If you are not a person who really enjoys exercise then it can be hard to motivate yourself to do it.
Exercise has been shown to increase self-esteem. When we feel good about ourselves it encourages us to take care of our health and wellbeing and support us in our efforts to change. Try to make some form of exercise a priority and make time for it, because it is vital for your health and it will improve your mental outlook, mood and self-esteem.
Exercise is a fantastic stress buster and just a moderate increase in your level of exercise can leave you feeling calmer and in control. Whenever you feel stressed or anxious, take a long, brisk walk and see if you feel better afterwards. Exercise discharges the stress hormone such as cortisol, that accumulates due to chronic stress. Exercise increases the flow of blood and oxygen to the brain and stimulates the release of mood-lifting endorphins that relieve pain – a natural opium known as the runners high. These changes in the brain chemistry make us feel euphoric and exhilarated.
It has been shown in several studies that exercise can be as effective as antidepressants or traditional psychotherapy in elevating mood.
The more intensely you exercise, the more of these chemicals you produce, helping you to feel better and better.
If you haven’t exercised for a while then build up slowly, don’t try to do too much at once. If you are recovering from illness build up slowly and don’t over do it. I had Covid in April and im still not back at the fitness level I was before. I have to build it up slowly because if I do too much it will massively impact how I feel the next day and can result in me taking a step backwards.
Below is some of the amazing benefits of exercise:
Maintains weight loss over the long term
Increases resting metabolic rate
Improves strength and stamina
Improves muscle tone
Improves joint flexibility and suppleness
Strengthens back muscles and eases pain
Strengthens heart muscle
Improves lung function
Improves digestion
Helps reduce food cravings and regulates appetite
Slows down the body’s ageing process and helps you look better
Reduces stress and anxiety
Improves mental clarity
Elevates mood
Increases self-esteem and self confidence
Increases energy and reduces fatigue
Increases the production of endorphins, helping you to feel calm
Helps you sleep better
Reduces the risk of heart disease
Lowers blood pressure
Reduces the risk of mature onset diabetes
Improves your insulin/blood glucose mechanism
Reduces cholesterol to healthy levels
It feels good
My main exercises at the moment are yoga and walking.
Yesterday I had a little robin on my walk with me.
Due to the situation we are all in at the moment it is definitely worth trying to do some exercise to improve how you feel.
Go for a walk and enjoy your day.