We live in scary times: mad dictators with long range missiles, plunging stock markets, massive political corruption, the spreading Zika Virus, the list goes on. In the coming weeks we’re going to bring you a series of tips for staying sane in an insane world. Here is the staying sane tip for this week:

Exercise: Will this solve the world’s problems? No. But there is something about good, hard, physical work or exercise that purges not only the body, but also the mind. It takes your mind off problems you can’t solve and helps you focus on something you can really control; your own heart rate for instance. And there is growing evidence that people are mentally sharper after exercise, and thus more able to solve the problems within your control. Exercise will also help you sleep better.

Many people know they should exercise, but have trouble sticking to a routine. The key is to make it a habit; do it at the same time every day, and look at exercise as part of your work schedule. You may not feel like going to work every day, but you do it because you need to make a living. If you value your health you need to make a regular workout part of your routine, whether you feel like it on any given day or not.

Even if you’re so tired you can’t do a full work out, drag yourself to the gym to do just what you can. A half mile is not a mile, but far better than nothing. 10 sets on the weights is not an optimal workout, but far better than nothing.

Do something.

“Read more at Attitude Media’s Health section” or see our essay on exercise, “Real Work for Real Results“