Motivating Yourself To Exercise More Regularly

Ever think of exercise as a way to treat yourself?

Just like a warm bubble bath or a cosy night in, exercise can be a super way to show yourself some love. After all, exercise isn't just about staying fit; it's about feeling good inside and out.

When we think of exercise as a chore, it can be hard to stick with it. But when we see it as self-care, it becomes something we look forward to. Self-care is all about taking time to do things that help us live well and improve our mental and physical health. Exercise fits right into this!

Below, we cover the perks of shifting your perspective on exercise. Keep reading to discover how treating exercise as self-care can enhance your overall well-being.

Why Does Exercise Feel (at times) Like a Chore?

Exercise is without doubt good for you. It helps you live longer and keeps various diseases at bay. But let's be honest, that knowledge alone isn’t always enough to motivate us. The Heart Association recommends 150 minutes of exercise a week – that’s just 20 minutes a day. Sounds simple, however many of us still struggle to get moving.

Often, we see exercise as something we have to do for future benefits, like staying healthy and managing weight. These rewards are great but can feel distant. So, how can we make exercise feel rewarding right now?

Reframe Exercise as Self-Care

What if we changed how we think about exercise? Instead of seeing it as a chore, let’s view it as self-care – something good for ourselves because we deserve it. Exercise can make you feel better right away, both physically and mentally. A study in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that exercise helps with depression, anxiety, and stress.

Treating exercise like self-care changes how we think about it. Instead of being another task on our to-do list, it becomes something we do for ourselves with love and care. This shift in mindset has several benefits:

• Reduces Stress - Seeing exercise as self-care helps reduce stress. It becomes a time to unwind and recharge, rather than a duty. This can lead to lower stress levels and a more relaxed state of mind.

• Increases Enjoyment - When we do activities we love, we enjoy them more. Treating exercise as self-care encourages us to pick activities that make us happy, making the experience more pleasurable.
• Improves Consistency - If we see exercise as a treat rather than a chore, we are more likely to stick with it. This consistency leads to better physical and mental health over time.
• Builds a Positive Relationship with Exercise - By viewing exercise as a form of self-love, we build a healthier and more positive relationship with it. This can make us look forward to our workout sessions and integrate them into our lives more seamlessly.
• Enhances Overall Well-Being - Treating exercise like self-care means we are taking proactive steps to care for our whole selves —mind, body, and spirit. This holistic approach can enhance overall well-being and a greater sense of happiness.

Tips for Treating Exercise Like Self-Care

Ready to make exercise fun and exciting? Here are six tips to help you stay motivated and treat exercise like the ultimate self-care activity.

1. Choose Exercise That You Enjoy - Find activities that make you smile! Whether it's dancing, hiking, or yoga, pick something you enjoy. When you love what you're doing, it feels more like play and less like work.
2. Set Reasonable Goals - Start with easy goals. Maybe it’s a 10-minute run in the morning. Small wins add up and make you feel awesome. When exercise is fun, it doesn’t feel like a chore!
3. Create a Routine - Make exercise a regular part of your day, like brushing your teeth. When it’s part of your routine, it becomes a habit you won’t want to miss.
4. Buddy Up - Exercise with a friend or join a class. Having a buddy makes it more fun and keeps you motivated. Plus, it's always nice to have someone to cheer you on!
5. Listen to Your Body - Pay attention to how you feel. If you’re tired, take it easy. If you’re full of energy, go for it! Respecting your body’s signals is a big part of self-care.
6. Reward Yourself - Treat yourself when you reach a goal. Maybe it’s a nice bath, a new book, or a favourite snack. Rewards make the journey enjoyable and give you something to look forward to.

Give it a Try

Exercise is genuinely a form of self-care that impacts our attitudes, moods, and anxieties. ?By choosing activities you love, setting small, achievable goals, making it a routine, partnering up with a friend, listening to your body’s needs, and rewarding yourself for your efforts, you can transform exercise into a joyful and rewarding part of your daily life.

It’s an opportunity to heighten your mood and improve yourself!

Ref: https://info.totalwellnesshealth.com/blog/how-to-treat-exercise-like-self-care?utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9p0eYtfT6Ec253ry4HppTnk8xFZndI-9ENPwbAkBd1DcFdg4q6hV7nRnROv9Iq2FAoPUnWxg0RNpTTzM00DXbTaTGCyA&_hsmi