We are made to move. Our bodies quickly deteriorate with a lack of movement. Through movement and exercise we gain strength and energy, have less stress, better moods, and greater mental focus.
Movement doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s really about moving your body in a way that is both challenging and feels good.
Here are some basic ways to get started:
- Always check with your health care provider to see what is safe for you to do.
- Begin gently. Adding ten minutes a day may not seem like much, but we all start somewhere.
- Pick an activity that matches your physical needs and health. Don’t try too hard, too fast.
- Pick an activity you enjoy. Movement should be something you look forward to.
- Vary your movement so you work your body in different ways and avoid getting bored.
- Invite a friend or family member to join you. You are more likely to stick with it if you have a partner.
- Build in rest days. Choose one day a week to rest or just take a short walk or do some stretching.
- Set goals. Aim for building strength and stamina. Make sure goals are achievable and have a timeline.
- Listen to your body. Especially if you are in medical stress or recovery. Don’t force a workout. If you experience pain, consult your health provider.
Adding in even simple movements and stretches make a big difference in your body and your mental health. In fact, exercise is almost as much mental health as it is physical health. Movement should feel good, relieve stress, and strengthen your mood and body. If you don’t find this is happening, choose a different way to get in movement until you find what works for you. It’s fun to experiment with ways to move from playing tennis, swimming, hiking, dancing, strength training, to walking, Pilates, yoga, or stretching.
No matter what you choose, make sure it’s a good fit for you and something you can stick with.
