Everyone knows that getting plenty of exercise is good for you physically, but did you know that it’s also good for you socially?
Getting plenty of exercise is good for just about every facet of your life. It makes you more healthy, helps you sleep and gives you more energy. However, many people don’t realize that there are social benefits of exercise too. Here are several of the benefits you will receive when you make exercise a regular part of your life.
1 Are as Important as the Physical
You now have 500 tv stations at your fingertips and it’s easy to sit down and spend a whole day on the internet. This is great for entertainment purposes, but it hasn’t done much for our social interaction.
We are becoming more and more isolated and reliant on “talking” to people through electronic devices. You may have 500 friends on your Facebook account, but it isn’t the same as being able to actually talk to people fact to face.
It has become more important for people to find ways to actually interact with real, live people and exercise is one of the best ways to make this happen.
When you were a kid, exercise was called “playing”. You didn’t go out and play with the other kids on the street because you wanted the exercise, you just wanted to have fun with your friends. This is an important lesson that we should get back to as adults.
It has been proven in numerous studies that people who have a solid network of friends are happier, healthier and live longer than others. As technology continues to take over our lives, it’s more important than ever to find ways to get personal interaction with your friends. Exercise is a way to do this.
2It Makes You Feel Like Socializing
One of the things that happen if you don’t get out much is that you become content staying home and playing on your computer or watching tv. The more you do this, the more content you become. You really just don’t feel like socializing.
One of the social benefits of exercise is that it makes you want to get out again. You will start looking forward to your weekly exercise plans because it’s going to be a chance for you to see people who have become your friends.
3Alleviates Loneliness
Another great social benefit of exercise is that it combats loneliness. It can be very difficult to break this cycle on your own. Using exercise to help you with this is an easy way to feel like you’re not alone in the world.
4The True Social Benefit of Exercise
The truth is that exercise just makes you feel better. When you feel better, you are in a better mood, it gives you something to look forward to and it gives more desire to interact with others. Since you’re in a better mood because you’re exercising, you will get more enjoyment when you are in the company of others. They will have more fun with you too!
5Where and How to Exercise
Now that you know all about the social benefits of exercise, it’s time to get started. Here are a few great ideas to help you begin your new exercise program.
You will get in better shape and improve your health, and you will also reap the social benefits of exercise.
- Groups or clubs at the local gym
- Walking/hiking groups
- Team sports
- Ballroom dancing
- Find a buddy to exercise with you
- Exercise for charity
- Senior center
- Community center
6Summary of the Social Benefits of Exercise
It seems like there is no end to the reasons that you should find ways to get more exercise. In addition to becoming healthier, you will feel less isolated, develop stronger friendships, reduce loneliness and generally be much happier!
What Do You Think?
Have you experienced any of these social benefits of exercise?
Do you have any others that didn’t show up on our list?
Share with your friends
If you have friends who need to have more social interaction, forward this to them, and then make plans to go for a walk!
