Exercise and wellbeing – what’s the deal?

When the word exercise is mentioned the initial reaction most people have is negative. Something along the lines of, ‘its too time consuming’ or ‘I don’t have the energy’. What we must understand is that exercise is crucial to our wellbeing both physically and mentally. Just 5-15 minutes of sun exposure, 3 times a week can be enough to boost your vitamin D levels and in turn lift your mood.

Think about it, you’re at home stuck in your normal routine and getting on with all the important tasks you have that day. How often do you find yourself running out of motivation to continue? how often do you experience adverse affects on your mood?. If you were to just take 15-20 minutes out of your routine to go for a walk, I guarantee you; you would come back feeling more positive, refreshed and able to continue your day with renewed enthusiasm.

Another common mistake that people make, myself included; is that we automatically connect the word exercise with high intensity, endurance exercises such as Hit workouts and strength training. Exercise is so much more than this. Exercise is what ever you want and need it to be. You do not have to be a body builder or multi competition winner to enjoy exercise.

For example swimming, getting in the pool for a few lengths a couple of times a week has been known to drastically increase mood and lower stress and anxiety. It can have a positive impact on your sleep routine which in hand majorly impacts your mood and outlook on life.

If you’re like myself and suffer with an underlying health condition gentle exercise may help with your ability to do certain tasks (dependant on the individual and their abilities of course). For example I am an asthmatic and have been for 23 years. I greatly struggle with high intensity workouts as they trigger my airways. This has impacted my life for many years as I always believed exercise would never be something I could tap into. However I find that if I go on a walk or for a swim, my mood is instantly lifted. I feel great and in turn make positive choices surrounding my diet and overall wellbeing. I sleep better, I am generally a happier person and have a more positive outlook on life. Why? because I chose not to believe in a world where exercise was only accessible to the minority of the population, the athletes, endurance runners and completion winners; but rather in a world where exercise is for everyone and isn’t dependant on your weight or your capabilities.

If you do one thing for yourself today, make it physical. Move your body and tune into what it is your body is telling you. Yes, you may feel exhausted and tired and sore after your exercise initially but what about 30 minutes later? how do you feel then? do you still want to fuel your body with processed foods? or are you turning your attention to new possibilities.

Exercise does not have to be HARD, it does not have to be LONG, it just needs to get your body MOVING, in a way that positively impacts you emotionally and physically.

Note: This blog post is intended for a pre/ post Covid-19 world. During this global pandemic, please always follow the advise of your local authority on social distancing and exercising in public places.