Exercise is one of the best ways to keep our bodies healthy. But did you know it can also improve your overall well-being and quality of life?
Here are some ways physical activity can help you feel better, look better and live better. Because why not?
It’s a natural mood lifter.
Regular physical activity can relieve stress, anxiety, depression, and anger. You know that “good feeling” you get when you do something physically? Think of it as a happy pill with no side effects! Most people find that when the physical activity becomes a regular part of their life, they feel better over time.
It keeps you physically fit and able.
Without regular activity, your body slowly loses its strength, endurance, and ability to function properly. It’s like the old saying; you don’t stop moving when you get old; you get old when you stop moving. Exercise increases muscle strength, increasing your ability to perform other physical activities.
It helps keep the doctor away.
Wake up when you eat apples every day! Too much sitting and other sedentary activities can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. One study showed that adults who watched more than 4 hours of television daily had an 80% higher risk of death from cardiovascular disease.
Being more active can help you:
- lower your blood pressure
- increase good cholesterol levels
- Increase blood flow (circulation)
- keep your weight under control
- prevent bone loss which can lead to osteoporosis
All of this can reduce future medical, procedure, and treatment costs!
It can help you live longer.
True, 70 is the new 60… but only if you are healthy. People who are physically active and at a healthy weight live about seven years longer than people who are inactive and overweight. And the important part is that those extra years are usually more beneficial years! Staying active helps delay or prevent chronic and age-related illnesses. This way, active adults maintain a longer quality of life and independence into old age.
Here are some other benefits you can get from regular physical activity:
- This helps you quit smoking and stay tobacco-free.
- Increase your energy level so you can get more done.
- It enables you to manage stress and tension.
- Promotes a positive attitude and attitude.
- This enables you to fall asleep faster and sleep better.
- Improve your self-image and self-esteem.
- It enables you to spend more time outdoors.
The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity weekly. You can do this in just 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week. And every minute of moderate to vigorous exercise counts toward your goal.
So, it’s easy! Move more and more intensively and sit less. You don’t have to make significant life changes to see the benefits. Just build more activity into your day, one step at a time.
