The seasonal tunes that dominated our airways are gone, along with visiting relatives. There are no signs of pine trees, and there are no more traffic jams because people are rushing to the mall, trying to find the perfect gift. No, that’s all over. What’s left…or rather, what has emerged? The crisp, new smell of a new year…2016.

It’s a year that holds great potential, as well as challenges; the mystery is, you don’t know when either will come. There’s only one variable that you have the most control over…and that’s you…and making sure that you are healthy and in the best shape of your life. This way, you are ready to handle the stress that comes along with the unpredictability of a new year and daily life!

One of the best ways to deal with stress is…Drum roll, please? You guessed it! Exercise is one of the best ways to handle stress, and the benefits are endless. This one activity has the potential to make you healthier, feel better, and improve your mental performance so you can perform your best in 2016 and kick stress to the curb.

How does exercise make you healthier?

According to the American Heart Association, physical activity improves quality of life. “People who are physically active and at a healthy weight live about 7 years longer than those who are not active and are obese.” This certainly includes the fact that working out regularly (30 minutes at least five days a week) helps you avoid and manage high blood pressure, diabetes, harmful cholesterol levels, and other health risks. How about the fact that you can decrease your risk of a stroke by 20 percent by simply being moderately active? I’d say that it’s worth it. And I think your family and friends would agree with me.

Exercise makes you feel better.

As insurance brokers, your job keeps you on the go, whether standing on your feet all day at enrollment meetings or being on the road meeting with your clients. Working long hours, navigating multiple deadlines, and dealing with challenging situations can take a toll physically and mentally. But you may not know that being physically active can impact how you feel.

We have a variety of feelings that are impacted by hormones produced by our bodies. Endorphins, for example, are known as feel-good drugs. During rigorous exercise, the brain increases the level of this feel-good neurotransmitter, resulting in a feeling similar to a runner’s high. Additionally, working out drives down cortisol levels (otherwise called the stress hormone), which, if hosted for a prolonged period, has a host of negative effects on your sleep, blood pressure, immune system, weight, and more.  

Exercise strengthens your brain

…and, therefore, your daily mental performance. Stay sharp during client meetings and open enrollment by flexing your brain power! A study found that participants who were given a memory test following vigorous physical activity were more likely to recall more than those who had remained rested. After examining blood samples obtained throughout the experiment, they found higher levels of a brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) protein. BDNF is known for its ability to increase the health of nerve cells; moreover, scientists believe that it explains why mental functioning, including memory, gets better the more you work out.

Feeling like getting a gym membership or just starting your walking habit again? Go for it! Your body and mind are the only ones you’ll have. You need it to live a great, quality life and enjoy your family and friends. Plus, we all know that appearance and first impressions are essential to your business.  So, decide that this will be the year you get, stay healthy, and develop a healthy lifestyle. And remember, the solution is simply a step away…and then keep going.