Top 10 Exercises for a Healthy Mind and Body

External vigor stems from inner health. If your mind and your body are not in their best shape, the damaging effects cascade into your social interactions, shift your mood, and cause problems that can hinder you from achieving peak performance at whatever you do.

Getting your psyche and physique in tune is the secret to being a productive individual, not only at work but in all areas of your life. So if you want to invest in success, prioritizing your wellness is a good place to start.

Here are top exercises and fitness routines that will help you reap the benefits of physical and mental health.

Meditation

Science has plenty to say about the magnificent benefits of meditation. If you’re new to this exercise, start by sitting in a comfortable position with your eyes closed, and keep your awareness to your breathing. Do this for 15 minutes a day. You will notice its benefits after only a week.

Resistance Training

Resistance and strength training is an excellent way to tone your muscles, burn fat, and increase your strength. These exercises result in a stronger body and increased energy levels. Not to mention, it really gets you into shape, which, in turn, improves your overall self-esteem. Here’s how to get started.

Cycling

Cycling is a great exercise to train your stamina and duration. Physically, it tones your buttocks, calves, and thighs. Outdoor cycling, especially, is a great way to test your power while reveling in the scenery and enjoying the ride solo or with good company. It suits all ages and fitness levels.

Reading

People who read live longer, according to a Yale study. It’s also a powerful tool for improving empathy and creativity. But that’s not all. Reading sharpens the senses, promotes brain connectivity, which is inherently physical, and staves off dementia. Cultivate the habit of reading, and reap from this handful of benefits.

Tai Chi

The martial art form of tai chi helps improve your body’s flexibility and circulation through slow movements and deep breathing. It’s practiced both as defense training and for its health benefits. Founded on the philosophy of yin and yang, tai chi’s characterized graceful movements are focused and known to calm the mind.

Running

Nothing sets you up for a great day like a good run does. Running triggers the release of endorphins, or the body’s happy hormones, which explains why you feel really good after your morning run. This exercise is great for lower body toning, testing your heart strength, and burning excess body fat.

Tennis

If you’re feeling competitive and you want to purge out stress from the dense workweek, tennis is a great whole-body workout that can get you pumped up in no time. It’s perfect for improving your thigh muscles and is largely cathartic when you need an effective outlet for your frustrations.

Yoga

Many consider yoga to be the ultimate mind-body exercise. Using breathing practices and proper posture to produce slow and controlled movements, it confers mental, physical, and spiritual benefits. Yoga can be done solo or in groups and is now broadly categorized into schools based on philosophical and cultural backgrounds of origin.

Swimming

A great exercise for the heart, swimming is also excellent for relieving stress and reinvigorating yourself after a long day. Swimming tones all your body muscles and burns excess body fat, so if you want to keep fit while relaxing at the same time, swimming is a great choice of exercise.

Gardening

Gardening is a beneficial activity that cultivates not only a lush backyard but also vigorous health. Aside from its calming effect, gardening also helps lighten your mood, decreases your risk of developing dementia, and helps you combat loneliness. Just a few hours of work a day, and you’ll get these surprising benefits.

Final Thoughts

A healthy body and a clear mind are the best tools you can use to improve every aspect of your life. When you’re feeling at your best, you are empowered by improved focus, high stamina, and a positive outlook that can be mighty powerful when dealing with the tricky aspects of social life.

Another great option is always a relaxing vacation that you can hire a travel photographer to capture wonderful memories.  So treat yourself well, and everything else will follow.