6 Ways to Incorporate Exercise Into Your Self-Care Routine

Incorporating Exercise Into Your Self-Care Routine

If you’re looking to improve your life, health, and self-care rituals, you can’t ignore the importance of physical activity.

Exercise is crucial for your overall health and weight management, and even if you’ve never thought of yourself as athletic, you can find a workout you actually enjoy!

If you’re ready to kick off your self-care journey, The Pocket Diary has got you covered.

Here are 6 ways to keep physical activity with your daily self-care routine.

1. Understand the Benefits

Once you know why exercise is essential to your well-being, it’ll be easier to find the motivation to work out. Edward-Elmhurst Health states that exercising regularly can lower your blood pressure and cholesterol, reduce your risk of chronic diseases, and improve your cardiovascular health. Furthermore, according to Healthline, exercise can improve your mood while relieving stress.

2. Think Outside the Box

What if you don’t like running, lifting weights, or taking pilates classes? Get creative and find new ways to work out! For instance, you could try rock climbing, aerial yoga, roller skating, surfing, adult ballet classes, or even jumping rope! All of these activities will get your blood pumping. No matter what you choose, make sure to stay hydrated during your workout.

3. Live in a Walkable Area

Sometimes, the best way to incorporate more physical activity into your life is by living in an area where you can easily walk or bike to get around. If you live in a car-dependent neighborhood, you won’t be able to get steps in while running errands or visiting friends, but if you do live in a walkable community, try to get out and about on foot as often as possible.

This blog post also goes over different forms of low-intensity cardio you can incorporate into your routine (and how this form of exercises helps you maintain a stable weight!).

4. Stick to a Routine

To enjoy the benefits of exercise, you need to stay dedicated to a consistent workout routine. Block off anywhere from twenty minutes to an hour for exercise approximately three to four times per week to start getting into the rhythm of a routine. You might want to write this on a calendar or include it on your to-do list, just as you would include a work commitment or a doctor’s appointment. That will remind you that exercise is a non-negotiable aspect of self-care!

Prioritizing exercise can be tough. But the effort is worth it! With these tips, you’ll be ready to talk to your doctor about boosting your physical activity and find ways to move every day, whether it’s strolling through your neighborhood or walking your dog.

5. Stay Active With Your Dog

When it comes to exercise, dog owners often find it easier to stay active, because your furry friend needs daily walks, rain or shine! If you already have a dog, you’re also lucky enough to have an automatic workout partner.

Keep in mind that dogs also need to work up to more intense exercise gradually, so you don’t want to push your four-legged companion too hard. Consider your dog’s breed as you create your workout routines, and if you have a mutt, you can look into their genetic makeup to estimate their exercise limits.

6. Talk to Your Doctor

Maybe it’s been a long time since you exercised regularly, or perhaps you’ve never had a consistent exercise routine. You’re not sure how to start your fitness journey, and you don’t want to over-exert yourself or sustain any injuries.

If you have questions about exercise, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor before starting any kind of regimen. Should you decide to schedule a wellness exam, the cost will likely be covered by your insurance. If you’re currently self-employed and without insurance, check the Freelancer Union and ACA for available policies.

Want to emphasize self-care in your daily life? Turn to The Pocket Diary! Browse our blog today for tips on adopting healthy routines and pampering yourself.