We know that we should move more and sit less during the day, but with increased normalcy of sedentary lifestyles and desk jobs, we often don’t move as much as we should throughout the day. This means that we need to focus more on getting daily movement in other ways and at different times, especially since physical activity guidelines for adults indicate that we should be active at least 150 minutes every week. (That’s just 5 days of 30 minutes of activity – you can do it!)
Some physical activity is better than none, so as you remind yourself to get up and move for 30 minutes today, we wanted to share five benefits of living an active lifestyle to keep you motivated:
- You’ll build positive mental health & social wellness.
Frequent exercise and an active lifestyle can boost your mood, reduce stress, and help fight depression. It can also allow for connection with others through group activities, which can improve your social health and also help keep you mentally sharp. - You’ll improve your physical health & fitness.
In addition to diet, increased physical activity can help combat obesity through weight loss and weight maintenance. Living an active lifestyle improves your cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness, strengthens your bones and muscles, and improves your ability to do daily activities. - You’ll sleep better.
When you get daily moderate-to-vigorous exercise, you can reduce the amount of time it takes for you to fall asleep, which reduces the amount of time you lay awake in bed. Plus, with better sleep, you’ll reduce daytime sleepiness, which leads us to our next point… - You’ll have more energy.
The more you move, the more you improve your heart and lung health. When you live an active lifestyle and your fitness increases, your body becomes more efficient, giving you more energy throughout the day. - You can reduce your risk of major illnesses and long-term chronic conditions.
Regular exercise and living an active lifestyle can reduce risk of illnesses like heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, some cancers, anxiety, depression, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease.
BONUS: You may live longer!
Being physically active can reduce the likelihood of premature death. Those who get the recommended 150 minutes of weekly physical activity have a 33% lower risk of mortality than those who are sedentary.
References:
- https://health.gov/sites/default/files/2019-09/Physical_Activity_Guidelines_2nd_edition.pdf
- https://www.sleepfoundation.org/physical-activity/exercise-and-sleep
- https://www.nwpc.com/5-benefits-active-lifestyle-seniors/
- https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/pa-health/index.htm
- https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/exercise-health-benefits/
- http://www.secondscount.org/heart-resources/heart-resources-detail?cid=f32db674-f604-4483-a6fd-31081cf66065#.YVSNS5rMKUk
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/exercise/art-20048389
