Hello everyone!
Hope you’re all enjoying this cold, wet, and rainy Fall thus far! I know I am. Although I thoroughly enjoy cozying up to the fire with a cup of hot apple cider this time of year, I’m also finding it difficult to get into a good exercise groove; some patients have expressed similar physical shortcomings since the beginning of the school year for several reasons. School, sports, and other extracurriculars are back in full force. The weather is just not cooperating. Laundry is piling up. I’m right there with you.
Setting small, attainable goals can be a great way of making valuable changes in your day to day life. If we’re talking exercise and maintaining an achievable level of physical activity during these busy months, we must start with creating a schedule that allows you to do this. In order to achieve the recommended 150 minutes of weekly moderate to vigorous exercise, you don’t need to put all of your eggs in one basket. That is, a 2.5 hour walk once per week might meet your quota but there are so many easy ways to spread this time out. Your 150 might mean a 30-minute walk on your lunch break from Monday to Friday. For others, it could be walking around the arena or doing stairs while waiting for the kids at hockey practice. Once in a good groove, you’ll start to appreciate the time that you are benefitting from on an emotional and physical level. I encourage you all to step back and think about what minor changes you can make! If you’re like me and live close to where you work, try walking to work on a regular basis. It’s a great mood-booster in the morning, especially when you get into a really good Radiolab podcast.
As always, feel free to ask me anything!