Why activity is important

A healthier state of mind A number of studies have found that exercise helps depression. There are many views as to how exercise helps people with depression: Exercise may block negative thoughts or distract you from daily worries.

Exercising with others provides an opportunity for increased social contact. Increased fitness may lift your mood and improve your sleep patterns. Exercise may also change levels of chemicals in your brain, such as serotonin, endorphins and stress hormones. Aim for at least 30 minutes a day To maintain health and reduce your risk of health problems, health professionals and researchers recommend a minimum of 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity on most, preferably all, days.

If you currently do no physical activity, start by doing some, and gradually build up to the recommended amount. Be active on most, preferably all, days every week. Do muscle strengthening activities on at least two days each week.

Ways to increase physical activity Increases in daily activity can come from small changes made throughout your day, such as walking or cycling instead of using the car, getting off a tram, train or bus a stop earlier and walking the rest of the way, or walking the children to school. See your doctor first It is a good idea to see your doctor before starting your physical activity program if: you are aged over 45 years physical activity causes pain in your chest you often faint or have spells of severe dizziness moderate physical activity makes you very breathless you are at a higher risk of heart disease you think you might have heart disease or you have heart problems you are pregnant.

Give feedback about this page. Was this page helpful? Yes No. View all keeping active. Related information. Making healthy choices, such as engaging in regular physical activity, can reduce your risk for many health issues and complications that can result in expensive medical care.

Numerous studies have shown that regular physical activity increases life expectancy and reduces the risk of premature mortality. Regular exercise and physical activity increase muscle strength, bone density, flexibility, and stability.

Physical fitness can reduce your risk for and resilience to accidental injuries, especially as you get older. Physical inactivity is associated with an increased risk for certain types of cancer, numerous chronic diseases, and mental health issues. Exercise, however, has been shown to improve mood and mental health, and provides numerous health benefits. Of course physical fitness also allows you to do things that you may not otherwise be able to do.

Staying active and healthy allows you to do activities that require a certain level of physical fitness. For example, hiking to the top of a mountain is a rewarding experience that instills a sense of accomplishment and provides spectacular scenery, but there are people who cannot experience this due to fitness limitations.

Heart disease, type 2 diabetes, asthma, and social discrimination are just a few of the possible consequences of a childhood spent in front of the television or the internet. Check out Let's Move!

Center for Disease Control. Friedenreich, C. Physical activity and cancer prevention: etiologic evidence and biological mechanisms. Hallal, P. Global physical activity levels: Surveillance progress, pitfalls, and prospects. The Lancet, Janssen, I. Years of life gained due to leisure-time physical activity in the U. American Journal of Preventative Medicine; 44 1 Lee, I. Effect of physical inactivity on major non-communicable diseases worldwide: an analysis of burden of disease and life expectancy.

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