 Spring into Spring!
The weather is finally warmer, the days are longer, and your cabin fever has finally subsided. You and everyone else is anxious to get outside and enjoy Spring. There are many options for staying active and numerous benefits of getting yourself out there.
According to the American Heart Association, staying active is one of the best ways to keep our bodies healthy, improve your overall well-being and quality of life. We all want to feel better, look better and live better and being active can help us do all three!
Physical activity is a natural mood booster. It can relieve stress, anxiety, depression, and anger. It gives you that "feel good sensation" especially when you participate outside. You get the added benefit of fresh air and sunshine (which can also provide that vitamin D you may be lacking).
In addition to improved mental health, the physical benefits to your body include improving its strength, stamina, and ability to function correctly. It's like the old saying, "you don't stop moving from growing old, you grow old from stopping moving."
Being more active on a regular basis can help you:
- Relax and manage stress
- Lower blood pressure
- Increase energy
- Improve sleep
- Improve posture and balance
- Improve your self-esteem
- Improve your quality of life
Active living also reduces the risk of:
- Heart disease
- Obesity
- Falls and injuries
- Adult-onset diabetes
- Osteoporosis
- Stroke
- Depression
- Colon cancer
- High blood pressure
- Premature death
The American Heart Association recommends getting about 30 minutes of activity a day, five times a week.
So, what types of activities can you do? Go out for a walk for some alone time or if your relationships need some quality time, try taking a walk with a friend, child, or man’s best friend.
Other suggestions for increasing activity into your day include:
- Taking a walk and birdwatching at a local park
- Fishing
- Gardening
- Exercise programs designed for seniors at local gyms (which often have discounts)
- Any and all activities with small children or grandchildren
Remember to have enough water and sunscreen with you for those warmer days. Being active does not have to be difficult or time-consuming, just take a deep breath of the fresh spring air and start enjoying the many benefits of developing an active lifestyle!
|
