Exercise is essential for optimum physical and mental health. Even if you don’t run a 5k every morning or have a 300lb deadlift, regular movement contributes to your well-being. You must find something that gets your heart rate up so that you can sweat. It’s nice to live the couch potato life every once in a while, but here are four signs that your body needs more exercise.
You Are Irritable
Exercising is one of the best things that we can do for our mental health and mood. Any moderate movement creates endorphins, which are natural pain killers and mood boosters. If you experience mood swings, this could be a sign that your body needs more exercise.
You Don’t Sleep Well at Night
Exercising helps you feel better during the day and improves your sleep quality at night. If you feel groggy during the day but wide awake at night, this could be due to the lack of exercise. Working out (especially during the day) helps to regulate your circadian rhythm, making you sleep more soundly at night, so you aren’t as drowsy during the daytime.
You Don’t Have Any Energy
Similar to the above sign, it’s tempting to turn to caffeine if you don’t have any energy during the day. However, what you need is to exercise. Although you expend energy to do it, it helps make you feel more revitalized in the process and afterward. Whether you choose yoga, cycling, or strength training, any exercise will help you stay more mobile as you age.
Cognition Is Off
Finally, if you feel a little mentally slow, you might also need a dose of exercise. You may have trouble remembering things, or you struggle to focus. Working out makes you more alert and helps improve your memory.
Moving our bodies is essential for our well-being. By understanding the signs that you need more of it, you can take better care of yourself.
