Active

The Benefits of an Active Lifestyle

Living an active lifestyle is essential to health and happiness. From regular physical exercise, to active recreation, to simply being mindful of your movement throughout the day, staying active can have a range of positive benefits in your life. Here we will take a look at some of the most prominent advantages of living an active lifestyle.

Mental Health Benefits

The mental health benefits of physical activity are often overlooked, but can be just as important as the physical ones. Exercise releases endorphins that interact with the receptors in your brain, creating feelings of happiness and euphoria. In addition, active movement has been linked to improved mood, better sleep quality, and a stronger sex drive, amongst other psychological benefits.

Physical Benefits

The most obvious benefit of physical activity is better physical health. Exercise helps to improve strength and flexibility, while regular physical activity can also reduce the risk of many common diseases, such as heart disease, certain cancers, stroke, and diabetes. Regular activity can also help maintain a healthy weight, as well as reduce the severity of many chronic conditions.

Social Benefits

Many physical activities, such as team sports or group exercise classes promote social interaction and a sense of community. Being active can be a great way to meet new friends and build relationships. Social activities, such as walking or jogging with a friend, can also help to reduce stress and increase feelings of wellbeing.

The Benefits Outweigh the Risks

It is important to remember that engaging in physical activity carries the potential for risk or injury. However, the risks associated with living a sedentary lifestyle far outweigh the risks of being engaging in active movement. Therefore, it is important to find a balance between being mindful of the risks and reaping the many benefits of living an active lifestyle.

Tips for Staying Active

• Make physical activity part of your daily routine. Take the stairs instead of the elevator and park further away to increase your steps.
• Choose activities that you enjoy. Incorporate activities into your day that are both enjoyable and beneficial, from yoga to biking to playing tag with your kids.
• Make a plan. Set realistic goals and break them down into achievable tasks, such as committing to going to the gym twice a week or doing 10 minutes of stretching each day.
• Set a good example. Demonstrate a commitment to physical activity for your family, friends, and community.