Let’s move – the importance of physical exercise
To enjoy the glow of good health, you must exercise. – Gene Tunney
Well, I hope you had a chance during the week to consistently sleep well and that you are now feeling rested, energetic and mentally sharp.
This week we are looking at the next item on our Healthy Mind Platter – Physical Time.
I love reading, learning and mind work. I could quite easily be sucked into my bookshelf or lost in the wonders of the internet and never come out to see the light of day. So, this platter is my most challenging.
Fortunately, somewhere along the way, I realised that I was mentally sharper and happier when I physically exercised than when I didn’t. This meant that I have reluctantly had a fairly consistent exercise routine from my early 20’s.
However, I have had periods in my life where I have compromised my exercise routine with severe consequences even a period of depression.
One time happened when my daughter was born as a surprise unexpected gift later in life. My former husband and I had reconciled ourselves to not having our children in our lives. So, I ended up with a baby and a business.
I found myself trying to be the best mother, wife and business person. Looking after me fell to the bottom of the list.
When my daughter was 2 and ½, I was overweight, physically, emotionally and mentally tired as well as having suicidal thoughts. I couldn’t see how I could do everything to the unrealistic standard that I had set for myself.
Luckily, I knew I needed help and I had a wonderful supportive network around me that encouraged me to seek medical and psychological assistance.
I remember one of the first steps I took to turn this situation around was as simple as a 30 minute walk every morning in the park near our home.
Now, I very rarely compromise my physical routine because I know first-hand the consequences for me if I do. I made myself a promise that I would never go back to that black painful hole called depression. To date, I haven’t.
There is loads of scientific evidence that supports my personal story.
Routine physical activity of moderate or vigorous intensity substantially reduces the risk of dying from heart disease, stroke, diabetes, cancer and other ills. However, physical activity also boosts brainpower – specifically the ability to carry out tasks that require attention, organization and planning, and reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety in some people.
The benefits of physical activity really start to accumulate once it becomes a routine habit. The body adapts to the increasing demands which increases stamina as you become physically fitter.
We were designed to move. Hunting or food gathering required us to physically walk or run over large distances to achieve this. Slowly, over human development, we are moving less and less each day.
Now, with technology and modern living, we could go from our beds to our car seat to our work seat and back home in the car seat to our television/technology seat. Our number of walking steps during the day could be miniscule.
I wonder if this is what is contributing to so many knee and hip issues in the developed world.
As I said, I have reluctantly realised that regular prolonged movement for 30 minutes on five or more days per week is my prescription to keep me happy and moving strong and vibrant. I also know that mentally I am sharper and more creative when I’m physically strong and vibrant. This allows me to indulge in my visits to the bookshelf and my internet trips without guilt.
For parents with young children, perhaps you can combine your exercise time with your children’s activities and this will create a wonderful role model for them of the importance for physical exercise in their lives.
Find what delights you to make you want to physically move regularly and just do it (to quote a famous advertisement). Stay ahead of the present-day saber tooth tiger.
Remember all of this and much, much more is provided in my Women’s Empowerment and Leadership Program. The next program is on 5th and 6th April.
