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What’s on the list of top 10 ways to reduce stress? Exercise.

 

One of the top 10 ways of relieving anxiety? Exercise.

 

Maintain good health? Exercise.

 

Relieve depression? Build self-esteem? Improve self-image and confidence? Reduce tension? Improve mental sharpness and alertness? Increase immunity to certain diseases and health risks? Lose weight? Improve the quality of sleep? Exercise. Exercise. Exercise.

 

With a list like this, one might ask if there is any aspect of human life that isn’t helped by regular exercise. Not according to physical and mental health experts. Anyone and everyone who is concerned with health and well-being agrees: Physical activity is a vital component for optimum physical and emotional health. Regular exercise is the key to increasing the quality of life. Being active improves body, mind, and spirit.

 

Yet, a quarter of Americans get absolutely no exercise and nearly two-thirds get less than the recommended minimum amount of physical activity of 30 minutes several times a week. Fewer than 15 percent comply with the American College of Sports Medicine’s recommendations for adult fitness.  

 

All this may be old news to those who put “Start Exercising” at the top of their New Year’s Resolutions each year, or those who say “I know I should, but…” when friends or health professionals suggest a regular exercise routine. For many, 20 minutes of aerobic exercise three times a week translates into much more time than the 60 minutes it implies.

 

If Exercise Is So Good For Us, Why Don’t We Do It?

“No time” is the reason most people offer when asked why they don’t exercise. And it’s true; most of our lives are busier than ever before. But the fact is, when something is important, when we are committed, when we really want something, we find the time for it. Look beneath the easy and ready excuse and you may find more complex reasons why people won’t start or can’t seem to stay with a regular exercise routine.

 

Impatience: People want to get in great shape Right Now! Never mind that it took 20 years to get in the shape they’re in.

 

Unrealistic Expectations: Looking for the “perfect body” is a guaranteed set up for failure.  

 

Denial: Many people are in denial that they might have health problems or suffer a debilitating disease.

 

Intimidation: The idea of failure or looking foolish or being a beginner intimidates many people into never starting an exercise program.

 

Bad experiences or painful memories: Experiences such as humiliation or sexual abuse, or old feelings of inadequacy or embarrassment can cause resistance to the idea of exercise.

 

Physical exercise is essential to good physical and emotional health and a sense of well-being. If any of these reasons lay beneath the surface of your “not enough time” excuse, consider these suggestions:

 

• Start slowly.
• Get a buddy.
• Find an activity you like.
• Go for progress not perfection.
• Realize that it may hurt before it feels good.
• Remember healthy bodies come in all shapes and sizes.
• Don’t give up.If you miss a day, begin again the next day.
• Be patient. All good things take time.
• Congratulate yourself on your hard work and follow-through.
• Ask for help if you need it.

    

Specialists in health and exercise matters also say that short bursts of exercise can be effective, too. Regular bouts of 10 to 15 minutes of aerobic “sparks,” such as dancing, an early morning walk, or a midday office stair climb, combined with a few strengthening exercises and stretching routines can have measurable physical and mental impact.

 

Though you can’t expect to lose much weight or compete in 10K races with these minimum activity levels, you can improve your physical health and feel better. Parking your car at the far end of the lot and walking to the mall, taking the stairs instead of the elevator and dancing through your housework can be the start of something good.

 

If you need help connecting with your “inner athlete” or just want to release some blocks about exercising consistently, please click here to join me for our Group Energy Clearing Call tomorrow!

I love my travels to Australia, for so MANY reasons, most of all the awesome Aussies! And another thing I love is that they eat so healthy, and I always come back with great recipe ideas.

My friend (and teacher of the SimplyHealed™ courses there), Jenny Hobby, made a delicious Raw Beet Salad for us while there, so when I got home I tried to copy hers - not sure if I got it just right, in fact I added in a few different things, but this has quickly become a favorite in our home!

It is super easy to make (wear an apron, beets can stain), and super healthy and filling!  I hope you love it like we do!

Beet Salad / Cracker Dip                                                        
Carolyn Cooper

All of these are approximate (that’s how I roll)…toss in the amounts that feel right to you:

• About 1 tsp crushed garlic (I use the kind in the jar- easy!)
• 2 raw beets – peeled, cut into chunks
• ¼ onion (optional, but good)
• 2-3 apples – cored & cut into chunks
• 1/3 head of cabbage
• 3 celery stalks
• 1 small bag mini carrots
• 1 bunch cilantro (OR mint)
• Juice from fresh lime
   
  

Put all ingredients except lime in food processor – (this makes a big bowl, so you’ll have to do it in batches). Let it chop until it’s very small, but still a bit chunky.

Mix all the batches in one large bowl, squeeze the juice of ½ lime over and mix completely.

Many ways to enjoy this:

*Eat alone as salad
*Scoop onto bed of lettuce with avocado and tomato slices
*As a dip on healthy crackers
*Rolled up in warm corn tortilla (if you eat dairy you can add a little feta cheese in here)

 

 

 

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