Exercise isn’t just good for you, it’s GREAT for your overall wellness! As you know, self-care is not only wonderful for your mental health, but your physical health as well. Many people have found that as part of their daily self-care routine, they add some type of movement. Here are some things to understand about exercise and your self-care routine.
How Exercise is Good for Your Self-Care
For some people, their daily workout is something they dread, but try to power through. This is often because you have the wrong motivation for exercise. But if you have the right mentality, it can also be an excellent form of self-care.
Why is exercise good for self-care? Because it is something you are choosing to do for your body, but also for your mind. It is an intentional choice that is optional, but so good for your overall health and wellness.
Gentle Exercises to Start With
Start slow with very gentle exercises that are going to be enjoyable for you and simple start moving your body. This might be a morning stretching routine, yoga, or just going for a quick walk. If it’s hot out and you have a swimming pool, that’s an excellent way to get more exercise but in a more enjoyable way.
Where you are right now with your fitness journey will determine what a gentle exercise is for you. It should be something that makes you feel good both during the exercise, and it’s over, where you feel better after than before.
For some people, this might mean some yoga in the morning. But for other people, lifting weights, doing tai chi, or going for a run at the park is most enjoyable and gentle on their body.
Gradually Adding to Your Exercise Routine
It is okay to start small, with just 15-20 minutes a day of exercise, but if you want to add more to it, do so gradually. This helps it stay as part of your self-care routine, and doesn’t turn into something you no longer enjoy.
This is especially important if you are new to working out. You don’t want to get burnt out by doing too much, too fast. It then is no longer a form of self-care, but just another responsibility you are requiring yourself to do every day.
Some Tips for Keeping it Fun and Healthy
In order to make sure your exercise is being used for self-care, here are some tips to keep it fun but also healthy:
Exercise with friends or loved ones. There is no reason why self-care has to be a solo activity! If you prefer to exercise with other people, go for a bike ride with friends or have a living room dance party with your kids.
Skip your scheduled workout and try something new. Even if you’re used to doing the same workout routine every morning, it can be a good idea to mix it up a little. Throw in a surprise workout just to try something new.
Get outside to enjoy nature. Try exercising outdoors on occasion, like going for a hike or a walk at the park, strolling around the lake to feed the ducks, or just going for a run in your neighborhood.
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