19: Movement.

There are many scientific studies demonstrating the multiple benefits of exercise on our health. But these are not why I recommend regular exercise to my patients. Humans are designed to move, and if we don’t, our bodies and minds don’t run as well as if we do. If you can find some time in your day to get your heart rate up a bit you will feel happier, enjoy your food more, be more in touch with your spirituality, have less aches and pains, feel more alert and energetic, be more productive, and sleep better. In short, your life will be better. Looking more attractive, not getting diabetes and living a bit longer are merely favourable side effects. They are not the goal. The exercise is its own reward. You don’t need a scientific study to convince you, all you need to do is take a walk on the beach, in the woods, or down by the river, and observe how you feel. www.cambridgeprogressivemedicine.com