The body was designed for activity. We can become depressed or feel disconnected if we don't use our bodies regularly.
If you observe children you'll notice they are naturally active. When set loose on the playground they run to get to the jungle-gym. You'll never see a child walk if they can run. Look at the delightful, uninhibited ways that they express themselves through movement or dance.
Let the child inside you come out to play!
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TAKE PILATES, NOT PROZAC
Exercise is just as essential to the brain as it is to the body. Exercise boosts the activity of the mood-enhancing neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin. (which we are all familiar with because of the prevalence of the "serotonin re-uptake inhibitors", such as Prozac)
And recent studies indicate that just 10 minutes of vigorous exercise can raise endorphin levels for an hour.
So don't worry if you can't carve out a full hour for a workout-- 10-15 minutes can make a huge difference in your overall state of being!
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Technology is gradually factoring the physical activity out of most work. Now more than ever it is crucial to make time for exercise.
You don't have to join a gym in order to have a regular work-out regimen. Simply find something that you like and that your body likes and do it a minimum of 4 days a week, 30 minutes at a stretch. Don't pick some random, trendy exercise that you know you'll never stick with-- just do what you like. Swim, skip rope,take a brisk walk or dance around your living room to Carlos Santana.
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If you do not exercise on a regular basis then simply make a schedule and stick to it for a minimum of six weeks. We are highly programmable and it doesn't take very long to make something a habit. Exercise with enough vigor so that you break a sweat. Sweating helps removes toxins and is a vital function so sweat it up and drink plenty of fresh water.
If you already exercise regularly then consider changing your routine a bit. The principle behind training is forced adaptation-- once your body does something repeatedly it becomes more efficient therefore, it doesn't work as hard. Change your routine, just a bit, every six to eight weeks. Try something new to keep your mind and body engaged.
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"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act, but a habit."
-Aristotle
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