Make Fitness Your Self-Care

The subject of self-care is essential, but many see it as self-indulgence. Taking care of yourself is never selfish. It's one of the most important things you can do for the people you love. If you don't take care of yourself, someone may end up giving up their own time taking care of you. That's selfish if you could have avoided it. Physical fitness is one of many factors in self-care.

Exercising is good for your mental health.

When things go wrong, loss occurs, or sadness overwhelms you, turning to comfort foods or staying in bed all day may be the first thing that enters your mind. People who practice self-care understand that doing these things won't help your body or spirit. Eating healthy and working out can be a healthy coping mechanism that helps your body withstand stress and improves your mental attitude. Exercising burns off stress hormones, triggers the release of hormones that make you feel good and increases circulation. That increase sends nutrient and oxygen-laden blood throughout the body and the brain to clear mental fog.

Create a strong body to help prevent accidents and disease.

Despite new medical interventions, chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer continue. Many factors can lead to chronic diseases, including lack of physical activity. Staying active and getting fit can lower the risk of chronic diseases, improve sleep, reduce the risk of dementia, and help keep bones strong. Studies show that regularly doing weight-bearing exercises provides more benefits to prevent and even reverse osteoporosis than some medications.

Losing weight is good for your health and self-esteem.

If you're overweight, you're more prone to diseases like diabetes, heart disease, some types of arthritis, and cancer. Excess weight can cause you to tire more quickly since it takes more effort to move. Exercise triggers the release of Interleukin 6---IL-6---A protein that helps fight inflammation. Chronic inflammation leads to conditions like Alzheimer's, dementia, increased abdominal fat, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Exercise can make you look better by toning muscles and aiding in weight loss. That can make you feel good.

• When you exercise, it can help clear your brain and helps you to focus on the moment. It can act as a form of meditation to increase the relaxation and good feelings it brings.

• Various studies show that regular exercise can help reduce anxiety and depression as effectively as many medications. Therapists frequently use it as an adjunct treatment for depression and anxiety.

• Getting fit helps improve your sleep. Your sleep will be sounder and of higher quality. It can also increase your desire to eat healthier. You'll be more in tune with your body and aware of how much better you feel eating a nutritious diet.

• Being fit allows you to participate in fun, but more demanding, activities. It gives you the energy to play with your children or grandchildren, spend time being active with family and friends, and get more enjoyment out of life.

For more information, contact us today at Sweet Strength!