You know that exercise is good for you. But between work, family, and friends, you sometimes may skip your regular workouts to make time for all of your other obligations.
You can find time to do both. In fact, staying active may even make it easier for you to manage your packed schedule.
At Obstetricians & Gynecologists, PC, in Hastings and Grand Island, Nebraska, our primary care specialists take a proactive approach to health and wellness. We encourage physical activity because it benefits your body, mind, and spirit. Here, we remind you about some of the benefits of staying active.
We know you have a lot on your plate, and juggling it all can get overwhelming — so much so that you may forget a thing or two on your to-do list. But staying active can help.
Your brain is one of the first organs to benefit from physical activity. Exercise increases the release of proteins and chemicals that improve the structure and function of your brain, helping you think better, learn more, and make better judgment calls.
A 30-minute walk can change your entire mindset. Adults should aim for 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise — such as a brisk walk, a bike ride, or a doubles game of tennis — five days a week.
Exercise also triggers the release of your body’s feel-good hormones and chemicals, quickly boosting your mood. It lowers stress hormones, helping you feel less anxious.
Regular physical activity also helps you get a better night’s sleep, making you feel more rested for the next day. Just don’t work out too close to bedtime because all of those extra feel-good hormones and chemicals can make it more difficult to fall asleep.
Many factors influence your weight, but exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight and prevent unwanted weight gain. You may feel as though you’re always on the go, but you still may be sitting most of the time. A sedentary lifestyle is more of the norm and may explain why so many people struggle with their weight.
Finding other ways to add activity to your day can go a long way. For example, take the stairs instead of the elevator, park at the far end of the parking lot, or stand to stretch and walk for a minute or two once every hour.
Cleaning your house, doing yard work, and going for walks with your dog count, too.
Staying active is good for your body, especially your heart. Exercise makes your heart stronger, improving circulation and the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to all of the organs in your body.
Regular exercise may lower your risk of developing heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, and breast, colon, and lung cancer.
Strength-training exercises — including body resistance exercises, lifting weights, and yoga — also offer benefits. In addition to strengthening your muscles, these workouts are good for your bones and may lower your risk of osteoporosis.
Work out all of your major muscle groups — arms, shoulders, chest, legs, abs, and buttocks — twice a week to get the benefits.
Staying active benefits your whole health. Some activity is better than no activity, and figuring out a few ways to fit being more active in your life is a step in the right direction.
If you’re struggling to make exercise a part of your daily routine, we can help. Call or request an appointment online today with the primary care team at Obstetricians & Gynecologists, PC.
