Are you Making Excuses?
I think there are many things that there are no excuses for, discrimination and grave social injustices being at the top of the list. In a lesser category, I also think there is no excuse for is bad manners, bad behaviour, not returning messages, treating others as inferior, being rude and disrespectful and being a bully. The list is endless but I'm sure you get my point. What I really want to talk with you about today is that I don't think there is an excuse for not looking after your health.
Same Story, Different Day
I constantly hear people telling me they would like to get fit, be healthier, get to the gym, go for a walk or simply do some form of physical activity in a day. The excuse I hear most often is that they just don't have the time or the energy at the end of their day. I'm sorry to say but I just don't buy this excuse. Exercise can be done at any time of the day, morning, noon or night.
The miracle of exercise
Once you get to your exercise destination and even if you are dog tired, you will leave with far more energy then when you arrived. You will be happier, healthier and one more day fitter than if you went home, sat on the couch, had a few snacks and just went to bed. Expending energy begets new energy. I know this because I make exercise part of my daily routine and yes, some days I feel tired and could easily put my exercise off to tomorrow but I don’t, I do it today.
Before you get indignant and say 'harumph' she really doesn’t know what my life is like or easy for her to say, I am going to share my opinion with you. I truly believe that exercise is a no-brainer, and a must-do for anyone who wants to get more done and increase their self-confidence and self-esteem.
The Facts About Exercise
Multiple studies have shown the positive effect that exercise and activity has on productivity. An exercise routine increases your daily energy in the short term and can increase the number of brain cells you have over the long term, giving you a major advantage at work and at home.
Exercise does not have to be extreme for you to get these benefits.
Another great benefit of exercise is the immediate effect it has on our mood. Getting active causes our brain to release chemicals that reduce the discomfort of physical exertion and give you what is often referred to as a ‘runner’s high’. When you have more energy, and are in a better mood, life is better for you and everyone around you.
The Importance of Routine
When you make tasks part of a routine, you create positive habits. Habits then happen naturally, with little effort, which frees up your brain power and energy for other important parts of your day. By creating routines around exercise and other common tasks, you’ll find yourself better able to focus on the productive tasks needed to grow your self confidence, self esteem, business or career.
How to Motivate Yourself
One of the difficulties - and joys - that comes with getting your exercise routine in place is that there is no boss standing over you making you do things. The upside is that you can do what you want. Things like saying NO to that slice of cake and saying YES to exercise. As a result, you have to learn how to motivate yourself. I get motivated by encouraging others that I meet who are on a similar path of health and fitness.
How Other People Work Exercise into Their Daily Lives
When it really comes down to it, there is no set standard routine or regimen that works for everyone. What works for one person might not work for you. The key is to try different schedules or programs until you land on something that you enjoy and can keep up with on a consistent basis.
Mental Wellness
Exercise is one of the best ways to manage stress because it boosts your brain’s “feel-good” neurotransmitters called endorphins. Also, by solely focusing on your body’s motions for a period of time, you focus less on the day’s stresses, at least for a while. Another big plus is that you will sleep better.
Confidence and Creativity
A fit person makes a fit leader who will have more confidence and ability to solve problems more creatively. It is proven that our cognitive ability to be creative increases with even moderate levels of exercise. Whenever I have an important meeting, a speaking engagement or an important presentation, I make sure to exercise the day prior to the event.
Setting the Example
You can’t expect to foster a culture of health and fitness unless you, as the leader, parent, partner or friend, practice and set the example. If you need help or encouragement to start exercising, call Jennifer Grant International, I will swing by and pick you up and I promise I will get you fired up.