For anyone that has exercised for the sole purpose of losing weight, you probably have experienced disappointment and even a sense of lack of fulfillment and enjoyment from your movement regimen.
While exercising regularly is one of the best ways to maintain a healthy weight and a “good physique,” reminding yourself of its other benefits will help you stay motivated even when it’s hard. Below are just some of the many reasons why you should make exercise a top priority every day.
It makes you happier.
When you’re feeling down, getting moving may be low on your checklist. However, when you exercise, feel-good chemicals called endorphins are released in your body. These endorphins spark a positive, euphoric feeling, per MindBodyGreen.
Exercise is a natural antidepressant, and especially when coupled with time outside, it can relieve stress and negative feelings that come from stagnation. By moving, you’re finally able to see your situation from an outside perspective. There, you have the opportunity to let go of whatever happened to you instead of sitting in it.
Movement can clear stress hormones out of your system, leading to a clearer and more focused you.
Tap into your creativity.
Instead of meeting in an office or catching up with a friend over coffee, consider a walk and talk. There’s a reason some of the world’s most successful entrepreneurs are choosing to move when they make decisions and work on new projects — getting outside of the box helps you think outside of the box!
Reduce your chance of heart disease.
“Did you know that worldwide, 8.6 million women die from heart disease each year? According to the American Heart Association, exercise helps dramatically reduce heart-related diseases, strengthens your heart muscle, and can help decrease the risk of having a heart attack,” per MindBodyGreen.
You’ll feel energized.
It may seem counter-intuitive, but getting off the couch and into a high intensity workout can actually increase your energy level. People who exercise regularly report feeling less fatigue throughout the day. So ditch the coffee, try a run instead, and build a workout into your everyday routine.
Exercise improves sleep.
Sleep deprivation can serve as the big domino that negatively affects all other aspects of our lives, from work, to relationships and health. Incorporate movement in your day helps keep your circadian rhythm on track. For the best results, try to avoid exercising too close to bedtime.