Maxim Week 22

Welcome to Maxim Monday!

22. Exercise Regularly

We all know that exercising regularly is very good for us. For some of us, though, it is a very difficult task to undergo. We are all so busy in life and on top of that we have grown accustomed to not having to put forth a whole lot of effort to accomplish daily tasks. It used to be that our grandparents or now for some even as far back as your great-grandparents, needn’t really worry about making extra time to be active or to exercise regularly. They already did…every day! Their whole lives were active and work. From cooking every meal to doing laundry. You see it in the Amish still today.

About a year ago I purchased a Fitbit to help encourage me to be more active. It wasn’t until recently that I really have taken this little tool and used to push me to add steps to my day. It is fun and encouraging to watch that step counter go up and up. When I learned that the Amish average about 15,000 steps a day I was determined to work really hard to get as close to this as I could. Besides days that I am site-seeing or on a hiking trail I have yet to even come close. When I am home, it is VERY difficult to even get 10k.

Exercising regularly for christian living seems somewhat odd at first thought but think about it. Exercising releases endorphins. “Endorphins are morphine-like chemicals produced by the body that help diminish pain while triggering positive feelings.” They help in fighting depression and anxiety. When we are free from these things we are far better able to kindle joy in others, to serve and love.

Recently I’ve been reading Michael Hyatts book Your Best Year Ever and on his website he has available a downloadable article called Shave 10 Hours Off Your Work Week, it’s a free ebook if you sign up for his newsletter. He has 4 strategies he shares for making the most of your time. I like what he says in Strategy #1, Boost your energy tip 3:

Get (and stay) physically active. Live on your feet. Stand, pace, walk, jog–anything to avoid being sedentary.

This is my goal. I love his phrase….”Live on your feet.”

Let’s go live on our feet…increase endorphins…serve and love…Kindle Joy!