Everyone knows that regular exercise is good for the body. But exercise is also one of the most effective ways to improve your Confidence well mental health.
Regular exercise can have a profoundly positive impact on depression, anxiety, ADHD, and more. It also relieves stress, improves memory, helps you sleep better, and boosts overall mood.
And you don’t have to be a fitness fanatic to reap the benefits. Research indicates that modest amounts of exercise can make a difference. No matter your age or fitness level, you can learn to use exercise as a powerful tool to feel better.
You may be someone who loves the gym or adores running and that is fantastic! I’m sure you’re already sold on the benefits.
Or you might be like me :-/ I’ve had a gym membership for years – decades in fact. Every now and then I have a real boost and go the gym regularly and with excitement. BUT I don’t love it, it’s not my passion and so invariably my enthusiasm wanes and I stop going. So I’ve finally accepted that it’s not the right fit for me.
But I have found something I love – my passion – and that is riding my horse. I am no expert in any way – barely proficient – but I do adore it. It’s the thing I WANT to do – the thing I happily go out in the mud and rain for, the thing I do every day without thinking it’s an exercise chore.
It’s the thing I tolerate doing other exercise for just to improve my riding. It’s the thing I do with a bunch of like-minded, lovely friends that I enjoy spending time with. And it’s the only reason that I do exercise every day.
I strongly believe that the only way any of us will realistically commit to exercise is if we love it or at least enjoy it, preferably with people we like.
So think beyond the ‘gym’ box! Find something that your want to do every time, that isn’t about ‘doing exercise’ or burning calories. Sometimes its easier with someone else so if that’s true for you, get someone else involved to keep each other motivated. There’s lot to do outside but also stuff you can do at home.
Explore, research, talk to others, look for clubs in your area on the internet. think about what you actually enjoy doing and give it a go! Anything that gets you moving counts!
What do you do to keep your lovely body active?
Ps here’s a few ideas 😊
You might fancy joining a team – I have a friend that swears by netball for the mature lady – playing for the ‘Sweaty Bettys’.
What about a dance class – maybe sign up with a partner or friends – and have a laugh while you move. Ballroom, Salsa, Bhangra, Tap – whatever takes your fancy!
Walking is an amazing way to get active – again maybe make a pact with someone else to do have a regular walk out somewhere lovely or different. There are some great group walking options - Mindfulness walking groups are all over the place so worth a look.
Yoga & Pilates groups might be worth a look – Yoga adds a calming, spiritual dimension that might be interesting to you, and there are some brilliant ones that do open air yoga on the beach or in woods.
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