Exercise, Exercise, Exercise!

Exercise is good for you, but that's not the only reason to do it.

Here are a few fun facts about exercise:

• Exercise can make you smarter. Researchers in Norway found that people who exercise regularly are more likely to do well in cognitive tests, even when controlling for age and other factors.

• You'll sleep better if you exercise. Exercise is a great way to relieve stress, which can help you sleep better. It helps regulate your circadian rhythm, which makes it easier for you to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night.

• Being active can increase your energy level and help you feel happier throughout the day.

• Exercise lowers your blood pressure and reduces your risk of heart disease.

• Exercise helps you maintain a healthy weight, which can prevent or manage other health problems like diabetes and arthritis.

• Exercising before bedtime can help prevent diabetes and heart disease. The American Diabetes Association recommends that people who have prediabetes or type 2 diabetes should do aerobic exercise for at least 150 minutes per week—and if possible, get up off their feet after meals by taking a walk or doing some other form of moderate activity like gardening or housework. In addition, studies show that getting at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise each day can reduce your risk of developing coronary artery disease by 50%.

• Exercise can reduce depression symptoms by improving your self-esteem and increasing your motivation, making it easier for you to get out of bed in the morning.

• Exercise can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and stress by releasing endorphins that make you feel good while also lowering cortisol levels in your body.

I have no time to exercise!

A common reason I provide to myself to skip the day. Excuses after excuses and eventually I stopped exercising for an entire year!

I realized my mood turned foul easily. I indulge in ‘happy food’, such as chocolates and ice-cream because my mood was bad. I was easily breathless climbing up a flight of stairs. Nonetheless said, the clothes felt tighter, though I binge buying a lot larger sizes clothes.

A rude awakening came when I saw a friend who collapsed and diagnosed with a stroke at a mere 32 years old!

I relooked at my health, my diet, my schedule, my daily routines and most importantly… my fridge. A need for a total revamp.

Do I still have days I tell myself “I have no time to exercise?”, Yes of course!

There’s always a cheat day. But don’t binge yourself on the cheat day..or days.

Do some light exercise. It could be yoga, or simply stretching. Make it at least 15 minutes. Yoga and meditation are excellent ways to improve your overall health and well-being. After a day of yoga, it's important to take some time for yourself.

Pamper yourself with a nice bath can help you relax and unwind after a stressful day. You will realize your mood improving, a reduction of anxiety levels and an increased feeling of happiness and self-esteem. The aromatherapy properties in the salts will leave you feeling relaxed as well as clean!