Motivation for healthy living and happiness
Yes, that’s right, I said exercise! At the start of a new year everyone is full of aspirations and goals for personal improvement. Exercise routines and workout plans are commonly at the top of the list. I had “increase exercise” as one of my goals at the start of last year and I can say, without a doubt, that it has been one of my favorite self improvement challenges. I’ve been fairly diligent at my exercise routine over the last year and have discovered ways to increase my exercise, get in better shape and change my perspective to enjoy it. I’ve learned to see all the good that exercise brings in the pursuit of happiness.
Step 1: Make room for exercise in your life
The first step to seeing the good that exercise brings is to adjust your routine and allow room for your workout plans. For me, the best fit with my time, schedule and interest level was a combination of an exercise class, home exercises and outdoor physical activity. I found a studio near me and made a goal of going to an exercise class twice a week. It was hard to push myself to stick with my exercise plan in the beginning. I needed daily motivation. However, soon it evolved into something that really made me happier. I now look forward to the workouts because I love the time alone, how I feel afterward and some of the physical changes I’ve seen. I feel like this is something I can continue, hopefully, on a regular basis.
The other change I’ve made is incorporating walks with my husband and dog. We have a natural “loop” around our neighborhood that is 1.5 miles in total. I used to walk the loop once in a while and take the dog, but now my husband and I go together and more regularly. In addition to getting me outside and physically active, I also get some quality time alone with my husband. I love our talks and the time together.
Many people think exercise costs too much money. While it is true that exercise classes and gym memberships can be expensive, there are many ways to increase your exercise that are absolutely free. You can take a walk outside, take the stairs instead of elevators, play sports like tennis and basketball, go for a run, swim in a lake or play with your kids. Also, the benefit to living in an age of technology and smart phones is that there are endless opportunities for free workouts and exercise programs online. You can do home workouts anytime. The exercise classes that we used to pay for we can now stream or download online for free!
Step 2: Change your perspective and view exercise as a privilege
The thought of exercise sometimes brings a negative connotation to people. It is often associated with something we “have to” do or “should increase”. While those things are true (physical activity is very important), exercising is also a privilege. I have changed my perspective and now see that I get to walk in my neighborhood with my husband and dog. I get to exercise with my body because I am healthy and physically able. Also, I am able to have some control over my physical body and how I feel. All of these things are blessings and privileges. I’ve thankful that I get to exercise because at the end of the day or week or a few months, it adds to my happiness. Maybe finding the joy in exercise is all about finding a new perspective.
Sometimes you only realize the privilege you have when it is taken away. Recently I ran a 5k and fractured both of my legs because I didn’t have proper arch support in my shoes. I was frustrated with myself and in pain as I recovered. However, what frustrated me more than the physical pain was that this limitation took away my privilege to be active. I could no longer go on walks, exercise or even do simple things like taking the stairs. I missed my basic ability to exercise and realized it is a privilege I won’t take for granted anymore.
Step 3: Focus on the good that exercise brings to your pursuit of happiness
Exercise has many benefits. I think we are all fairly well aware of the physical benefits of exercise. Exercise can help with weight loss, improve muscle tone and strength, reduce risks of chronic disease, promote better sleep and increase energy levels. However, are we also aware of the mental health benefits of exercise? Research shows that exercise can make us happier, improve our mood (both long and short-term), reduce stress, improve self-esteem and help alleviate anxiety. In addition, exercise also serves as a great positive distraction. You can read about the benefits from positive distraction here from a previous post.
Good articles on the benefits of exercise
- The Exercise Effect, from the American Physiological Association
- Exercise: 7 benefits of regular physical activity, from the Mayo Clinic
- Exercise for Mental Health, from the National Institutes of Health
There is no better time to start an exercise and workout routine than right now. Summer it is a great time to get outside and enjoy the good of being outside to exercise (read our post on that here). Start with something simple today, like a beginner workout, add some daily motivation to keep at it and soon you will change your perspective. You will see the good that exercise brings to your life.
Challenge for this week:
Set a goal for yourself to incorporate a workout routine into your life or, if you already exercise regularly, to change your perspective on exercise. Follow the 3 steps above and see if you start to recognize exercise as a source of good and joy in your life.