Exercise

Exercise to remind your mind that moving can feel delightful. Find ways to have fun while you do it and integrate it into your lifestyle. If you dread it, you won’t do it, so engage with it in a way that brings you joy.

Create a goal. Keep it simple and achievable. Aim for a positive result, something you can enjoy along the way. Avoid goals that aim to overcome a negative outcome; the brain has difficulty understanding the inverse of a positive idea. For example, exercising so you can enjoy playing with your children is a better goal than exercising so you don’t hurt when you play with them.

When you exercise, feel your body as you move. Focus on developing your mind-body connection. Think about how you feel and try to articulate those sensations in words. This will help you develop your enteroception, which is your mind’s awareness of what is happening inside your body. Good enteroception will help you avoid injury, because you will know when you are pushing it beyond its limits. It will help you identify where you specifically hurt when you are in pain and assist you in communicating more effectively with your doctor and wellness professionals. All of these benefits will improve your ability to advocate for yourself, an essential tool when navigating life and the medical system.

Progress is not a linear path. Some days will be worse than others as you exercise and invest in your wellness. There will be days when you feel like you’ve made significant strides, and others when you feel like you have taken two steps back. Have patience, be mindful, and have faith that one day you will feel great.

Avoid pushing yourself too much. You can overdo it and injure yourself. People injure themselves all the time when they exercise because they aren’t listening to the needs of their bodies. Be kind to yourself by building your body up slowly.

Disclaimer

The information provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.