Your body loves to play tricks on you. It pretends to be low on energy, making exercise seem like an impossible task. But once you push through and start exercising, you feel amazing, like you’ve just had a boost of energy. However, the cycle repeats itself the next day.
Similarly, your body may deceive you into thinking it’s happy when it’s actually in need of rest. Your muscles might be a little sore, but the positive memory of the previous day’s workout motivates you to exercise again. It’s like a game your body plays with you, and if you want to stay healthy and active as you age, it’s important to play along.
Exercise is not always straightforward
Our bodies often send mixed messages when it comes to exercise. Instead of emphasizing how beneficial exercise is and how great you’ll feel afterwards, your body may try to convince you to remain idle. It’s your job to see through these tricks and get moving. However, it’s important to approach exercise strategically, so that it doesn’t feel like a chore. A recent study published in the European Heart Journal found that exercising during leisure time is better for your heart than exercising at work. In fact, sweating while working can have negative effects on your heart. So, thinking that you’re getting enough exercise because of your job is not a wise move. Your mindset plays a significant role in how your muscles respond to exercise.
The psychology of exercise
Exercise should be enjoyable. When you perceive it as manual labor, where you have to work to earn your livelihood, it takes away the fun. On the other hand, going for a long walk in a peaceful natural setting allows your brain to relax and destress. Conversely, lifting heavy objects under work-related stress can cause a significant increase in blood pressure that can last for hours. This elevated blood pressure is strongly linked to heart disease, which is the leading cause of death for both men and women. However, if you perform the same amount of exercise at a higher intensity, such as interval training with weights, your blood pressure actually decreases. Why? Because you find it enjoyable and fun. Your body responds to your perception of exercise. It can deceive you, but you can’t deceive it.
Action plan
So, even if you get plenty of physical activity at work, it’s still beneficial to dedicate some time each day to engage in recovery exercise. Relying on the belief that you’ve earned your exercise by simply sitting on the couch and opening a soda can is not wise. Instead, have a nutritious high-protein snack with a cup of coffee, go outside, and give your body and mind a workout. By associating exercise with a pleasurable reward, you can develop a lasting habit that will keep you healthy from the inside out.