Twentytwo13

Enough excuses! Prioritising sports, exercise will improve quality of life, wellbeing

Running

It’s common to hear ‘I don’t have time for sports or to exercise.

I do find such an excuse extremely convenient for anyone to blurt out, in return for a landslide of detrimental and unintentional health effects – be it physically or mentally.

According to the National Health and Morbidity Survey, which is carried out every four years, 50.1 per cent of Malaysians were said to be obese in 2019, and 19.7 per cent were overweight.

Translated in layman’s terms, one in two adults were overweight. As for children, 30 per cent of those between the ages of 5 and 13 were registered as obese.

In 2021, heart disease was the second largest cause of death in Malaysia, with more than 21,000 fatalities.

Sports and physical activity offer magnanimous benefits; more than we realise.

Exercise can help improve cardiovascular health, reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases such as obesity and diabetes, and improve overall physical fitness.

These physical benefits can lead to a greater sense of wellbeing and a higher quality of life. In addition, exercise has been shown to significantly reduce stress and anxiety, and can also improve mood and overall mental wellbeing.

Participating in sports can provide a sense of accomplishment and boost self-esteem. In addition, sports can offer social benefits, helping individuals make new friends and be part of a supportive community.

Here are some tips for finding time for sports and exercise, despite the rat race of today’s world:

  1. Make it a priority: You’re more likely to find time for it if you prioritise physical activity. Consider making time for your workouts the same way you would any other important event or assignment.
  2. Incorporate activity into your daily routine: Include physical activity in your everyday routine by looking for opportunities to do so. Go for a stroll during your lunch break, use the stairs instead of the elevator, or commute to work by bike rather than by car.
  3. Find activities that you enjoy: If you enjoy the activity, you’re more likely to stick with it. Experiment with different sports and activities until you find something you really enjoy.
  4. Find a workout buddy: Working out with a buddy might help you stay motivated and accountable. Choose a family member or friend who supports your fitness objectives, and make a commitment to work out together.
  5. Be adaptable: It’s fine if you can’t set aside a significant amount of time for exercise. Even brief periods of exercise can be helpful. Try performing some quick bodyweight exercises or taking a little stroll if you only have a few minutes.

It’s simple to find excuses for not working out, especially when we’re busy. Despite the numerous advantages that participating in sports and exercise may provide, far too many people still find reasons to put off their health and wellbeing in favour of other things.

The truth is, we must not sink into a slough of despondency, as exercise is crucial for maintaining our general health and wellbeing.

By prioritising exercise and figuring out how to fit it into our hectic schedules, we may greatly improve the quality of our lives by just doing something so basic but enjoyable.

This is the personal opinion of the writer and does not necessarily represent the views of Twentytwo13.