DAY FOUR: Exercise Your Body and Mind
Exercise is one of the best medicines we know of, and it's free. Because the mind follows where the body leads, exercise can relieve stress, reduce anxiety, improve your sex drive, decrease depression, help you sleep better and make you feel better about your body and yourself.
Your body was not designed to sit all day. It needs to move and stretch. But exercise doesn't have to be vigorous to be beneficial. Moderate-intensity activities such as gardening, washing the windows, climbing steps and house cleaning all qualify as exercise. Some people may feel the need to work up a sweat and get red in the face to feel satisfied with their workout, but it's not absolutely necessary. Again, it all comes down to what makes you feel good.
Your assignment: Choose a form of exercise that you enjoy and do it for 20 minutes today (or more!). If you are new to exercise or have special health considerations, be sure to consult your doctor first. A brisk walk around your neighborhood is an easy and safe aerobic activity. Can't get away? Bring the family along. Don't make it about goals or performance. Just note how you feel before you exercise, and after. Try to work a short routine into your schedule every day, even if it's just a 10-minute walk. You'll feel better that you did.
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