Of course we’re not just walking brains, right? I mean, we all know this, on an intellectual level. So why do so many of us act like this is actually the case?
If you’re a creative, intellectual type like me, (without an athletic bone in my body, I might add) then your natural bent is to sit at the computer and write, or lie on the couch reading. But when I go to get up – ouch! I suddenly remember I have a body, and it’s not very happy with me.
Sometimes it’s tempting to say I don’t have time to take care of my body – after all, I have so many brainy pursuits vying for my time. But I’ve learned the hard way that neglecting my physical health can adversely impact my ability to do those things. Not only that, but on the positive side, I’ve learned that eating healthy and taking a little time to get my body moving can dramatically increase my ability to work, stimulating my brain, clearing out the junk, and improving my mood.
So how do you take advantage of the mind-healing benefits of exercise? Here are a few things that have helped me.
1. Start Small
Don’t let anyone discourage you. Start with a little bit each day, and work your way bigger. It doesn’t matter if it’s only 5 minutes: it is more than you were doing yesterday!
2. Build exercise into your day
If you already need to walk your dog, great – make your walk a bit longer or pick up the pace and jog for part of it. Your dog will probably appreciate that, too. 😉 Run on a treadmill or elliptical while watching TV or reading. Figure out ways to move a little extra while doing what you already do.
3. Consider exercise part of your work routine
As much as I didn’t want to exercise today, I did, knowing I would be that much more able to get my work done and get out of the sucky mood I was in. And guess what? It worked! 🙂
What about you? How do you get yourself moving? Have you noticed a difference? Are you looking for some encouragement to take care of yourself?
Erin E. M. Hatton 
Reblogged this on Icanbeatit.
Thanks! 🙂
Welcome 🙂 🙂 x
It’s super important to keep your body moving and not just your mind active! When I’m feeling extra sluggish I try to force myself to take the stairs in the subway instead of the escalators, or I’ll make myself get off the bus a stop or two before I have to get off to get the extra bit of a walk in. These small little bits of exercise don’t take up much time in your day, but they do help get your body moving!
Absolutely!
Its crazy how much of a mind-body connection there really is. When I feel crappy, either physically or mentally, I don’t want to exercise, but if I have made a commitment to go, and I drag my ass out there, I actually feel amazing! Clear headed and sure of myself, I feel like i can tackle anything!!! And as I get closer to 40, I realize I have to take care of myself. The easiest way to exercise, i find, is to stay out of the gym, enjoy the great outdoors and exercise becomes fun 🙂
That’s great, Sarah! I’m realizing the same thing. 🙂
I’m really bad for neglecting my health while I sit at the computer typing away at the keys to grow my business. In fact, the partner started coming home at lunch just to ensure I stop to eat at noon.
Pretty said eh? I realize that my health is at risk, but I just can’t seem to come to terms that I must take care of my body for it to take care of me.
I hear you. It’s a tough lesson to learn. Hoping you find a way to build caring for yourself into your day. 🙂
The most important thing is that you ARE motivating yourself. On my lazy days, I just remember that even a little bit of exercise is better than nothing! You go girl 🙂
I can relate to that. 🙂