Exercise
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Introduction
In addition to being an important part of a healthy lifestyle, exercise can also enhance your emotional well-being. Exercise has a positive impact on sleep, weight, mood, energy and overall health.
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The benefits of exercise
- Enhanced mood
- As quickly as 5 minutes into physical activity, individuals can notice an enhancement in their mood
- Research shows that exercise can help alleviate mild to moderate long-term depression (Exercise and Depression)
- Reduced stress
- Exercise can help release stress and increase relaxation
- Regular exercise has been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety (Exercise for Stress and Anxiety)
- A boost in energy
- Improved health – decreases blood pressure and heart rate, controls weight, strengthens muscles and enhances immunity
- Better, more restful sleep
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You don't have to be a fitness fanatic
You don’t have to be a fitness fanatic to enjoy the benefits of exercise.
- Research shows that even modest amounts of exercise can make a difference. In fact, you can meaningfully benefit from 30-minutes of moderate activity per day, five times a week. A quick walk, a swim or a quick workout at the gym can go a long way toward improving your well-being (The Mental Health Benefits of Exercise)
- It is a good idea to mix up your routine and keep it interesting – try a combination of aerobic exercise, strength building, and flexibility exercises
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Integrate exercise into your life
- Develop an exercise routine and schedule that’s realistic for you. If you don’t have morning classes, that might be a good time to fit in regular exercise. If you have a regular lunch hour, try walking or hitting the gym during that break. Avoid exercise just before going to bed since this can interfere with sleep
- Be creative about ways to build regular activity into your life and remember that there are many free ways to get exercise
- Walk or bike to work or class
- Make it social – get together with friends to run, take a walk or try a workout video
- Daily chores are opportunities for exercise – cleaning your room, carrying grocery bags or scrubbing your bath burns calories and works your muscles
- If you do not participate on a school team as an athlete, find out if your school has open gym times, free swim times or club sports that would provide opportunities for regular exercise
- Use your cell phone activity app to inspire you and to track your physical activity
Card 5 of 5
Never exercised before?
Start slowly and increase the length and intensity of your activity as you progress. Any effort you put into your health through exercise will make a meaningful impact on your wellness.
See also:
- The Mental Health Benefits of Exercise
- Psychology Today: Exercise and Mood
- The Mayo Clinic: Depression and Anxiety – Exercise Eases Symptoms
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Physical Activity and Health
Card 1 of 5
Introduction
In addition to being an important part of a healthy lifestyle, exercise can also enhance your emotional well-being. Exercise has a positive impact on sleep, weight, mood, energy and overall health.
Card 2 of 5
The benefits of exercise
- Enhanced mood
- As quickly as 5 minutes into physical activity, individuals can notice an enhancement in their mood
- Research shows that exercise can help alleviate mild to moderate long-term depression (Exercise and Depression)
- Reduced stress
- Exercise can help release stress and increase relaxation
- Regular exercise has been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety (Exercise for Stress and Anxiety)
- A boost in energy
- Improved health – decreases blood pressure and heart rate, controls weight, strengthens muscles and enhances immunity
- Better, more restful sleep
Card 3 of 5
You don't have to be a fitness fanatic
You don’t have to be a fitness fanatic to enjoy the benefits of exercise.
- Research shows that even modest amounts of exercise can make a difference. In fact, you can meaningfully benefit from 30-minutes of moderate activity per day, five times a week. A quick walk, a swim or a quick workout at the gym can go a long way toward improving your well-being (The Mental Health Benefits of Exercise)
- It is a good idea to mix up your routine and keep it interesting – try a combination of aerobic exercise, strength building, and flexibility exercises
Card 4 of 5
Integrate exercise into your life
- Develop an exercise routine and schedule that’s realistic for you. If you don’t have morning classes, that might be a good time to fit in regular exercise. If you have a regular lunch hour, try walking or hitting the gym during that break. Avoid exercise just before going to bed since this can interfere with sleep
- Be creative about ways to build regular activity into your life and remember that there are many free ways to get exercise
- Walk or bike to work or class
- Make it social – get together with friends to run, take a walk or try a workout video
- Daily chores are opportunities for exercise – cleaning your room, carrying grocery bags or scrubbing your bath burns calories and works your muscles
- If you do not participate on a school team as an athlete, find out if your school has open gym times, free swim times or club sports that would provide opportunities for regular exercise
- Use your cell phone activity app to inspire you and to track your physical activity
Card 5 of 5
Never exercised before?
Start slowly and increase the length and intensity of your activity as you progress. Any effort you put into your health through exercise will make a meaningful impact on your wellness.
See also:
- The Mental Health Benefits of Exercise
- Psychology Today: Exercise and Mood
- The Mayo Clinic: Depression and Anxiety – Exercise Eases Symptoms
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Physical Activity and Health