I have to be honest, I’m not one of those guys who go to the gym 3 times a week or jog regular around the block. I try to eat healthy although I love cookies, ice cream, chocolate cake, cherry cheese cakes and……… I’m getting hungry just writing this. However, what I’m trying to say is that exercise has not been one of my favorite things to do, but I have come to realize that it is essential to my personal development as much as it is my physical development.
Recently, I went to see a friend of mine who lives about a 5 minute drive from my home. I was about to put on a pair of jeans and a sweater when suddenly, I thought to myself, “it’s a beautiful day outside, why not jog over to his house instead of driving?” I deliberated this thought for a while and continued to do so as I traded the pair of jeans for a pair of track pants.
I was still deliberating as I stepped out the front door and my eyes connected with my vehicle in the driveway. One part of me was saying “drive, it’s much faster; besides, what if there was an emergency at home it will take you forever to make it back” while the other voice in my head was saying “you need the exercise; besides if there’s an emergency at home, your friend can give you a ride back, plus you’ll be helping the environment.” I chose to listen to the second voice.
It was later that day after jogging back home from my friend’s house I was reminded that exercising one’s life is just as important as exercising one’s body.
The benefits of physical exercising are as follows:
1. Increases your energy
2. Improves your metabolism
3. Builds muscle mass.
4. Strengthens your immune system
5. Reduces stress
6. Improves self-esteem
As you know, physical exercising requires the concentration of various muscles of the body through weight training, or doing cardiovascular routines to strengthen the heart. The “life exercising” that I’m speaking about refers to your emotional and mental health. This requires concentration on various aspects of your life such as attitude, character, confidence, self esteem, relationships etc.
In order to see results in both areas of your life requires discipline, determination and dedication. Clearly you can see the effect of physical exercise contributing to your emotional and mental health. Just as you would take the time to work on your body, be sure to exercise your life.
1 comment:
Thank you Mark for the reminder that we need to excercise our life...it is really all about learning and growing... always improving in ones life should be everyone's top priority.
Post a Comment