Staying Active, Taking Breaks, and Looking After Myself

I've always enjoyed being physically active, although I wouldn't say I'm someone who follows a perfectly consistent exercise routine.

There are periods when I exercise several times a week, and others when I'm much less active. It often depends on where I'm living, what I'm doing, and how busy life gets.

But somehow, I usually find my way back to sports.

Over the years, I've tried quite a few different activities, and I think that's one of the reasons I still enjoy exercising.

From Skiing to Sailing

One sport I've particularly enjoyed is skiing.

I've skied in Kartalkaya and Uludağ in Türkiye, and I also used to ski in France when I was younger.

I like being in the mountains, and skiing is one of those activities that combines exercise with spending time outdoors.

I've also enjoyed boating and sailing, particularly during time spent by the sea.

Other sports I've played include tennis and swimming. I like having different options rather than feeling that I always need to do the same activity.

Running, Cardio, and the Gym

Running is another activity I've returned to over the years.

I've participated in several running events, including races in Istanbul and Antalya. The longest distance I've run so far is 15 kilometres, which I'm quite happy about.

I wouldn't describe myself as a particularly dedicated runner, though. Sometimes I run regularly, and sometimes I don't run for months.

I've also done different types of cardio, including spinning, step aerobics, and other group fitness classes.

I try to go to the gym when I can, although my routine changes depending on the period.

More recently, I've also enjoyed Pilates, particularly reformer Pilates.

I like that different forms of exercise offer different experiences. Sometimes I want something energetic, like a cardio class, and other times I prefer something more controlled, like Pilates.

Consistency Doesn't Always Mean Doing the Same Thing

I used to think about exercise mainly in terms of how regularly I was doing it.

But I've come to appreciate that staying active doesn't necessarily mean following exactly the same routine throughout the year.

There are times when I enjoy going to the gym, times when I'd rather swim, and others when I simply want to go for a run.

And there are also periods when I stop exercising for a while.

I don't think taking a break means giving up entirely. What matters to me is finding ways to bring physical activity back into my life.

I'm not a professional athlete, and I don't need to train like one. I mainly want to stay healthy, feel stronger, and enjoy what I'm doing.

Mental Health Matters Too

I also think looking after our mental health is just as important as looking after our physical health.

Something I've been thinking about recently is how many aspects of wellbeing require practice.

We train our bodies to become stronger, but I think we can also develop habits that help us manage stress, stay hopeful, learn new things, and become more understanding towards others.

I sometimes think of these as different kinds of muscles.

Physical strength is something we train. Mental resilience is something we can develop. Hope, curiosity, and empathy are also qualities we can practise.

Of course, mental health isn't as simple as going to the gym. There are circumstances, emotions, and challenges that can't be solved just by thinking positively or trying harder.

But I do believe that taking care of ourselves, asking for support when we need it, and making time for activities that help us feel better are important.

For me, that might mean exercising, spending time with friends, going outdoors, or simply giving myself some time to rest.

Staying Hopeful and Connected

I also think wellbeing has a social side.

Being around people who make us feel comfortable, understood, and accepted can make a real difference.

Just as I try to make room for exercise, I think it's important to make room for friendships, conversations, and activities that bring some enjoyment into everyday life.

I've come to believe that being hopeful doesn't necessarily mean expecting everything to go perfectly.

Sometimes it simply means believing that things can improve, even when you're going through a difficult period.

And like exercise, it's something I try to return to, even when I haven't been particularly good at it for a while.

A Few Final Thoughts

I don't have a perfect fitness routine, and I certainly don't have everything figured out when it comes to mental wellbeing.

Some weeks I'm active, motivated, and full of energy. Other weeks, not so much.

But I think that's part of life.

I enjoy trying different sports, spending time outdoors, and finding ways to look after both my physical and mental health.

For me, the goal isn't to be perfect or constantly productive. It's to build a life where I feel healthy, connected to others, and able to enjoy the things I do.

And if I take a break along the way, I can always start again.