5 Easy Ways to Get Moving Today!
It’s February 2020. Happy American Heart Association Month!
If you are anything like me, my ambitious New Year’s Resolutions have become items on my to do list that at first I was so committed to and. . . then, life got in the way.
It’s cold out so I don’t want to bundle up and get out in the snow. There may be ice underneath. The water aerobics class I wanted to take seems to be offered at times that aren’t convenient for my schedule. Exercise class feels so boring and - though I know I feel better afterwards - it’s too hard to get myself there
I’m sure I’m not the only one who thinks like this.
Here’s the rub. Being healthy requires action and that doesn’t happen by magic. Healthy habits are important for so many reasons including lifting our mood as well as improving our heart health. In short, there is no good reason not to keep ourselves healthy with exercise. Yet so often exercise falls by the wayside because life is busy and it can be hard to put ourselves first.
Here are some simple ways to help you create healthy habits:
Two-for-One Anyone? Isn’t it great when we can knock off two goals at the same time? How about a few laps around the mall before you go shopping? You can do that anytime and it doesn’t have to be a big ding dang do. Or, how about shoveling the snow? It’s a two-for-one because you’ll have an important job taken care of while taking care of yourself.
Little Spurts Throughout the Day You can set a timer for 15 minutes a couple times a day and take a walk, do some weights, or stretch. YouTube can be an incredible resource for exercise options. While you’re relaxing, you could scroll through YouTube and set up some videos to try to add variety to your workouts.
Better Together Do you have friends you haven’t seen in a while? Do you want to meet new people? How about inviting someone to join you for a walk, swim, etc.? Sometimes that accountability can really help us get more enjoyment out of whatever we are doing while taking care of our well-being.
Take a Deep Breath Feeling undecided? Not sure what to do? Try taking a few nice deep breaths. Check-in with your body. How about a nice stretch while you’re at it. Even one little stretch can lead to more activity. By moving one muscle, you will change your thoughts. Try it and see.
Reward Yourself Believe it or not, rewarding yourself works to reinforce good habits. Make yourself a nice cup of herbal tea afterward, eat a juicy orange, buy a great set of gloves - almost anything works to acknowledge your progress.
As always, check with your doctor before beginning any activity to make sure it’s right for you. Take one small step towards being more active and the next steps will be easier. By giving yourself the gift of health, you are setting a great example for your loved ones who want you to take good care of yourself. Make a date with yourself to have some fun.
