Embracing an exercise around, a busy lifestyle!
Talking with my partner one evening, he said ‘People underestimate how challenging it can be to keep active as a man when we are thinking about looking after everyone else’. That conversation was one I had never had, but I’m sure it’s a view that is overlooked. That was powerful to me! That conversation led to me writing this post to support you as men look after your physical body even while the world might be on your shoulders.
Importance of being active:
While you may have heard about the numerous benefits of exercise before, such as improved mental health and overall well-being, its importance runs even deeper. Here's a closer look at why exercise and staying active matter:
Enhancing Mental Health: Research demonstrates the power of exercise in improving mental health conditions like depression and anxiety.
Supporting Brain Health: Regular physical activity can contribute to a healthier brain, enhancing cognitive abilities, judgment, and learning skills, which are vital for both work and daily life.
Cultivating a Strong Body: Being active over time helps maintain physical strength and lowers the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers, which are more prevalent in the black community.
Overall Health Benefits: Exercise and physical activity offer a range of benefits that contribute to our overall health, enabling us to function at our best.
There are a number of benefits for exercise and being active which are linked to our overall health and allowing us to function better.
Before I outline tips, a great starting point is to think about what active looks like to you. In your current stage of life, with your current financial commitments and with your current life commitments.
Questions to ask yourself:
How much time do I have to be active? (This could be every morning, 4 times a week only in the evenings etc)
What activities do I actually like? (In the UK we have the benefit of having access to a number of activities but which do you actually like. We don’t all like the gym and for you this could look like football, basketball, boxing or yoga)
What does being active mean to me? (This is a question I always ask but I’m not sure everyone thinks about. The value that you give to exercise can decide how you interact with it)
Helpful Tips:
1. Set a goal
The science supports it and goal setting is your first place to start. Life can seem unstructured and to busy if we don’t start with what we want and why. Goals are best when not focused on
2. Create a realistic plan
Based on your answers to the questions above, develop a plan that incorporates your goals and chosen activities into your daily routine. Remember that this plan can evolve alongside changes in your life, so check in and make adjustments when needed.
3.Build it into your lifestyle
Incorporating movement into your everyday life is an excellent starting point, even before joining a gym or participating in team sports. This can take various forms depending on your lifestyle, such as walking to the train station instead of taking the bus, getting off a bus stop earlier and walking, taking the stairs at work, or adding movement breaks every 45 minutes if you work from home. Starting small and gradually building up is a great strategy for making physical activity a long-term habit.
4.Be intentional
There will be times when staying at home or feeling too tired might tempt you to skip exercise. During such moments, it's crucial to be intentional. Challenge those excuses and push through, recognizing that engaging in physical activity is an act of self-care.
5.Embrace Activity as Self-Care
Self-care is often associated with female-oriented beauty companies, but it holds tremendous value for men as well. Taking care of your mind, body, and soul is a vital tool for functioning at your best—for yourself and those around you. Engaging in exercise and staying active can be a form of self-care.
This is just the beginning of integrating activity into your lifestyle, but I hope these insights help you on your journey towards prioritizing your physical well-being as a man. Remember, you have the power to care for yourself while shouldering the responsibilities of the world. By staying active, you invest in your mental and physical health, allowing you to thrive and be there for others. So, let this be the moment you commit to taking care of your mind, body, and soul. Start small, be consistent, and watch as your efforts translate into a healthier, happier you. You deserve it. Keep moving, keep growing, and keep embracing an active life that supports your overall well-being.