Physical activity is not only good for your body, but it’s also great for your mind
Being active releases chemicals in your brain that make you feel good – boosting your self-esteem and helping you concentrate as well as sleep well and feel better. Not bad for something many of us can do for free!
Being active doesn’t have to mean taking out an expensive gym membership or running marathons. Finding an activity you enjoy can give you a goal to aim for and a sense of purpose. It can also be a great way to meet people, have a break from daily life, and gain confidence. Other benefits include:
1.Less tension, stress, and mental fatigue
2.A natural energy boost
3.A sense of achievement
4.More focus and motivation
5.Feeling less angry or frustrated
6.A healthy appetite
7.Having fun
It’s even better if you’re able to get active outdoors. Research shows that being in nature can make us feel happier, feel our lives are more worthwhile, and reduce our levels of depression and anxiety. Nature doesn’t have to mean forests or national parks either: walking to a local common, visiting a friend’s garden, or simply noticing trees and flowers planted by the roadside can boost your mental wellbeing.
How active do I need to be?
Any amount of physical activity is better than none. Finding an activity you like and can do regularly is more important than pushing yourself to do something you don’t enjoy. You could try brisk walking, mowing the lawn, dancing, swimming, following an exercise video or online class, trying a new sport, or anything that gets your body moving.
Government guidelines suggest adults aim to do 150 minutes of moderate activity a week or 75 minutes of vigorous activity a week. The NHS website has different examples of activities you could try as well as free online exercise videos. This might sound like a lot but don’t be put off if you don’t feel you can manage this now. If you don’t do much physical activity, start small and build up slowly.
The guidelines also suggest doing strength-building exercises at least two days a week. This could be yoga, pilates, weight lifting, wheeling a wheelchair, or carrying heavy shopping bags, for example.
Think about your current fitness levels, how much time you have to exercise, and what feels real to you. Anything you do to get active and reduce the amount of time you spend sitting or lying down is good. Remember that exercise doesn’t have to be about losing weight or changing your body shape. If you enjoy it and it makes you feel good, that’s important.
All About On Fire Fitness & Physical Therapy
On Fire Fitness & Physical Therapy has one mission: promoting fitness, health, and lifestyle changes we all need to stay happy and healthy well into our senior years. Starting small, focusing on one behavior at a time, and support from others can help you achieve your exercise or other health-related goals. Making a lifestyle change can be challenging, especially when you want to transform many things at once. But we know, the hardest step in climbing to the top of a mountain is the first one.
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