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When we think of an exercise program we think of losing a bit of weight, toning up muscles and keeping our heart strong. We usually don't link our mental and emotional fitness with our physical strength and fitness but they are closely linked. You can't have one without the other. When we exercise our body our muscles are not the only thing given a boost, the cogs in our brain that keep the wheels turning get an oiling as well. The constant unrelenting 'busyness' and stress of our modern day frantic lives means we can be plagued with negative thoughts and emotions that can overwhelm us so we feel drained and fatigued. These feelings can limit us and hold us back from reaching our full potential in life. If we complain about these thoughts and feelings we generally get fobbed off with a bottle of pills of some sort. But exercise can do way more than any pill can to relieve stress and calm us from the inside out before these bad feelings can build up and cause a real problem. Good mental and emotional health means a state of well-being where a person can realize their own full potential in life. We should be able to cope easily with the normal stresses and pressures of life. We should also be able to work productively and fruitfully in our chosen career and be able to make some sort of contribution to our community. Yet statics tell us the mental illness accounts for over 20 percent of the burden of disease which is more than the health and economic burden caused by all cancers. Mental health issues are predicted to soon be the second highest cause (behind heart disease) of death and disability globally. As more research is done the close link between mental and physical health and fitness becomes clearer. Vigorous physical activity and movement is the human body's method of staying healthy and it appears crucial to mental and emotional health as well. When the muscular system is challenged with the 'work' that it is designed to do 'growth and repair' hormones are stimulated that renew, repair, rebuild and replace old worn out cells and tissues. Without this stimulation chemicals whisper to the cells to decay, degenerate and die. Do not expect 'cardio' or recreational type activity like walking, jogging or cycling to stimulate these hormones. Muscles need to be worked through their ranges of movement under a load to get maximum physical and mental benefits. Long slow activities are simply too low an intensity to boost the metabolism and good hormones. Keep these 'fun' activities for after the proper exercise program is done. Our exercise program must contain strength training exercise that coaxes the muscles into releasing these special hormones that regulate emotions and thoughts and make us feel good. They can help us get back in touch with our inner self and have a calming and centering effect dissipating stress and anxiety. You could liken your exercise session to a house cleaning session. Junk thoughts and moods are chased away. Pills can never fix things but you will find exercise does. It is like medicine washing over you cleansing your spirit, rejuvenating you physically, mentally and emotionally. Everyone has easy access to it and the only requirement is that you do it...often...and with a bit of effort. Learn to rely on it to make you the most happy and fulfilled person you can be.
Do you want to discover the secret to rejuvenating your body and improving the quality of your life? Download my free ebook "Ive Found the Fountain of Youth- Let Me Show You Too!" here: Reverse Aging For Free Fitness Report here Fitness Weight Loss Carolyn Hansen is a certified fitness expert and fitness center owner who coaches clients to look and feel younger.
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