Exercise does more than just tone your abs and arms.
Regularly working out can improve your mood and self esteem, reduce stress and anxiety and more.
Take your exercise outside and you may get an even bigger mood boost.
Getty Images / Marko Geber
(Spending time in nature could be the key to happiness, according to research.)
And it’s no wonder.
Nearly two-thirds of those same people said the pandemic is having a serious impact on their day-to-day lives.
Given the severity and uncertainty of these times, it’s important to try and control what we can.
“Exerciseany structured and planned movementis something that you’re free to control.
Routine is so important, considering our normalwell, previousroutines have been uprooted.”
All movement counts and maybe the most important message is that some movement is better than no movement.
Practicing yoga regularly is positively associated with well-being (here’s6 more health benefits of yoga).
If you’ve ever had a regular yoga practice, you likely already knew the above was true.
The key here, is regular.
While yoga is fantastic, so isany other bang out of exercise you may do consistently.
The best form of exercise is the one you enjoy and that you’ll be most consistent with.
That may be walking, running, dancing, spinning, hiking or going to the gym.
Some local gyms and studios have shifted to online classes as well.
If you’re able to get outside for a quick walk around your neighborhood, amazing.
Sunshine and outdoor air is also good for the soul.
Or consider a few bodyweight exercises periodically throughout the day that we’ll call “movement snacks.”
But understand that all movement, within a structured routine, is what you’re after.
