Do you hate the thought of exercise? Can't be bothered? Always too busy? Well we all have moments when we simply don't have the energy to even think about exercise let alone do any. I have moments when I kid myself into thinking that exercise will only make me more hungry than I was before I started, so what's the point.
Well, let me tell you - exercise needn't be a strain and it can be very therapeutic. It can not only curb those hunger pangs; it can also make you feel like a different person. I have discovered that doing just gentle exercise can improve your life and spirit enormously. Just 20 minutes of yoga or meditation can make you feel so refreshed, you can tackle anything! A healthy lifestyle can drastically improve your well-being!
Physical and Mental Benefits
There are so many books, fitness products and websites, all providing a bewildering amount of information on the benefits of healthy living. A healthy living lifestyle provides both physical and mental benefits. The phrase: 'We are what we eat' can effectively be termed 'we feel what we eat', as the food we eat can affect our mood and well-being. There is a definite connection between physical well being and eating well, experts have revealed.
Repair The Body
Protein is known to be essential for the growth and repair of the body, which you can get from meat, fish, dairy and pulses. Protein helps repair the body and fluid keeps it hydrated.
You should also consider the art of resting and positive thinking. That is - simply doing nothing at all - allowing your mind to rest completely and banish all your negative thoughts. Meditation is a form of 'resting the mind' and enables both mind and body to rejuvenate completely, refreshing the parts that haven't been functioning so well. It can be a marvellous tonic for the system.
Improve Your Mood
Dehydration, even of a mild form, can affect our mood and physical well-being, so it is important to drink enough fluid, ideally up to eight glasses of fluid a day. Dehydration can cause increased irritability and loss of concentration, so drink plenty of fluid during the day.
By exercising on a regular basis, you will not only improve your well-being and general mood, but also benefit your general health by reducing the risk of cancer, heart disease and stroke. Gentle exercise is as good as high impact exercise like running, skipping or aerobics. Yoga and Pilates have been known to benefit both mind and body and result in an amazing feeling of well-being. Exercise needn't be excessive for you to reap the benefits.
Reduce Anxiety
As experienced by many before us, regular physical activity can have a positive benefit on your mental health as it has the effect of releasing certain chemicals in the brain, affecting our mood considerably, making us feel happier in ourselves. It is understandable, therefore that exercise helps people recover from depression and even avoid it in the first place. Exercise can improve your mood; it can also reduce anxiety and improve your concentration.
Be Creative
Exercise can take the form of anything you enjoy. Even doing the gardening is a form of exercise, or walking your child to the park. It does not have to involve expensive gym memberships. Be creative - what do you like and dislike? Is there a sport you enjoy or have always wanted to take up? Do you like circuit training or swimming or both? Or just simply yoga or pilates. Even meditation is a form of exercise - exercise of the mind, You can combine different forms of exercise to suit yourself.
Go Easy
You don't need to overdo it! As I said before, gentle exercise can be more beneficial than you think. You don't need to slog your guts out running a marathon to feel good about yourself. Choose what suits you best and enjoy what you do.
Best wishes
Christina Fields
Copyright © 2010 Christina Fields
