The Mind-Body Benefits of Fitness
In a world that seems to get more chaotic by the day, exercise is often the safest harbor—a retreat for the mind and body and soul. You’ve undoubtedly felt the euphoria after a run, the mental clarity post-Pilates, or the glorious buzz from strength-training afterburn. Physical activity is the best form of self-care you could gift yourself. Period. “Regular exercise creates an overall sense of health and well-being,” says Farah Hameed, M.D., assistant professor of rehabilitation and regenerative medicine at Columbia University Irving Medical Center in New York. “When part of a routine, it can lead to a much longer-lasting feeling of wellness than other more temporary forms of relaxation and self-care.” It does wonders for the brain, too. But with everyday demands on your time, your regularly scheduled flow can be…