You don’t need a massive change in your life to be healthy. Sometimes, it’s the smallest change that makes the biggest difference. Making one small change can be less overwhelming and may lead to a cascade of benefits in the future. For your health, there are a few small changes you can make such as good nutrition, proper sleep, and exercise but when you examine these broader terms it’s hard to know where to start. 

Let’s talk about my favorite pillar of health: exercise. Movement and exercise can boost your mood, and improve flexibility and strength. All those things are great for your health! Now, most of you think exercise involves sweating or lifting heavy things and maybe you follow me on Instagram @drsharap. Do my posts give you a sinking feeling, I could never do that, I don’t enjoy that, etc. I’m going to warn you here, stop comparing yourself to other people, and don’t look to anyone to motivate you. Movement can be deadlifts and barbell squats, but I do that because I actually enjoy it! Movement can also be barre, yoga, and Pilates @mindthemat. Here’s the biggest secret: movement doesn’t have to happen in a gym, or a group class it can be something you enjoy or something you have just a few minutes to do.  

Let’s dissect it and make it something easy you start tomorrow and every day after. Experts recommend 2.5 hours of activity each week so let’s make that more doable. 

What if you were to take two 10-minute walks a day with the dog? 

Maybe you take two 5-minute stretching breaks at your desk and a 10-minute post-lunch walk outside? 

Activity doesn’t have to be walking or stretching it can also be gardening, a dance party, or walking up and down King Street! When you break down an overwhelming concept of exercise, make it more digestible, and just start moving, nothing can stop you on your road to wellness.