Exercise for Self-Care

As you know, self-care is not only wonderful for your mental health, but your physical 
health as well. Many people have found that as part of their daily self-care routine, they 
add some type of movement. Here are some things to understand about exercise and 
your self-care routine.


How Exercise is Good for Your Self-Care

For some people, their daily workout is something they dread, but try to power through. 
This is often because you have the wrong motivation for exercise. But if you have the 
right mentality, it can also be an excellent form of self-care.

Why is exercise good for self-care? Because it is something you are choosing to do for 
your body, but also for your mind. It is an intentional choice that is optional, but so good 
for your overall health and wellness. 


Gentle Exercises to Start With

Start slow with very gentle exercises that are going to be enjoyable for you and simple 
start moving your body. This might be a morning stretching routine, yoga, or just going 
for a quick walk. If it’s hot out and you have a swimming pool, that’s an excellent way to 
get more exercise but in a more enjoyable way.

Where you are right now with your fitness journey will determine what a gentle exercise 
is for you. It should be something that makes you feel good both during the exercise, 
and it’s over, where you feel better after than before. 

For some people, this might mean some yoga in the morning. But for other people, 
lifting weights, doing tai chi, or going for a run at the park is most enjoyable and gentle 
on their body.


Gradually Adding to Your Exercise Routine

It is okay to start small, with just 15-20 minutes a day of exercise, but if you want to add 
more to it, do so gradually. This helps it stay as part of your self-care routine, and 
doesn’t turn into something you no longer enjoy.

This is especially important if you are new to working out. You don’t want to get burnt 
out by doing too much, too fast. It then is no longer a form of self-care, but just another 
responsibility you are requiring yourself to do every day. 


Some Tips for Keeping it Fun and Healthy

In order to make sure your exercise is being used for self-care, here are some tips to 
keep it fun but also healthy:

Exercise with friends or loved ones. There is no reason why self-care has to be a 
solo activity! If you prefer to exercise with other people, go for a bike ride with friends or 
have a living room dance party with your kids.

Skip your scheduled workout and try something new. Even if you’re used to doing 
the same workout routine every morning, it can be a good idea to mix it up a little. 
Throw in a surprise workout just to try something new.

Get outside to enjoy nature. Try exercising outdoors on occasion, like going for a hike 
or a walk at the park, strolling around the lake to feed the ducks, or just going for a run 
in your neighborhood.
