We all lead busy lives. Work, family life, socialising, work!

I repeat work, because for many people this is their main focus and even when they are not physically at work they are still there mentally.

At the pub, after leaving the office, what is the main topic of conversation? Work perhaps? When you get home, do you completely switch off or are you thinking of that project, meeting, deadline?

As a freelancer the boundaries between work and free time can be even more blurred but even if you are passionate about what you do you still need to unwind.

Finding an activity you enjoy and can immerse yourself in is a great way to do this, however if you can partake in a physical activity then it’s a double bonus. Firstly you are keeping yourself fit and hopefully getting rid of unwanted tensions in the body but secondly your body will release endorphins or ‘happy hormones’. Have you ever heard of runners high? Fortunately, I’m sure a few people will be relieved to hear that it is not only running that can produce these feelings! Any form of exercise can potentially increase your sense of well-being and decrease your stress levels

So put another way, exercise ensures the chemicals we produce when we are stressed are processed efficiently through the fight or flight response and not left to build up and fester in the body potentially leading to long term damage and disease.

So the message is clear. If you can exercise you really should make time for some and reap the benefits. Done regularly and at a reasonable intensity you will feel energised and mentally more alert. Sounds great doesn’t it? So get going!

In my next article I will give you some handy tips to help you fit some exercise into your busy schedules and help you decide what form of exercise might be right for you.

image by Abdullah AL-Naser