The ancient Greeks believed in the harmony of mind and body, often expressed by the phrase “mens sana in corpore sano”—a healthy mind in a healthy body.
This concept underpinned the original Olympic Games, which began in 776 BC in Olympia, Greece, as part of a religious festival honoring Zeus. The tradition of the Olympics continued for centuries and was revived in modern times in 1896, emphasizing physical excellence and global unity.
Embracing this spirit, you can create your own “personal Olympics” by incorporating regular exercise into your routine. Exercise has so many benefits: it enhances physical health, boosts energy levels, improves mental clarity, aids sleep, and alleviates anxiety and mild depression.
The other day, as I made a few excuses to myself to skip my workout, I happened upon 12 practical tips from Gretchen Rubin, author of The Happiness Project:
- Always exercise on Monday: Kickstart your week with a workout to set a positive tone.
- Exercise first thing in the morning: Avoid excuses by getting it done early.
- Never skip two days in a row: Skipping one day is fine, but don’t make it a habit.
- Give yourself credit for small efforts: Even a short workout is better than none.
- Consider the context: Identify and address factors that discourage you from exercising.
- Exercise several times a week: Regularity is key to building a habit.
- Find non-sweaty exercises: Activities like yoga or walking can be effective without requiring a shower.
- Make exercise pleasant: Invest in a nice gym, new gear, or a motivating playlist.
- Think of exercise as preparation: Use it to prepare for important events or stressful days.
- Don’t let perfect be the enemy of good: Even brief exercise sessions are beneficial.
- Suit up: Get dressed for exercise to increase the likelihood you’ll follow through.
- Be honest with yourself: Acknowledge your current fitness level and make realistic plans.
A healthier, more energetic you starts with small, consistent steps. By integrating these tips into your daily life, you can achieve a balance of mental and physical wellness, honoring the ancient Olympic ideal in your personal fitness journey.
Two Links Du Jour:
How Much Physical Activity Do You Need? Infographic – American Heart Association
The Happiness Project – Gretchen Rubin
Two Minutes Du Jour 