July 2023

Exercise as Self-Care? What You Need to Know

Self-care. You probably hear about it all the time—on TV, in magazines, and on social media.

It may bring to mind images of meditation, bubble baths, and silent retreats. But one important form of self-care is something you may already be doing: exercise.

Going for a walk? Self-care. Hitting the gym? Self-care. Pilates? Biking? Taking the stairs? You get the idea.

Here, we answer some of the questions you may have about exercise as self-care.

Why does it count as self-care?

The definition of self-care, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, is “taking the time to do things that help you live well and improve both your physical health and mental health.” Exercise fits the bill!

Specifically, exercise helps you by:

• Boosting your mood

• Reducing anxiety

• Improving your resilience

• Lowering your risk for diseases, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some common cancers

• Making everyday activities easier to do

Which exercises should you do?

When choosing an exercise plan that’s right for you, consider:

• How often are you active now? Going from sedentary to marathon-training is risky and may lead to injury.

• What’s your health history? Certain conditions, like high blood pressure or past injuries, might raise your exercise-related risk. Check in with your healthcare provider before getting started.

• What exercises and facilities are available to you? Not everyone can afford a gym. Look for activities that don’t need much equipment. And check out cheap or free resources in your community, such as park and recreation programs.

What if you can’t or don’t want to work out?

There are other forms of self-care. (Yes—including bubble baths and meditations.)

But exercise is one of the most beneficial forms of self-care for most people. And even small acts of self-care every day can add up to a big impact.