This is particularly hard during quarantine. As much as I dread lifting weights because of the difficulty, I love the feeling during and after.
But now that gyms are closed (I wouldn't go if they were open anyway), I don't have a good substitute. And bodyweight exercises take significantly longer to get the same "pump".
At the gym, I'm forced to get through the workout. At home, it's so easy to hop on the laptop during breaks between sets and get distracted.
Running is bad for the knees and isn't really a great substitute either for most people. It depends on the person. The point I was making is that not thinking and blindly doing exercises you don't like is not the best argument to make the case in the article.
It will if you walk up hills.
Even walking a few miles a day in flat areas is still good exercise; getting yourself outside and moving is a very good start.
I think walking to work or class is also good for thinking and getting your brain working.
Walking/hiking in nature is also great if you are near a trail of some sort.