What’s on the list of top 10 ways to reduce stress? Exercise.
One of the top 10 ways of relieving anxiety? Exercise.
Maintain good health? Exercise.
Relieve depression? Build self-esteem? Improve self-image and confidence? Reduce tension? Improve mental sharpness and alertness? Increase immunity to certain diseases and health risks? Lose weight? Improve the quality of sleep?
Exercise. Exercise. Exercise.
With a list of that many benefits, you might ask:
What stops so many of us women from exercising?
“No time” is the number one reason most women offer when asked why they don’t exercise. And it’s true; women’s lives are busier than ever before. However, when something is important, when you are committed, when you really want something, you can find the time for it.
Look beneath the easy and ready excuse and you may find more complex reasons why you don’t start or can’t seem to stay with a regular exercise routine.
Impatience: you want to get in great shape Right Now! Never mind that it took 10 or 20 years to get in the shape you’re in.
Unrealistic Expectations: Looking for the “perfect body” is a guaranteed set up for failure.
Intimidation: The idea of failure or looking foolish or being a beginner may intimidate you into never starting an exercise program.
Bad experiences or painful memories: Experiences such as humiliation or old feelings of inadequacy, or embarrassment like “tried before and did not stick to it” can cause resistance to the idea of exercise.
Physical exercise is essential to good physical and emotional health and a sense of wellbeing. Consider these Make It Happen tips to help you overcome the challenge of “not enough time”:
- Start slowly.
- Get a buddy.
- Find an activity you like.
- Go for progress not perfection.
- Realize that it is a journey. Don’t give up. If you miss a day, begin again the next day.
- Be patient. All good things take time.
- Congratulate yourself on what you have done and keep going.
- Ask for help and support when you need it.
Being active improves body, mind, and spirit. It is key to increasing the quality of your life and how you look and feel.
Take one step today towards living an active lifestyle.
I would love to hear about what steps you’re taking towards living an active lifestyle. Please post below.
Thanks for commenting, liking or sharing this post.
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Lisa Hutchison
3 Aug 2016Thanks for the reminder Josee! Exercise helps me mind, body and spirit. I am off now to go do some.
Barb Parcells
3 Aug 2016Even a baby step is better than no step at all! A five minute walk is still five minutes towards a healthier life!
Peggy
3 Aug 2016I have no issues with being active. Started my morning with 5 mile power walk :-) I also train Muay Thai Kickboxing, practice and teach yoga. :-)
Claudia LeBaron Islas
4 Aug 2016I have resonated with most of the excuses Josee. For years I’ve found excuses after excuses only to realize not long ago that I don’t have to do something I don’t want to do. So I began looking for other ways to be active without the unappealing (to me) walking and exercising… and found that I want to do dancing. So, I’m going to begin there. Thank you for helping me see it more clear :)
Vironika Tugaleva
4 Aug 2016I couldn’t agree with you more. Without exercise, I fall apart emotionally, physically, and mentally. I need it. And seeing how far I can stretch my abilities is an incredible way to build my relationship with myself. We’ve been through some awesome things together–my body and I! Thank you for encouraging this important practice.