Campus Commons PT - November 2021

OVERCOMING THE IMPOSSIBLE TASK Improving Your Mental Health One Step at a Time Almost everyone at some point has encountered a task that is seemingly simple, but no matter what they do, they can’t complete it. These tasks can be as straightforward as making the bed or something bigger, like cleaning an entire room. For many, this is an obstacle that they may want to do but can’t, which weighs heavily on them and becomes detrimental to their mental health. It’s important to understand that the impossible task is not a sign of laziness; depression and anxiety can make any task feel much bigger and more difficult than it actually is. If you find yourself unable to do the things you need or want to do, try these techniques to help overcome your obstacles. BREAK UP THE TASK. When the overarching task feels daunting, breaking it up into smaller segments can help you manage it. If you’re cleaning the kitchen, clean for only a few minutes at a time before taking a break. It might take longer, but the space will be clean at the end of the day.

MAKE THE TASK MORE ENJOYABLE. Play music or involve your pet in some way to make the task fun or create a reward system for yourself. For example, tidying a specific area of the house or folding a basket of laundry may earn you time to play video games or watch TV. Alternating tasks and rewards is a great way to overcome any task, big or small. It can help to consider why the task feels so impossible, especially if you used to enjoy it. Try to remember what made it enjoyable and see if you can return to that state of mind. If the objective is not so urgent, determine its importance and if the task can be saved for another day. When all else fails, you can always ask someone for support or even pay someone else to do the task for you. No matter what you decide, there are ways to defeat the impossible task.

3 BENEFITS OF MORNING EXERCISE THE EARLY BIRD GETS THE WORM

AVOID DISTRACTIONS If you exercise in the morning, you’re less likely to find distractions or impediments to exercise. After a long day of work, you may not have the mental fortitude to talk yourself into exercising. Even if you make it to the gym, you may feel bogged down with thoughts from your day that

There is no “best time” to exercise. Everybody is different, and the best exercise routine is the one you can do consistently. For many people, exercising at night is a great way to blow off steam after a long day of work while also getting your workout in. Others may prefer working out in the morning to give themselves a boost to propel them through the day.

prevent you from maximizing your workout. Increase your likelihood of getting an effective, focused workout by getting it done before you do anything else.

While there might not be a “best time” to exercise, a few added perks may come with exercising in the morning. Here are three of the best benefits.

INCREASED ENERGY Daily exercise is a great way to boost your

JUMPSTART YOUR DAY By working out in the morning, you will boost your mental focus and mood for the rest of the day. Physical activity causes our brains to release endorphins, the “feel-good”

energy while reducing fatigue. When we work out, nutrients and chemicals find their way to our heart and lungs, greatly increasing our energy output. Stamina, endurance, and heart health all get a major boost from working out in the morning, and you’re more likely to stay energized throughout the day.

www.campuscommonsphysicaltherapy.com 2 chemical. This will help start your day with a positive outlook and keep anxious or negative thoughts at bay. A study published in 2019 by the British Journal of Sports Medicine also found that morning exercise improves attention, visual learning, and decision-making. If you have trouble getting your day off to the right start, try working out when you wake up.

Even with these added benefits, remember that what works for some will not work for all. To get the most out of your exercise, find a time that works best for you and stick to it.

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