Exercising is my me time and since I have stopped exercising over the past month I have noticed a real difference, not only in my slowly expanding waistband but also in my general wellbeing. This has got me thinking about all of the different reasons for exercising;
- It increases our ability to relax. If you are like me then you will find it hard to switch off and sit still. Working out can help with this. It also helps with us getting a better nights sleep.
- It makes you more productive. If I am struggling to meet a writing deadline then I get outside and I walk. Sometimes getting outside in some fresh air is all I need and I come back to my desk feeling more energised.
- When I’m not exercising I find that my anxiety levels increase and this isn’t a coincidence. Studies have shown that exercise really does help us feel less anxious.
- It makes us happy! Yes, exercise releases the same chemicals as eating a chocolate bar does but without the calories.
- It makes us less stressed. Yes, next time you have a bad day don’t reach for the wine. Instead you should get those trainers on because exercising can help us reduce our stress levels and also how we react to stress in the future.
Those are just my top 5 but there are many more reasons we should all be exercising. Why do you exercise? Do you find that exercise is good for your mental wellbeing?
Exercise is DEFINITELY good for the mind as well as the body - I don’t think anyone’s ever regretted going for a workout, have they?! You always end up feeling better - it’s just the motivation to get out of the door sometimes. Whilst being pregnant, I’ve definitely not exercised as much as I used to and I do really miss it - I find it hard to know what I’m ‘allowed’ to do and not and think I did myself a disservice by taking an exercise break during that first exhausting trimester because now I feel it’s too risky to start up again. I already can’t wait to get back out running once baby is here! LPMx
Well you definitely have the best excuse for not exercising as much! 🙂
I really want to get more into exercise trying to do the c25k but the late nights, work and childcare mean I struggle to fit it in & get motivated. When I’ve been fir a run I always feel better I’m hoping once the days get longer I’ll fit more in. #thelist Lifeinthemumslane
It is so hard to motivate in January isn’t it. I have promised myself to start on the first of Feb again! Watch this space…
I just wrote a long comment & it’s disappeared. Boo! Great post. #thelist Lifeinthemumslane
No it hasn’t! Yaay 🙂
I completely agree with all the points you make!. I got into running last year and achieved my goal of doing a 10k race. The best thing about it all was, although I didn’t go running crazy (just two steady runs a week), I could definitely feel an overall improvement in my wellbeing, I just felt less anxious and overwhelmed with life’s stresses, and although I didn’t lose a great deal of weight, I just felt a little more toned and happy with my physical appearance, so I didn’t get stressed about that quite so much.
What with Christmas and dark, wet January nights however, I went for my first run in a month on Saturday morning and I could really feel the effects of not running for a few weeks. It was difficult to do and I didn’t enjoy it whilst I was running, but I did feel better afterwards so am determined to keep it up again now, as I know how good regular exercise feels now.
We can do it! 🙂
You Baby Me Mummy (@YouBabyMeMummy) says
I have just started training for a walking marathon and it does make you feel better. Thanks for linking up to #TheList x