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The benefits of physical activity
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Posted on Aug 17 2018
According to the Mental Health Foundation, physical activity can be described in three ways:
Exercise: Purposeful activities carried out to improve health;
Play: Unstructured activity done for fun; and/or
Sport: Structured and competitive activities.
Daily physical activity may be good for your body, but it is also beneficial for your mental health and wellbeing. Physical activity has been shown to reduce stress, which can lead to anxiety. Through exercise your body creates endorphins, which act as natural painkillers, and improves the ability to sleep. The Anxiety and Depression Association of America states that, according to some studies, regular exercise works as well as medication for some people to reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Physical activity is also plays a vital role in in the prevention of chronic illness, such as childhood obesity, a condition of having excess body fat. The Centers for Disease Control provides data that shows that children with obesity are at higher risk of having other chronic conditions and diseases that influence physical health. These include asthma, sleep apnea, bone and joint problems, type 2 diabetes, and risk factors for heart disease. Being physically active has many other benefits like building self-esteem and increasing muscle mass, which is crucial to the body’s efficient metabolism.
Research has found that being active for at least 10 minutes a day can improve cardiovascular health. Personally, I stay active during weekends by doing yard work or playing sports. During my busy work week I try to walk around the office or outdoors for a few minutes each hour to keep my blood flowing. There are also exercises that can be done while sitting at the desk to prevent me from staying idle. My suggestion is to find what works best for you.
For resources about staying physically active, please visit these websites:
www.mentalhealth.org.uk
www.cdc.gov/healthyschools/obesity/facts.htm
www.adaa.org
Or contact NMPASI at 235-7273/7274 or visit us online at www.nmpasi.org.
Greg Borja is a projects specialist at the Northern Marianas Protection and Advocacy Systems Inc.
