Exercise is enormously beneficial to your physical and mental health, but it can be challenging to get into a consistent exercise routine. Use these suggestions to bring extra meaning and fulfillment to exercise.
Run, Bike, or Swim for Charity
There are many ways to make contributing to a worthy cause, such as a childhood leukemia charity, part of your exercise routine. Go online, read newspapers and magazines, or ask friends about races that involve supporting a charity. Some of these races may involve asking people you know to contribute a certain amount per mile you complete, while others may involve a set donation.
Exercise With Friends
Maintaining social connections and friendships is as important to your health as eating well and exercising. In fact, studies have shown that adults with a strong social network may even live longer than those without as many close friends. By exercising regularly with friends, you can improve your physical and mental health in multiple ways at the same time. Consider setting up a weekly gym date with a friend you’d like to see more often, or go for a walk or jog with a friend on a nice day.
Create Value Statements
Everyone knows that exercise is good for them, but for most people, that basic knowledge is not enough to get them off the couch. Rather than simply telling yourself that you need to exercise to stay healthy, think about a deeper meaning. Why is maintaining a healthy body and mind important to you? Maybe it is because you want to be present for your children or partner as long as possible, or because you want to have the ability to play with your grandchildren. If you have a physically or mentally demanding job, exercise could be your way of making sure you can continue in your chosen profession.
Exercise can be a way for you to contribute to charity, strengthen your social bonds, and fulfill personal goals. Framing exercise in these ways is an excellent way for you to increase the chances of sticking to a routine.
