Staying Active
Have you ever taken a walk outside and felt your mood brighten? Even a moderate level of exercise is beneficial not only for your physical health but also for your mental health. Research suggests that regular exercise can reduce stress and symptoms of many common mental health concerns like depression and anxiety.
Sometimes, it might feel challenging to make it to the gym between work, chores and other obligations, but adding additional movement into your life can be as simple as a five-minute morning stretch. Stay active for your wellbeing with these practical and easy ways to move more.
Start the day with morning stretches. Beginning your morning routine with a little movement can boost your energy levels and motivation. Improve blood flow and reduce muscle aches by incorporating a few simple stretches after you wake up.
Take a walk. Staying active doesn’t have to mean long runs or intense gym sessions. Even a walk around the block can raise your heart rate and clear your mind. Research shows that regular walks can strengthen your muscles, reduce stress, improve balance and reduce your risk for health conditions like high blood pressure and heart disease. Try taking a quick walk first thing in the morning or during your lunch break at work.
Choose the stairs. Every day, you have small opportunities for increased movement. You can improve your overall activity level by opting for the stairs over the elevator or parking your car a little farther away. These choices may not feel like much in the moment, but over time, you’ll notice an improvement in your fitness and mood.
Set reminders to move. Sitting for prolonged periods can be mentally draining and have adverse health effects. Remember to take short movement breaks by setting a timer or alarm for every 30 minutes to an hour. Try stretching, walking, yoga, jumping jacks or another form of movement you can easily do.
Play a sport. Finding something you enjoy is one of the easiest ways to stay active. Whether you enjoy soccer, swimming or martial arts, finding a hobby that incorporates exercise is an excellent way to make working out more enjoyable.
Wind down through mind-body exercises. Yoga, tai chi and other mind-body exercises combine physical movement with mindfulness or meditation. These practices can relieve anxiety and improve mood by promoting relaxation and reducing stress hormones like cortisol, which has anti-inflammatory properties, helping to reduce inflammation in the body.
For support and guidance with everyday wellbeing concerns, contact your EAP today.