![]() ![]() In those instances, other options include adding new types of movement - such as impromptu dance parties at home - or doing a few household chores (yes, it all counts as physical activity).ĭuring the COVID-19 pandemic, I built a makeshift gym in my garage as an alternative to driving back and forth to the gym several miles from home. For example, it may not be possible to get to the gym or even take a walk due to weather or any number of reasons. Often this means finding ways to simplify activity or make it more accessible. Sometimes there’s a bit more creativity involved. Some of that is simply adapting to conditions: bundling up for a walk, wearing the appropriate shoes, or playing in the snow with the kids instead of playing soccer in the grass. Just as we shift from shorts to coats or fresh summer fruits and vegetables to heartier fall food choices, so too must we shift our seasonal approach to how we stay physically active. Though the seasons and our life circumstances may change, our basic needs do not. Engaging in regular physical activity has also been shown to reduce the risk of developing depression in children and adults. Research suggests that increased physical activity, of any kind, can improve depression symptoms experienced by people across the lifespan. Depression has also shown to be responsive to physical activity. The good news is that even small amounts of physical activity can immediately reduce symptoms of anxiety in adults and older adults. Surgeon General highlighted how the pandemic has exacerbated the mental health crisis in youth. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought the need to take care of our physical and emotional health to light even more so these past 2 years. In addition, physical health problems can contribute to mental health problems and make it harder for people to get treatment for mental health disorders. Compounding all of this, mental health disorders like depression and anxiety can affect people’s ability to take part in health-promoting behaviors, including physical activity. Major depression, another of the most common mental health disorders, is also a leading cause of disability for middle-aged adults. ![]() Roughly half of all people in the United States will be diagnosed with a mental health disorder at some point in their lifetime, with anxiety and anxiety disorders being the most common. However, that tendency is precisely why it’s so important that we are ever more mindful of our physical and emotional health - and how we can maintain both - during this time of year. When the plentiful sunshine and clear skies of temperate months give way to unpredictable weather, less daylight, and festive gatherings, it may happen unconsciously or seem natural to be distracted from being as physically active. Shorter days and colder temperatures have a way of interrupting routines - as do the holidays, with both their joys and their stresses. Awareness is especially critical at this time of year when disruptions to healthy habits and choices can be more likely and more jarring. Learning how to routinely manage stress and getting screened for depression are simply good prevention practices. Although not a cure-all, increasing physical activity directly contributes to improved mental health and better overall health and well-being. ![]() These are published in the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans and include improved brain health and cognitive function (the ability to think, if you will), a reduced risk of anxiety and depression, and improved sleep and overall quality of life. Physical activity has many well-established mental health benefits. Knowing what you can do physically that has this effect for you will change your day and your life. No kidding - what’s good for the body is often good for the mind. Mental health and physical health are closely connected. It’s not simply that I enjoy these activities but also that they literally make me feel better and clear my mind. A hike through the woods is ideal when I can make it happen. Personally, I know that few things can improve my day as quickly as a walk around the block or even just getting up from my desk and doing some push-ups. Health and Well-Being Matter is the monthly blog of the Director of the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion.Įveryone has their own way to “recharge” their sense of well-being - something that makes them feel good physically, emotionally, and spiritually even if they aren’t consciously aware of it. ![]()
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