Dear Younger Me: Get Moving and Find Your Sport!

Hey there, younger me! I’m writing to you from the future, a place where laughter lines are etched a little deeper and knees might creak a bit more, but overall, I feel great. And a big part of that is thanks to a habit I wish I’d embraced much earlier: daily exercise.

Now, you might be thinking, “Exercise? Ugh, not really my thing.” Back then, the idea of hitting the gym or going for a run held little appeal. But here’s the secret: exercise doesn’t have to be a chore!

Find Your Sporty Spark

The turning point for me was discovering squash. My Dad played when I was a child although he was pretty poor at the sport and I think he only played for the Friday night social! I started squash aged 22 when I started at Leeds University. I ended up being highly addicted to the sport – it was the start of a lifelong obsession with getting better at the sport. Squash gave me a reason to move, a way to challenge myself, and most importantly, it was fun!

Here’s the thing: there’s a sport out there for everyone. From the social energy of team sports to the meditative flow of yoga, there’s a way to get your body moving that feels good, not forced. Maybe it’s the camaraderie of a local volleyball league, the thrill of a rock climbing challenge, or the serene rhythm of swimming laps. Don’t be afraid to experiment!

The Daily Dose of Awesome

Once you find that activity that sparks joy, make it a regular part of your routine. Even small amounts of daily movement can make a huge difference. Here’s why:

• Energy Booster: Exercise wakes you up, improves focus, and fights off that afternoon slump.
• Body Benefits: It keeps your heart healthy, strengthens muscles and bones, and helps you maintain a healthy weight.
• Mood Magic: Exercise is a natural mood lifter, reducing stress and anxiety and making you happier overall.

The Takeaway

So, younger me, listen up: get moving! Find a sport or activity you enjoy and make it a part of your daily life. Trust me, your future self will thank you for the energy, health, and happiness it brings. Remember, it’s not about pushing yourself to exhaustion, it’s about finding the fun in movement. Now get out there and find your sporty spark!

For further reading on the benefits of exercise and physical activity click this link.