64. How the Habit of Exercise Boosts our Happiness

The Habit Thrive Podcast ~ Self Care Habits, Mindfulness & Wellness Routines for Women 50 & Beyond

On the Habit Thrive Podcast this month, we are talking about Planning Happiness😁, and today on Episode #63, I want to tell you about a major “aha”☝️ moment I had this past week while on a trip to Utah.

Our group went on a water hike🥾 in Zion National Park (A first for me and a check mark✅ off my bucket list!), and at the moment we rounded the bend on the last leg of our hike out, I found myself caught up in quite a magical moment.

The sun was shining on my face🌞, I was taking in the beautiful natural scenery🌲, I felt a rush of exhilaration for having accomplished this hike🙌, and I realized:

There is a direct link between exercise and happiness.🤝

And it doesn’t even have to be a “workout” in traditional terms.

You don’t need to go on a 6-hour hike through a canyon or lift weights at the gym💪 or run a half marathon. (Although you totally should if that’s what brings you happiness!)😉

But, rather, you can find happiness in simple physical activity.

Think back to a time when any type of exercise brought you joy and happiness.

• Maybe it was dancing with your friends in your living room when you were a kid.💃
• Maybe it was swimming every day in the summer in your teens.🏊🏻‍♀️
• Maybe it was taking walks around the neighborhood every evening, pushing your kids in a stroller.👶🏻
• Maybe it was going kayaking with friends on vacation last summer.🚣🏻‍♀️

There’s absolutely no reason that you can’t reincorporate these activities into your planning for happiness.

And you can start by setting a goal between now and the end of the year to start coming back to that thing that brought you joy.

• Have dance parties with your family - or alone!
• Join a local community pool or YMCA.
• Have a walk every evening after dinner with your dog, your spouse, your friends or neighbors.
• Find a kayak rental area near you and plan another weekend.

And once you have brought back that exercise or physical activity, notice how it makes you feel. Embrace that happy and joyous feeling, and CELEBRATE!🥳

Lorrie xoxox

Mentioned in this Episode:
10 Habits of Highly Happy People

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Website: lorriemickelson.com

Habits, Mindfulness Routines & Self Care For Women 50 & Beyond