Today, I want to remind you of the emotional benefits of exercise!

• Exercise can be as effective as antidepressants for mild depression.
• Exercise helps alleviate anxiety.
• People who exercise regularly tend to make healthier choices in other areas of their lives.
• Exercise can lead to a longer life, but even more importantly, contributes to improved health during the final years of life.  
• Exercise stimulates the brain, which can improve memory and focus.  
• Exercise improves quality of sleep.  

And here’s more good news from Gretchen Reynold’s book, The First 20 Minutes:

Exercising for even 20 minutes a week can improve mood!

Who can’t carve out 20 minutes a week for exercise?  Of course, more exercise is recommended for optimal physical and mental benefits, but the next time the week is passing you by and you haven’t dedicated any time to exercise, remember that even if it’s just 20 minutes that week, it’s worth it!

Your Daily Shoring assignment for today:

If you need something easy, add 5 minutes a day of physical activity.  This can be stretching, jumping jacks, walking, yard work, etc.  Try to do this all week, but even if it’s just for today, that’s progress!  In fact, why don’t you do it now?!

If you’re up for more of a challenge–how do you stack up to these generally accepted exercise guidelines?

150 minutes a week of aerobic activity (can be broken down into 10 minute units)

2 sessions of weight training per week (yoga and Pilates count!)

If you’re on track, good for you!  Consider reading Gretchen Reynold’s book to better understand how to get the most out of exercise and learn which exercise advice is on target (pickle juice is good for cramps!) and which advice researchers are now reconsidering (“stretching before a workout is counterproductive–it’s best to just start easy”).

What is your exercise routine and how do you maintain it?