Exercise Should Feel Good: A Therapist’s Perspective
As a therapist, I often recommend exercise as a tool to maintain mental wellbeing. Exercise can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, improve sleep, and boost your mood. But there's an important caveat to this: exercise should feel good.
Exercise shouldn't be a chore or a punishment. It should be an activity that you look forward to, something that makes you feel accomplished and energized. It's not about pushing yourself to the brink of exhaustion or pain; rather, it's about moving your body in ways that feel good to you.
This might mean going for a walk in nature, doing a yoga flow, stretching or dancing to your favorite music. It could mean lifting weights, riding a bike, or swimming. There's no "right" way to exercise; the only right way is the one that makes you feel good.
Remember, the goal of exercise is not to achieve a certain look or reach a specific number on the scale. It's about taking care of your body and mind, and feeling good while doing it. Listen to your body and respect its limits. Find activities you enjoy and make them a regular part of your routine. Your body, and your mind, will thank you.