“Did you get your steps in today?” Something you commonly hear coming from your co-workers chatting outside of your cubicle. As you mumble under your breath and maybe add in an eyeroll or two, you think to yourself, “Wow, doesn’t it sounds really miserable that exercise seems like another thing you have to add to your list of all of the million and one things you have to get done that day.” Why do we make exercise seem like a chore when it should be part of our self-care?

There are so many benefits to exercise and one being an improvement in our mental health. How does exercise benefit our mental health? Well, here is a list of just a few to name:

•        Enhanced cognitive capabilities

•        Promotes brain longevity

•        Effective stress and anxiety management

•         Improved brain health

•        Facilitates learning and memory performance

•        Better mood regulation

•        Prevention and treatment of depression

•        Decreased cortisol levels

Yes, these benefits sound amazing, but what if we don’t have the motivation to get our body moving? A lot of people view exercise as a chore. They do not find it enjoyable and feel like they have to do it. ..and nobody likes to do anything when they feel forced/obligated to do it (Am I right?) You hear people say, “I can’t wait until this workout is over” or my favorite, “If you think a minute goes by fast, you’ve never been on a treadmill.” How do we change the way we think about exercise so it is more enjoyable?

-Changing the Way you Think About Exercise

• Finding what YOU like to do- There are thousands of ways to get your body moving. Do some research and find something in your area that you have always wanted to try. *If you have any health complications please consult your doctor(s) first.

• Enhancing your day-to-day quality of life- What does that look like to you?

• Promote more social interactions - Surround yourself with positive people

• Turn a threat into a reward- Tell yourself, “I am rewarding myself and my body by exercising” or “I always feel better after I exercise.”

• Express gratitude- Tell yourself, “I am grateful my body is able to move today.”

• Turn exercise into a habit rather than a choice being made by your mood- Make it a lifestyle change

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a great way to hold yourself accountable. Below are some helpful tips and resources!

-Incorporating CBT Tools

• Track exercise, become aware of stress triggers, logging your mood, and food log

• CBT Thought Record: Click Here for Free PDF

• Mood Journal: Click Here for Free PDF