Ten ways to enjoy your journey towards better fitness NOW

It seems like all-too-often we think of our journey towards better fitness as long, arduous and painful.  It's a process of using tremendous willpower and courage to force yourself to do things that you wouldn't naturally choose to do.

There is some truth to that, but sometimes we suffer from a perception problem.  We tend to see the bad but not the good, even when good is everywhere around us.  

We need to remember that fitness isn't a destination, it's a journey.  And the journey itself can and should be enjoyable.  Don't tell yourself "When I'm at my target weight I will be happy."  You can be happy now on your way towards better fitness.

Here are ten ways to enjoy your journey towards better fitness now:

1. Improved mood.  According to the Mayo Clinic, exercise decreases symptoms of depression and anxiety by releasing feel-good brain chemicals, reducing immune system chemicals and increasing your body temperature.  Need an emotional lift?  
   
2. More self-confidence. Meeting exercise and eating goals or challenges, even small ones, can boost your self-confidence. Getting in shape can also make you feel better about your appearance.  
   
3. Improved social life.  Exercise may give you the chance to meet or socialize with others. Just exchanging a friendly smile or greeting as you walk around your neighborhood can help your mood.  Being thinner might also give you that boost of self-confidence you need to date that special someone, or improve your married life.
   
4. Fewer diseases.  I was on two blood pressure medications and one for high cholesterol.  After eating right and exercising regularly for a couple of months I was able to go off of all of my medications.  Also, my symptoms of sleep apnea went away.  No matter what your current weight, being active boosts high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or "good," cholesterol and decreases unhealthy triglycerides. This one-two punch keeps your blood flowing smoothly, which decreases your risk of cardiovascular diseases. In fact, regular physical activity can help you prevent or manage a wide range of health problems and concerns, including stroke, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, depression, certain types of cancer, arthritis and falls.
   
5. More energy.  Winded by grocery shopping or household chores? Regular physical activity can improve your muscle strength and boost your endurance. Exercise and physical activity deliver oxygen and nutrients to your tissues and help your cardiovascular system work more efficiently. And when your heart and lungs work more efficiently, you have more energy to go about your daily chores.
   
6. Better sleep.  Struggling to fall asleep? Or to stay asleep? Regular physical activity can help you fall asleep faster and deepen your sleep. Just don't exercise too close to bedtime, or you may be too energized to fall asleep.
   
7. More fun.  Exercise and physical activity can be a fun way to spend some time. It gives you a chance to unwind, enjoy the outdoors or simply engage in activities that make you happy. Physical activity can also help you connect with family or friends in a fun social setting. So, take a dance class, hit the hiking trails or join a soccer team. Find a physical activity you enjoy, and just do it. If you get bored, try something new.
   
8. Stay younger.  Why pay for expensive and painful Botox procedures when you can improve your skin through your diet? Fruits and vegetables high in antioxidants can help protect your skin. The antioxidants in fresh berries and salmon’s omega-3 fatty acids both help improve the health of your skin’s cells and slow premature aging.  
   
9. Save money.  Many of the benefits of healthy eating contribute to potential savings. If you stay healthy, you’ll have fewer medical bills to pay and by cutting back on food, you’ll eat less and have fewer groceries to purchase. Save your body and your wallet and eat your greens today.  When I was diagnosed with sleep apnea, a medical equipment supplier wanted to rent me an expensive machine to help control the symptoms.  But through better health and losing weight, I was able to cure it altogether.  That's a lot less money I'm paying and a lot better outcome!
10. Better performance at work.  Healthy foods boost your brain power, and this means increased productivity at the office. Leafy greens contain antioxidants to protect brain cells from the damage causing cognitive decline. Omega-3 fatty acids are associated with improved concentration and mental alertness. The better your focus and attitude, the more effective you will be at work.
    

Sources :  Mayo Clinic, nerdwallet, MyFoodDiary