Remember that feeling after a good walk or workout? Your mind feels clearer, your mood lifted, and your body more alive? The link between our minds and bodies is stronger than we might realize. Exercise nurtures that link, improving both mental and physical health.
When we exercise, our bodies release a variety of chemicals that can help improve our mood. We also experience improved sleep, clearer thinking and greater stress tolerance all by practicing more consistent physical activity.
How can we create a regular exercise routine we can stick with?
It helps to start by knowing our values. Our values are like our personal North Star, providing a sense of direction that we can move toward. Connecting physical activities with our values can change exercise from feeling like a chore into meaningful practice. For example, if you strongly value resilience, then each workout becomes an act of building mental and physical strength. If connection matters most, group fitness classes or walking with friends can nurture both your body and mind.
When we have identified our values, there are strategies to help bridge the gap between intention and action:
- Challenge unhelpful thoughts. Change "I'm too tired" into "Even ten minutes of movement will energize me.”
- Create small behavior experiments. Track whether brief daily walks improve your mood.
- Build habits. Add brief movement to existing routines, like stretching after brushing your teeth in the morning or doing squats while you wait for your coffee to brew.
The journey toward better mental and physical health doesn't require huge life changes. Small steps aligned with your values create lasting change. Learn to Live has programs and resources that can help you identify your values to create a foundation for better wellbeing. Learn more about your overall mental health and well-being needs by taking a brief assessment. Visit Learntolive.com/welcome/ndmedicaidexp and enter access code MEDEXP.
