow. I attribute a lot of this to exercise. When you do a work out you use up energy, fatigue your body and mind and so sleep better.
Exercise is a great way to focus on what’s important. When I go for a run, I use the time to plan my week, write speeches and work through problems. It is invaluable, uninterrupted time away from phones and computers. A workout can clear your head and help put a problem into perspective.Physically and mentally you will benefit from starting an exercise program. What are you waiting for, get out there today.