Not all of us enjoy exercising. Yes that’s right…truth bomb! If we did, we’d all be doing it without question, but how much exercise should one do to stay fit and healthy. That is something only you as an individual can answer. Research says as little as 20 minutes a day can make a whole lot of difference to your quality of life. I’m not talking weight loss here, I’m simply talking about our fitness and health, and also stress levels and emotional wellbeing.
How happy are you with your body currently: shape, weight and fitness, and be totally honest with yourself. This will determine your motivation when it comes to a healthy lifestyle. If you are not happy with your body it can tip the balance one of two ways, either leading to bad habits and poor diet choices and little to no exercise, resulting in weight gain, low stamina levels and poor health (I’ve been there, so I know), or in some extreme cases too much exercise and not enough food or too strict a diet, which can also result in poor health, fatigue and sometimes injuries (again, I’m talking from experience). Or you can choose to do it another, healthier way. Consult with a doctor, and/or nutritionist, maybe in some cases a lifestyle coach, make small changes, or large, it really depends on you and what your goals are, and take back control of your life and your body, your way.
I know for me, personally, I can do better than I am currently, but yet I still keep yo-yo-ing in and out of the exercise mindset. I know exercise is good for me. I know I feel better when I exercise. I know it helps alleviate some of the fibromyalgia symptoms. It also helps around my period time with things such as flow, cramps, my mood and energy levels. It basically gives me what I need to feel healthy and emotionally balanced. So why is it so hard for me to commit and stick to a daily exercise regime? It took me a while to figure it out but it’s really very simple…Time! I associate exercise with taking up time that I could be doing something else I want to. Something more fun…right?!. Even though when I am regularly exercising I really enjoy that time because it gives me focus and clarity and brings me back to the present moment and back to me. It really does depend on what type of exercise you choose as well. Exercise doesn’t have to mean a gruelling regime, it can be as simple as taking a walk everyday, doing yoga, or alternating weights and cardio. For me I need to change it up. I like to throw some cardio in the mix every once in a while, otherwise it doesn’t feel like I’ve really done any exercise. Unless I’m good and sweaty, what’s the point. Now, not everyone is going to feel that way, so again I say, exercise is down to individual preference.
With that said, exercise and movement is a basic need and survival tool for us as humans. It keeps us active, fit and healthy and it promotes a healthy relationship with our bodies. We all have the responsibility to ourselves to make sure we live our best life. It’s our choice, or not to commit and show up every single day. So with that knowledge, I now know it’s ‘time’ for me to quit the yo-yo mindset and get back to basics.
20 minutes of exercise every day is the recommended minimum. If I can’t find that in my day, then maybe it’s time to make some serious life changes. I have that choice and by deciding to make those changes, I’m sure my body will thank me. Wish me luck.
Much love and light to you 💜
Louise Elizabeth ✨✨✨
