My Top 10 Food for Thought During MCO (4/10)

4. Get physically fit to build a healthier version of me

One of the blessings I reap from MCO period is bringing my exercise routine to the next level. I start falling in love with physical workout. Before this, physical workout is just a to-do list in my daily lives. I force myself to workout for keeping a healthy body. Never did I realize that such mundane daily duty has gradually built up my stamina. Those hours of workout habit has made me stronger and fitter for more challenging workout than before.

During MCO, my workout session has increased from 30 minutes to 45 minutes and gradually 60 minutes. Rather than obligation, I now approach my physical workout with more enjoyment and anticipation. It is during the one-hour workout session that I can relieve my anxiety of COVID-19 pandemic and its impact. There are dozen of benefits one can reap from regular exercise. One of the distinct benefits is it makes you feel happier. Exercise increase the production of endorphins, a chemical giving you euphoric feeling. Scientifically, endorphins can help to create positive feelings and reduce the pain perception. Many evidence-based researches shown the significant association between exercise and decreased feeling of depression. It is a scientific fact that our moods can benefit greatly from exercise. If you google on the exercise benefits, you will know that I am just exploring on the exercise-mood area only. There are many more health benefits from exercise. Throughout the years, we have been hearing the medical advice from doctors that exercise is good for health. But how many of us really embrace this truth and put it into practice? My own experience tells that exercise has greatly improved my general well-being physically, mentally and emotionally. I have enjoyed the goodness of regular exercise. It is my hope that I can build a healthier version of me to face whatever post-MCO challenges.