Who has time to exercise? I’m a busy mother who works in veterinary practice and also has a coaching practice. It’s not on my priority list. Which is why it should be!
I’ll admit my weight isn’t what it should be so that’s the first reason I need to prioritise exercise.
Why exercise is so important is that it has a profound impact on cognitive abilities and mental wellbeing.
Exercise releases a number of neurochemicals and influences neurotransmitters that positively impact your mental health and wellbeing.
- BNDF, Brain derived neurotrophic factor, is released with exercise. Consider it fertiliser for your brain! It affects memory and learning
- Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that impacts learning, motivation, attention and mood plus much more
- Serotonin is responsible for elevating your mood after exercise
- Endorphins reduce your stress and give you a feeling of euphoria after intense exercise
Exercise is important as the veterinary profession is stressful. Every day you are dealing with a high demand workload, possibly high demand clients, complex cases and long working hours.
Your body needs to be physically fit and your mind needs to be mentally fit to cope with the cognitive, emotional and physical challenges experienced.
I feel so much better after exercise. I have to create the time to make it happen. I don’t pound the pavement. I walk and listen to the birds, smell the fresh morning air and look at all the beauty surrounding me. That’s what I love to do. It energises and rejuvenates me. If I can’t make it in the morning, I try to ensure I get out in the afternoon. If not 30 minutes, then at least 15 minutes. I’m a fast paced person so I use the opportunity to slow down and wind down in the afternoon. In the morning, walking energises me for the day ahead.
So you don’t need fancy equipment, gym memberships or clothes. A simple walk will help.
Remember prioritising your mental health will keep you healthy and enable you to enjoy a long, fulfilling career.
In the next article, I discuss nutrition. Read it here.
Read the previous article on Your Wellbeing – Sleep.
Natasha
