Exercise can help reduce stress levels and it also helps to improve your mood especially when you are feeling overwhelmed. Life is motion so it is important to remember the following-The less we move, the less alive we become.
Our body is designed to move and in order to experience the highest levels of health and wellness, we must learn to balance rest and exercise. Physical activity should be a joy and something that you look forward to daily. If it is not a joy, then it is not the right form of exercise for you and it is important to find an activity that you will want to participate in daily.
Walking is one of the easiest and most enjoyable forms of exercise. Your goal should be to build up to 30-45 minutes of comfortable walking 3-4 times a week. The only equipment you need is a good quality pair of walking shoes and whats not to love about the simplicity in that?
Some people like to walk with a purpose or a destination. For example walking to the shops or running errands, but there are many ways to integrate walking into your daily life.
For example
• Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
• Park your car a kilometre or so from work and walk in.
• Set your alarm for 6am instead of 7am and take an early morning walk- You will energise your mind, body and soul and set a positive mood for the day.
• Walking helps increase the strength and efficiency of your heart.
• Walking helps lower cholesterol.
• Walking helps increase energy levels.
• Walking helps reduce blood pressure
Most importantly, like any other cardiovascular exercise, brisk walking boosts your endorphin’s which can dramatically reduce your stress hormones, improve your mood and also give your skin a healthy glow – what’s not to LOVE about that?
Written by Jo Ettles
joettles.com.au