Moving Matters

Did you know that regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your overall health?

Being active benefits your mind and body, which means it can also have a huge positive impact on your mental health as well! How can you get moving? Learn how to get started below!

Adults need at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week. You can split up your time to exercise for 22 minutes every day, 30 minutes 5 days a week, or any other combination that works for you. What counts as physical activity? Find out more here.

Besides maintaining or losing weight, physical activity can also help to do the following:

• Reduce high blood pressure.

• Reduce risk for type 2 diabetes, heart attack, stroke, and several forms of cancer.

• Reduce arthritis pain and associated disability.

• Reduce risk for osteoporosis and falls.

• Reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.

• Improve sleep.

• Reduce stress.

Haven’t exercised in a while? No worries! Here are some tips on how you can get started:

• Look for ways to reduce time sitting and increase your time spent moving. For example, make it a tradition to walk before or after dinner.

• Set aside specific times to make physical activity part of your daily or weekly routine.

• Start with activities, locations, and times you enjoy. For example, take a morning walk in your neighborhood.

• Try activities with others in your household for motivation and mutual encouragement.

• Start slowly and work your way up to more time or more challenging activities.

• Use free apps to switch it up and add variety to your routine.

If there is a barrier preventing you from exercising, such as time, energy, skill, or space, you can always find ways to get in physical activity for the day! Pressed for time? Park further away from your destination or take the stairs instead of the elevator. Need motivation? Find a buddy to exercise with you daily.

More tips and information on how to get moving can be found here.

Visit https://www.healthyfranklincounty.org/moveformentalhealth for more resources and stay tuned for upcoming featured blogs on our Move for Mental Health campaign!