Editor’s Note: Diet and exercise are important to our overall health. Thanks to Marty Arsenault for today’s motivation.
We all have been there. You’re stressed out, perhaps by a heavy life issue or maybe it’s just something small. Either way it is occupying space in your mind that you just wish would go away. Or have someone take it away.
We know that exercise is beneficial for our body, our cardiovascular health, flexibility, balance and overall strength. Plus many other physical aspects. Often we don’t think of the mental benefits regular exercise can provide. Coping abilities, handling stress, clearing the mind, and just a feeling of well being are all benefits of even just one exercise session.
I hesitate in saying the word “workout” because for too many people that means something structured and an allotted time in the day that must be set aside. If you’re not into this kind of “structured” schedule for exercise, it can feel like a daunting task to consider adding this to your day.
However exercise does not have to be so structured. It should be an activity that you enjoy. Something that is sustainable and that you can fit into your day. It could be just a 20 minute walk around your neighbourhood, a hike through the woods or perhaps a bicycle ride.
The sky is the limit as far as what you want your exercise plan to be. So many people think that exercise has to be long structured workout sessions. They really don’t have to be nor should they be. Most fitness fanatics actually overtrain; resulting in stagnant progress and nagging injuries. That’s a different conversation than what we are addressing today. The key is finding what activity works for you and what timeframe is suitable for you.
Three times a week is good. Four to five days is better depending on the activity you choose.
No matter what the exercise, every time you engage in the activity not only is your body benefiting but your mind does too.
The food we eat also has a huge impact on our physical well being and also our mental health. We are constantly bombarded by diet ideas either by social media or perhaps just from friends. Most of these diets, although based on sound principles, often can be confusing and complicated. Enough so to discourage you from eating properly.
One simple rule I have – if you cannot pronounce some of the ingredients, then it’s not real food and most likely not healthy. Food has to have nutrients that fuel and sustain our bodies. Processed food, high sugar content and high sodium are foods to avoid for the most part. Canada’s Food Guide is an excellent place to start and maintain to ensure you are getting the best nutrition for your health and mind.
Diet and exercise go hand in hand. The more fit your body becomes, the more you will actually value and crave proper nutrition. Simple formula, I know. The hard part is adopting it. Start off a little at a time, with exercise and also with proper food choices. Make it sustainable. My guess is you will eventually start incorporating more and more of the formula for health into your lifestyle.
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