Staying Healthy With Daily Exercise
By Donna Stark
Most of us are currently dealing with more stress and anxiety than we have ever dealt with in the past, and unfortunately, we aren't handling it very well at all. We're moody, we're tired, and if we have to watch one more episode or our children's favorite cartoon, we might just lose our minds! It is during tough times like these when it is so important to find effective ways to cope and there is no better way to get both of our physical and mental health under control than to exercise.
The Benefits of Exercise
We all know how important it is to stay physically active, but when the challenges of life come careening down upon us, that level of importance tends to skyrocket. Here are a few of the benefits that exercise can provide during those tougher than normal times in your life.
- Feeling good - Physical activity releases your "feel good" chemicals in the brain and that can help counteract the negative impact that stress and anxiety have on your body. In addition, daily exercise can help decrease the levels of adrenaline and cortisol, your body's stress hormones.
- Saving money - You don't need a lot of money to exercise. Actually, you don't need any money at all to stay physically fit. Just lace up your shoes and head outdoors! Go for a walk, jog, or hike. Ride your bike around town or head out on your local trails. Or just stay at home and practice some yoga moves in your backyard. The options are endless!
- Distracting yourself - Exercise is the perfect way to focus on something else and escape from all of the worries and concerns that are filling your mind. By counting your miles or scoring some goals, getting your sweat on through physical activity can help you return to life with a positive perspective.
- Nurturing relationships - Staying physically active is also a great way to nurture relationships with those you love or with like-minded people. And even if you are stuck at home and can't meet your friends, you can still reap the benefits that come from having an accountability partner or a support system. Stay connected with others over the phone while you go on walks or get some friends together for a Saturday afternoon virtual workout.
Staying Healthy With Daily Exercise
While it may seem overwhelming at first, following a fitness routine during the stressful times of your life is one of the best things you can do for both your physical and mental health. So get started today and head outdoors! Your body is itching to move!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Woodbury, Minn.