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Exercise for Better Physical and Mental Health
Quote for the month: Walking is man’s best medicine. Hippocrates 
By Laura Sandberg, MSW
This is the perfect time of year to improve your exercise habits and activity level. No more snow (hopefully), warmer temperatures, and longer days. We could all use a little more sunlight and the vitamin D absorption that goes with it. Spring and summer may find you generally in better spirits, and this is another reminder of the ways in which exercise can enhance your mood, health, relationships, and overall well-being. Full disclaimer: I am no athlete. I am not very coordinated nor am I in particularly good shape. I could stand to lose a few pounds and have had my share of body-image concerns. What I am certain of is that exercise always puts me in a better mood. I feel fortunate that I was encouraged to try different sports (thanks to a small high school) and learned through discipline and structure to incorporate physical activity into my regular routine. My exercise of choice is walking (with the occasional jog added in if I am feeling particularly stressed or energetic). I enjoy long walks in the country with or without my ipod. I enjoy these regular walks so much that I persevere through rain, snow, cold and hot temperatures. I try to avoid freezing rain! I carve out time in my busy schedule and make it a priority most days of the week. Not because I am losing weight. Not because I don’t have many other things to do. But because every time I go for a walk, I feel better. My mind is clearer, breathing is better, thoughts are happier and mood definitely improved. My family will attest to this truth (especially my husband). I have very often been able to return home from a walk and tackle whatever crisis is at hand with a greater degree of sanity. My husband and I have also found that walking together can be particularly fruitful in resolving marital disputes. I would much rather work out an issue outside walking at a good clip rather than sit at home and yell at each other. I have been pleasantly surprised when we have returned home from an hour-long walk and seem to have come up with a plan for work, money, kids, whatever. According to Dr. Daniel Amen, studies link exercise or some regular form of physical activity to improved mental health. Exercise:
Establishing an exercise routine may need cultivation. This is where organized sports, clubs, and gyms can come in handy. The support of a close friend or relative can be helpful in supporting each other’s efforts to exercise regularly. Here are some suggestions to get your kids moving:
Lastly, I believe any type of exercise promotes a healthy body image. We all know that it helps keep our bodies healthy and weight in check. If you feel your body moving and responding to exercise, you are more likely to feel better about yourself and improve self-care. This needs to be cultivated for our selves and kids alike. It needs to be rewarded and encouraged. If you value your relationship with exercise, you’re likely to value yourself. Try not to set goals that are too high for yourself and make regular movement (as opposed to weight loss) your goal. If you persist, you’re likely to reap many benefits, including weight loss. There are many ways to be more active and exercise. If you happen to choose walking, I’ll be sure to say hello as we pass each other by!
Recommended ResourcesChange Your Brain Change Your Life: The Breakthrough Program for Conquering Anxiety, Depression, Obsessiveness, Anger, and Impulsiveness, By Daniel G. Amen, MD
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