As a doctor, I’ve witnessed the incredible impact that movement can have on someone’s health.
But let me be honest—when my patients hear the word “exercise,” many of them picture long, intensive gym sessions early in the morning or after a long day of work. With such a cumbersome thought, I totally understand the dejected “sighs” when I mention “exercise.”
I’m here to share some good news: staying active doesn’t have to mean signing up for extreme workouts or devoting hours to the treadmill. Small bursts of activity, like a quick walk around the block, a quick yoga session in your living room, or some light stretching while you watch TV, can work wonders for your body and mind.
Here’s another point I must emphasize: making movement a consistent part of your day makes the most impact. Over time, these small, simple habits can lead to big changes—better energy, improved mood, sharper focus, and more.
Movement is so much more than just burning calories. It’s a form of self-care that nourishes your entire body. How so? It keeps your heart healthy, it supports digestion, it strengthens your immune system, and even it helps you sleep more soundly.
Allow me to shift the perspective for you. Let’s think of movement as an act of kindness to ourselves—rather than just another thing on the to-do list. When you keep this notion in mind, it becomes a lot easier to stick with a regular practice of exercise.
You really don’t need to overhaul your life or commit to a complicated fitness routine. Just start where you are. Take a walk. Dance to your favorite song. Stretch out that stiff back. Each step, no matter how small, brings you closer to feeling your best.
~ Dr. Valerie Pershad