March 2025 - The Impact of Exercise on Mental Health
When it comes to boosting your mental well-being, exercise is now established as one of the most potent tools you can wield. You might think of your workouts primarily as a way to improve your physical health, but they offer an incredible range of benefits for your mind as well.
If you haven’t been active for a while, it’s tempting to dive in headfirst. Resist that urge! Begin with short, manageable sessions and gradually increase their duration and intensity. This method not only safeguards you physically against injury but also ensures that exercise doesn't become a dreaded task or mentally break you.
Exercise isn't restricted to the gym. Take short breaks to stretch, opt for stairs over elevators, or have 'walking meetings'. Embrace any opportunity to move. Most smartphones or watches have built-in pedometers to help you get those steps in, as a minimum baseline measure of physical activity.
Understanding the reason behind your fitness journey can serve as a potent motivator. Whether it's achieving a particular physique, improving your mood, or managing stress, your "why" is your compass, guiding you on days when motivation runs low. Whatever that may be don’t allow anyone to belittle your why, as it needs to motivate you, and nobody else.