Regular physical activity has a huge potential to enhance our wellbeing and mental health. However, it can be difficult to know how to get started. Holly Sutton from Vetfit shares 5 ways to get yourself moving this new year, no matter your ability.
Fitness is for everyone, regardless of your level of athleticism, so don’t let the idea that you need to be a super athlete in order to really succeed in becoming mentally and physically fit hold you back. It doesn’t matter if you can’t do a press up, or can’t run 10K; exercising is about treating your body right in order to benefit your mental and physical health. Here are a few tips we recommend to help get you moving this new year.
Take a lunchtime stroll
We all know the feeling; you’ve been on your feet all morning, and at lunchtime you just want ten minutes to yourself to take the weight off. Perhaps this new year, you can try taking yourself on a lunchtime walk each day – be it in silence, with a colleague, with a podcast or some music. even a simple ten minutes out in the fresh air and getting your body moving can really reset you ready for the afternoon.
Try a new activity with a colleague
Instead of forcing yourself to do exercise that you don’t enjoy, try a few new things out that get you moving. Also, the social support with exercise is also a major benefit so take a colleague or a friend. Most places allow a free or cheap introductory session, so be brave – you never know what you may discover and there are so many great hobbies out there. Keeping active should be something you enjoy!
Schedule in time to be active
It can be difficult to find time to exercise when you have a busy lifestyle. Schedule in time so that you can work around it and prepare. Your active time is also time to switch off and recharge which is so important. Also, scheduling time allows it to become a habit which makes it much easier to stick to.
Set an achievable goal
In the veterinary profession we are very high achievers and tend to set the bar extremely high. Setting goals is a great way to stay active in the long term as it gives you something to work towards – just make sure your goals are realistic. You may start with something small, such as ‘I will do 10 bodyweight squats per day before I go to work’, and then if you find you achieve that goal and are comfortable – step it up.
Be kind to yourself
Most importantly, listen to your body and be kind to yourself. Even if you follow all of these tips and more, you never know what life throws at you and some days exercise just might not be a priority. A routine and goals are great to have, but don’t put too much pressure on yourself to stick to them all the time. If you have an off day, dial it down and listen to your body. A new day is always around the corner. Take each day as it comes.
To learn more about vetfit, visit the website or get in touch via social media.
Instagram – @vetfitinsta
Facebook – @vetfit
Website – www.getvetfit.co.uk
