Have you ever started an exercise program only to burn out and quit? I think it’s happened to most everybody at some point. I’ve discovered the key to overcoming this problem. Practice creative exercise.
What is creative exercise? It’s less about any specific kind of exercise and more about variety. Studies about happiness have shown that physical activity boosts your happiness level. More importantly, the studies show that changing up how and where you exercise increases happiness even more. When you’re happy, you’re more likely to keep exercising.
Start A Creative Exercise (Not) Routine
Knowing that a variety of exercise both inspires you to exercise more and increases happiness is key. If you tend to only practice one form of exercise, you’re more likely to quit. You have to change things up and practice creative exercise.
In any given week, I do a variety of physical activity:
Still, this variety can get old. That’s why you need to throw in more options. Your happiness level increases when you do new forms of exercise. Here’s some creative exercise ideas:
Try canoeing, snowshoeing, or playing tennis. Swim, climb a tree, or shoot some hoops. How about a bow and arrow, rollerskating, or playing on a kids playground? This variety helps keep you in shape and helps keep you happy.
Less Routine Can Be A Good Thing
I’ve written about the pros and cons of routine. It appears that less routine might be good for you when it comes to exercise. It keeps you motivated. Your happiness level increases. What more could you want?
If you’ve slacked on your exercise because of burnout, I challenge you to try a new form of exercise. Start a creative exercise (not) routine. Do something different each day. Do something you’ve never tried several times a year. You’ll discover that the variety will make you happier and healthier.
Check out some of my other posts about exercise:
For more tips on simple living, I have a gift for you. Don’t feel obliged to accept, but I think it will help you on your journey. It’s a free ebook:
