Exercise
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.
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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