There’s no doubt that exercising can be tough. And it’s not only moving your body that’s the challenging part— it’s finding the time and energy in the middle of busy schedules to fit exercise in when we’re tired or not feeling like it.
Luckily, discovering ways to incorporate exercise into our lives (whatever that looks like) isn’t as difficult as you might think. All it takes is the chance to experiment with exercise when it works for us and to be easy on ourselves in the middle of self-doubt.
We all need healthy movement, which helps us feel better and more refreshed. See what tips you can apply in your life with these strategies to exercise at a pace that’s suitable for you.
Reframe What Exercise Looks Like
When you think of exercise, imagine going to a fitness class and sweating profusely for an hour or more. If the thought of doing that sounds like a nightmare, then it’s okay to reevaluate your approach to exercise.
One strategy is to fit short bursts of movement
into your day. During your lunch break, you can walk with a coworker or sit down to stretch your legs. Any activity is good. If you’re moving, then you can count it as exercise. Even movement that is fun (e.g., walking your dog or playing outside with your kids) is definitely exercise if it keeps you active.
It can also be hard to exercise if your goal is to lose weight after every time you practice moving your body. Although losing weight isn’t a bad goal to set, it can sometimes feel disappointing to work out with the expectation that we’ll lose a couple of pounds immediately when it takes a few weeks or more.
For some, exercising may be better seen as a journey towards feeling better and ultimately happier rather than a one-set destination. If this is how you want to envision exercise, think about what you want to get out of it and what practices make you feel stronger afterward.
Find an Exercise That You Like to Do
Exercising is diverse and can encompass all types of movement. There isn’t a “right” way to exercise from low to vigorous activity.
Experiment with other exercises, see which one you like the most, and stick to it to find enjoyment. You can try Pilates to stretch your muscles or aerobic exercises that get your heart pumping, like swimming, running, jogging, or cycling.
Some people try cross-training, which involves doing different activities on different days. For example, one day, you might do some light walking outside, but on another day, you might try biking or another high-intensity activity.
For nurses who stay on their feet during shifts and feel pain in their legs and calves, lighter exercise can help alleviate tension. Lifting manageable weights or stretching out the lower legs can reduce or even diminish soreness accumulated in that area.
Start with Minimal Movement, Then Build On
Another strategy is to start with small movements and then add on over time. Beginning too fast can wear you down and may cause long-term burnout.
One tip is to increase your activity level by no more than 10% each week. Slowly begin with deliberate, short activities that are doable, and take breaks when you start to feel overwhelmed. Over time, you’ll begin to find out how much movement you can take and how much is too much.
Exercise can feel like trial and error at the beginning, where our bodies feel sore, and there’s no progress to see. Having patience for those moments can allow us to develop self-compassion and treat our bodies with care. After all, exercise is meant to be restorative and can make us stronger and sharper for a longer, healthier life.
The post Gentle, Easy Ways to Incorporate Exercise into Your Life first appeared on Daily Nurse.