Author: Nora Battelle / Source: Big Think
There’s no shortage of science suggesting that exercise is good for your mental as well as your physical health — and yet for many of us, incorporating exercise into our daily routines remains a struggle. A new study, published in the journal Neuropsychologia, asks why.
Shouldn’t it be easier to take on a habit that is so good for us?The study’s answer points towards what’s holding us back: According to the researchers, picking physically active behaviors over sedentary ones actually requires more brain power than picking active behaviors over sedentary ones. Whether it’s evolutionary or cultural, our brains seem to be wired to have an easier time lying on the couch than running on the treadmill — or even out in the park.
This means that it’s crucial to have structures in place that help you keep active, even when your brain is already tired out and would love some couch-lounging. Your brain will reap the benefits if you force it to: you’ll find that moving around even just a little bit will leave you less stressed, in a better mood — and even more energetic.
Here are a few microsteps to get yourself working out:
Pick a regular (sedentary) part of your existing routine and switch it out for an active choice
A great bet for incorporating change into your routine is attaching it to an already familiar habit. You may currently be in the habit of taking the elevator up to your office, using…
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