We all know that exercise provides fantastic physical benefits—lower risk of heart disease, lower blood pressure and so much more—but it provides some pretty spectacular mental health benefits, too. This is especially important if you’re going through a divorce, because when you exercise, your brain releases chemicals that are associated with relaxation and improved moods.
If you have time, squeeze in some exercise before work, before heading out on a weekend adventure or before your next meeting with your San Bernardino divorce lawyer. You might be surprised at how clearly you can think after a good workout. Regular exercise even helps improve long-term cognitive function; that can come in handy when you’re trying to settle on a child custody agreement or handle other aspects of your divorce.
Exercise During Divorce: Who Has the Time?
It’s hard to find time for exercise during divorce. Between meetings with your family lawyer, running a household and kids, where are you supposed to squeeze out the time in your schedule?
The good news is that exercise—even 15 short minutes of it—can net you some of those fabulous mental health benefits. Just know that you should talk to your doctor before you start any exercise program and that 15 minutes a day won’t yield immediately visible results. However, you will enjoy the increased serotonin and endorphin levels that come with exercise.
You don’t even need to sign up at your local gym; in fact, you can start small with a brisk walk around the neighborhood, a handful of pushups and sit-ups, or jogging up and down your front steps can get your blood flowing and help you feel better.
Your 15-Minute Workout Plan
Before you exercise, make sure you stretch. Don’t skimp on the stretching, because it’s as essential to a good workout as the exercise itself.
Many people to choose to alternate one minute of constant exercise with one minute of rest. If you’re a beginner, you can even start with 30 seconds of each.
Simple, in-the-house exercises include:
- Traditional pushups
- Sit-ups, crunches and bicycle kicks
- Jumping Jacks
If you’re up for some fresh air, do lunges along the sidewalk or take a light jog up the street. Running, swimming and jumping rope are also great cardiovascular exercises – just make sure your doctor gives you the green light before you start.